Fraxel Laser: Q&A

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Fraxel Restore Scarring: Is this Normal?

My girlfriends first treatment was 6 weeks ago today. From most reports online the recovery process seemed normal. Exactly 3 weeks later she had her 2nd treatment and the healing has been incredibly slow.

There's been no sign of infection and she hasn't been in sunlight at all. There was considerable browning and crusting (scabs?) on one side within 3 days of the second treatment and it took 14 days from then for all of it to shed -- the skin is now uneven around the edge. Scarring? Normal?

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scar uneven female crusty healing normal scab timing

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by FraxnDC in DC

Doctor Answers (3)
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This doesn't sound like normal fraxel healing

The beauty of fraxel restore is the quick recovery/lack of significant downtime. your description doesn't sound typical and clearly was different from the first time. sounds like things are coming along now, but certainly should see the treating physician asap so they can evaluate what is going on....and before another treatment session.

Bruce K. Barach, MD

7 reviews

Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Fraxel and crusts

There are many variables that can change the picture. Without knowing the type of Fraxel (Repair, Restore, Dual, etc.) and without knowing the settings used, and without examining the skin's reaction, it is impossible answer specifically for your girlfriend's questions. There can be brown peeling with the Dual but usually this heals by day seven. Fraxel Repair can take up to two weeks. Herpes flares can occur with any laser resurfacing and this could be an... more

Healing after Fraxel re:store

Healing after Fraxel re:store is usually very predictable and consists of some redness, swelling and mildly rough texture of the skin - even when very high settings of the laser are used such as for acne scars. I would consult the treating physician and keep the area moist with vaseline or Elta moisturizer and consider mineral water spray like Avene thermal spring water. Crusts as you describe are unusual and I wonder about an allergic reaction to something. Good luck and stay on top of the... more

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