What is the Proper Care After my First Fraxel Treatment?

Question

Today is day 3 after my Fraxel treatment. The doctor used a level 9 only on my cheek areas and a 5-6 on the rest( she did my entire face and neck areas) as I was very able to tolerate the pain. I look like Alvin the chipmunk. When do you think I should start to see and feel the swelling come down? I see my doctor, who is wonderful, 1 week post op. I am VERY OPTIMISTIC about this as I have suffered from acne and it's scars for so many years I can not remeber my life before them.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  
Your doctor should have provided you with detailed verbal and written instructions on Fraxel aftercare.
It is really important to help you skin heal quickly and protect your skin investment.  On the night following treatment, I recommend patients wash the treated area gently with lukewarm water and avoid hot water in these areas.  I ask my patients to use a 4x4 gauze pad soaked with tepid water diluted with white vinegar (1 teaspoon per cup) to gently go over the resurfaced area 3-5 times a day until the skin has stopped exfoliating. The goal is to lightly remove the exfoliating skin and crusting that develops after the laser.  This should be a gentle process with no scrubbing or abrading.  Frequent cleaning is important in order to prevent bacterial, viral or fungal infection.  After each cleaning I ask my patients to apply a thick coat fo a prescribed topical moisturizer with Q tips.  My patients continue this for 7-10 days at which point the skin is completely resurfaced.  My patients are then advised to continue to moisturize and photoprotect from the sun.  I schedule close follow up to check on my Fraxel patients and ensure we achieve the best possible results.
If you would like to learn more about the procedure I recommend an in person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

There are 3 different Fraxel lasers: restore, thulium and repair lasers.  Each one differs in what they do to your skin and the depth they penetrate.  You should consult with your physician who should have advised you on post care instructions.  We instruct all our fraxel patients to use plenty of moisturzer and sun protection, in addition to other instructions.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, there might be some pinpoint bleeding following the procedure, as well as some oozing for up to 48 hours until the wounds close. The most common side effects are edema (swelling), which usually subsides after a week, and erythema (redness), which may last up to a month, depending on the aggressiveness of treatment. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, oozing and crusting. I would suggest speaking directly with your doctor about proper care post-treatment to ensure your safety during the recovery period.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Not all Fraxel Laser treatments are the same.  You should check with your doctor for instructions on proper wound care after your treatment.

What is the Proper Care After my First Fraxel Treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Your should check with the doctor who did your Fraxel laser Treatment.

Answer: Your should check with the doctor who did your Fraxel laser Treatment.

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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

What is the Proper Care After my First Fraxel Treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Your should check with the doctor who did your Fraxel laser Treatment.

Answer: Your should check with the doctor who did your Fraxel laser Treatment.

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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.