Fraxel Repair: Stories

I trust in my doctor, and I am only posting this here so I can share with others who may be going through the same thing and feeling a bit scared, and I want to read other stories. I had Fraxel Repair done on my entire face and neck. I am on day three, and my face is now severely swollen, red, burning sensation and leathery. I had a follow up yesterday, but my face looked better yesterday than it does today. My doctor says swelling is normal. I have to admit I am terrified my skin will not go back to normal. It just looks so severe now. Should my skin feel like this now, and will it heal? I am keeping a vaseline/ointment on my entire face, doing three gentle washes followed by placing vinegar/water soaked gauge on my face three times a day. Has anyone else experienced Fraxel Repair on his or her entire face and neck, and have you had the swelling, and rough texture to the skin? I cannot hardly look at myself now. I am very afraid and wish I had not done this. Everyone is saying it is part of the healing, but this is difficult to understand when you look and feel like you have been through a meat grinder..How can skin go through this type of treatment and go back to normal. I would love to read others experiences.