I had Fraxel laser treatment done on Tuesday. When will the swelling subside? (Photo)

Question

I had fraxel laser treatment on Tuesday it is not Thursday and I’m still so swollen it doesn’t look like me. Tuesday was minor swelling Wednesday was horrible my eyes were almost swollen shut. And today “Thursday” I am still very swollen my cheeks and around my mouth. I am regretting this

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

The amount of swelling and your subsequent recovery time will vary slightly depending on a variety of factors including the settings used and how aggressive the treatment was.   Patients generally see the swelling completely subside within a week, although many experience this sooner.   Contact your provider to see if they will be comfortable with cool compresses to help reduce swelling.  If you still have concerns a week following your treatment, I would recommend scheduling a follow up visit with your provider to go over your results and recovery.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Swelling and redness can last up to a week with Fraxel restore laser.  Follow your doctor's aftercare advice but if you are concerned, see your doctor again.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Swelling can last up to 5 days. Sleeping upright on at least 2-3 pillows is helpful for lessening the swelling. Make sure it is not related to a reaction to the topicals you are placing. Rarely, steroids are helpful. Healite or other LLLT is helpful as well. PRP done with the procedure as a mask can limit the downtime too.

Michelle Ellern, DO · Answer

The swelling I am seeing in the photos is within the range of normal for after a fraxel treatment.  It depends on how aggressive a treatment your received and how sensitive your skin is.  For most patients it lasts from 3-5 days and at most 7 day.  If you are ever concerned you should contact your treating physician to discuss. Good luck with your recovery.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Your Plastic surgeon or Dermatologist who performed this procedure can guide you. Swelling depends on the type of Fraxel wavelength, with RePair Co2 having the longest downtime, but also the way it was performed. Direct correlation with the power settings, passes and your skin condition. Most specialist can give you an exact 'downtime' or swelling period, this depends on the above. Now, how to reduce swelling? Some specialist will give you a very short course of oral prednisone. Some may apply this topically. Others will cover you with Doxycycline both as an anti-inflammatory and as an antibacterial agent. Please contact your specialist, as we each have our own preferred method to reduce swelling . Wish you well. Dr Davin S. Lim

I had Fraxel laser treatment done on Tuesday. When will the swelling subside? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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