Downtime from Fraxel Repair - What to Expect

A great question is how much downtime will I have? That really depends on how aggressive the treatment is. I could treat someone with the Fraxel Repair at very low energy settings and have them back in action in 3-4 days. However, most people seeking this treatment are looking for the maximal results in the fewest number of treatments. At higher settings where we treat most people I recommend planning on 10-14 days of downtime. Most people can go out with make-up at day 10-14.... more

Usually by day 5-7, you can go out in public after a Fraxel Re:pair with makeup. Some people aren't comfortable at this stage and might wait 2 weeks. I've had patients back to work at day 6 or 7.

Recovery time is something I always go over with my patients during their initial consultation appointment so they can have realistic expectations about the procedure. In comparison to the traditional resurfacing lasers, Fraxel Re:Pair has much less recovery time.  Recovery time depends on how aggressive yoru surgeon is in treating you.  Downtime can range from 3-5 days for less aggressive treatments to 7-10 days for more aggressive treatment.  It is normal... more

Fraxel Repair is one of the most effective CO2 Fractionated Lasers on the market in terms of depth of penetration and results.  The downtime is very dependent on how aggressive a treatment is performed.  At the minimum, we tell patients to expect seven days before they can go back to work with makeup.  If I think a patient needs extra passes on severe wrinkles, I tell them to expect those areas to be healed in an additional 2-3 days.  We follow patients closely after... more

I tell my patients who come from Fraxel re:pair facial resurfacing at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery to expect 3-5 days of social downtime.  During this time, patients are encouraged to stay home and give the skin time to heal from the treatment.  After 5-7 days, most patients may still have some redness and mild swelling, but this is usually easily covered with makeup, if there are any concerns.  In terms of planning for your husband's reunion, I would suggest... more

Plan on at least 3-5 days downtime, sometimes 7 days with Fraxel repair with another 1-2 weeks or redness and some swelling. You can get less downtime with some other fractionated lasers or with a lower power setting on the Fraxel repair but you won't get the same results.

There are quite a few fractionated lasers available, and I have experience with the Profractional Laser. The downtime from this laser is only 3-4 days before you are able to wear makeup and cover the pinkness that remains. The remaining pinkness usually resovles wihtin 7-10 days.