I am on day 4 after a facial and neck fraxel treatment. How long will it take for the swelling and redness to go?

Question

My face is still swollen and where the skin has flaked off the new flesh is very pink. How long does it really take for the swelling to completely subside and the redness to go?

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

The healing time depends on the type of Fraxel laser device or wavelength used for your particular treatment. If you had a Fraxel DUAL laser treatment, the newest Fraxel device, then there are two different wavelengths that can be offered for treatment. If you are treated for hyperpigmentation (dark spots) then you will experience a bronzing affect to your skin and within the first 5 days after treatment the bronze turns into flaky, dry-looking skin. By day 7 you will have completed the flaking and healing process and your skin should be clear and have a rosy glow. If you are treated for acne scars, fine lines or wrinkles or overall skin resurfacing/anti-aging you will experience redness and some swelling to the area treated. Redness and swelling can persist for the first 2-3 days after treatment. All swelling and the majority of the redness should subside by day 5 leaving your skin clear and glowing. If you ever have questions or concerns you should call your provider immediately. And always seek treatment by an experienced board-certified facial plastic surgeon, general plastic surgeon, or dermatologist.

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Your personal
healing time will be determined by the extent of your procedure and your own
health at the time of treatment. A more extensive procedure will offer more
impressive results but can require a longer healing process. It is not uncommon
for your skin to feel swollen and to appear red for several days after the
procedure, similar to a sunburn, so I wouldn’t be too concerned about these
symptoms at the four-day mark. You are right to keep an eye on your symptoms,
however. If you experience peeling in the days following your procedure, this
also is normal, but any extreme cases or cases that continue for more than a
week or two should be discussed with your surgeon.

Susan M. Stuart, MD · Answer

Although you
didn't specify the intensity of your Fraxel treatment, it's safe to say that
it's quite normal to still see some swelling and discoloration 4 days after
your procedure. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, you should be
able to better see your ultimate results after about a week, with additional
results developing for several days after that. If you have any further
questions, I recommend contacting the office where you had your treatment done.
They know the details of your treatment and can give you a better understanding
of what to expect. Thanks for your question!

Joel E. Kopelman, MD, FACS · Answer

Redness and swelling is to be expected 4 days following a Fraxel laser treatment.The healing response can vary between patients.This variation can depend on the level of energy that the doctor used during the procedure, the number of passes over the same area and individual characteristics of a person's skin. You should be more or less healed by one week.

I am on day 4 after a facial and neck fraxel treatment. How long will it take for the swelling and redness to go?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness and swelling following Fraxel laser

Answer: Redness and swelling following Fraxel laser

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I am on day 4 after a facial and neck fraxel treatment. How long will it take for the swelling and redness to go?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness and swelling following Fraxel laser

Answer: Redness and swelling following Fraxel laser

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.