How long does swelling and dark bronzing last after Fraxel?

Question

I have olive skin and got my procedure done 24 hours ago and my face is now very dark (tight, and scaly almost like a bad sunburn). it is also still swollen mostly around the cheeks.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

This is normal - the full resolution will depend on how aggressive your treatment was and which wavelength was used. That you have olive skin means you have a higher risk of post treatment hyper-pigmentation. If you were not pre-treated with a pigment suppressor prior to your Fraxel laser, then you and your physician will have to be watchful to see if that occurs. If you were given a pigment suppressor to use after the treatment, be sure to stick with it. There are various suppressing agents available - the most known being hydroquinone.Staying out of the sun, using sunscreen and not picking at any residual flaking or peeling skin are especially important cautions for anyone with darker skin. Also avoid getting hot -  jacuzzi, sauna or heavy exercise cause your skin to heat up. Heat of any type, even cooking, can trigger pigment cells to go into overdrive.Treat your lasered skin gently and don't use products that are harsh or acidic during your skin's recovery.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It all depends on what type of Fraxel was performed.  Typically for the 1927 wavelength, you will be brown and darker for 2-3 days.  For 1550 wavelength, it is normally more red/pink and a sunburn like effect but can get darker for a day or so.  For the fraxel re:pair, there is much more heating and color change and peeling is more signfiicant based on the energy and density.  I suggest speaking to your physician about what was performed and what you should expect.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The Fraxel laser is a fabulous laser for treating sun damage, scars, and wrinkles.  Bronzing is typical after the 1927 setting and can last for several days on the face.  If you have olive complexion it can also take longer depending on what setting what used and how many joules of energy to treat the skin.  For the best cosmetic results please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with the Fraxel laser.

Karen Hammerman, MD · Answer

Mild swelling and bronzing of the skin can occur after a treatment with the 1927nm Fraxel.  This is usually followed by flaking/peeling of the skin which typically lasts 3-5 days.  Bright redness, mild swelling and some darkening are common after treatment with the 1550 nm wavelength and this typically lasts 1 week before resolving.  Fraxel repair is similar to 1550nm but a bit more invasive. So it depends which Fraxel you had, what it was for and what settings were used.  Any side effects should resolve within the first week after the procedure.  If they are lasting longer then you should contact your Dermatologist and have the skin assessed.

Larry Pollack, MD · Answer

Part of your recovery will depend on which of the Fraxel treatments you had done. There are three Fraxel lasers, Refine, Restore, and Repair.  We perform the Repair treatment which is the most aggressive and typically the longest recovery. Our patients are usually dark and swollen for several days but rapidly recover each day during the first week.  You should contact your physician's office to check in on your progress and ensure you are on the right track.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there, yes, the bronzing is normal, especially if its only 24 hours. Your Laser Specialist should have shown you the before, during, and after pics of the recovery period. Expect swelling for another day or so, ice can help. If this is 1927/ 1550 Fraxel, expect peeling over the next few days. If you have olive complexion you will need to take extra care and make sure you don't develop post laser darkening- that means extra sun protection and fading agents if needed.CheersDr Davin Lim Laser Dermatologist

How long does swelling and dark bronzing last after Fraxel?

Answers (6)

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