What Should I Do to Prepare for Fraxel Treatment?

It is recommended for darker skin types to start using hydroquinone for two weeks before the treatment. You should avoid tanning and stop using any harsh exfoliating product for two weeks as well. If you have a history of cold sores it is recommended to take Valtrex as a preventative treatment. To minimize the pain and discomfort during the procedure you can also take some vicodine or valium. Using a physical block sunscreen after the treatment is very important as well.

If you are going to have Fraxel Restore, you may not need to do much in preparation. It would be wise to stop Retin-A and exfoliants for two weeks prior so as not to have hypersensitive skin right before the laser treatment. If you have had episodes of fever blisters than you might be told to take an antiviral medication and if you are having Fraxel Repair then you should definitely take the antiviral medication. Some doctors also recommend antibiotics before Fraxel Repair, but this is not a requirement. You do not need special pre treatment creams unless you are somewhat dark-skinned and at risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, then some doctors recommend lightnening creams to be used for a week or more prior to the laser. 

Before Fraxel re:pair, you need to:

Not tan for two weeks
Stay off of all exfoliating treatments
Take Valtrex, an antibiotic, and a topical steroid cream beginning the day before your treatment

Good luck.

Thank you for your question. Usually for darker skin we recommend using hydroquinone 2 weeks before treatment. You should avoid tanning and stop using any tough exfoliating product for 2 before treatment. It is recommended to take Valtrex as a preventive treatment if you have any cold sore history. You may also take some Vicodine or valium to minimize the pain and discomfort during the procedure. Most importantly you must use a sunblock after treatment. Best of Luck!

Thank you for
your question. Usually for darker skin we recommend using hydroquinone 2 weeks
before treatment. You should avoid tanning and stop using any tough exfoliating
product for 2 before treatment. It is recommended to take Valtrex as a
preventive treatment if you have any cold sore history. You may also take some
Vicodine or valium to minimize the pain and discomfort during the procedure. Most
importantly you must use a sunblock after treatment. Best of Luck!