Fraxel Post-Care

What to expect immediately following treatment – 2 days post treatment:

  • Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding
  • Heat sensation (sunburn like effect)

Tips for recovery week 1:

  • Pain can be controlled with ice packs and pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  • Use an extra pillow to elevate for sleeping to reduce facial swelling in the morning
  • Gentle skin care is extremely important, we recommend:
    • Gentle cleanser (i.e. Gentle Cleanser by SkinCeuticals)
    • Do not rub your skin; be gentle and dab only. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
    • Repairing moisturizer (i.e. Epidermal Repair by SkinCeuticals) – this can be applied (dab on) as often as you wish (minimum 4 times a day). It is important to keep the treated areas moisturized to reduce discomfort and help healing.

Possible side effects for 7-14 days post treatment:

  • Oozing in isolated places
  • Itchiness
  • Worsening of redness
  • Skin appears bronzed or little dark dots will appear
  • Skin is dry, peeling, or flaking (sandpaper texture)
  • Dead skin should slough off 4-5 days post treatment
  • Pinky glow once fresh skins regenerated

These side effects are common and should resolve over the next few days.

AVOID:

  • Touching the treated area for the remainder of the day/night post treatment
  • Scrubbing, rubbing, or exfoliating treated area for at least 1 week
  • Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, swimming, or sweating for 1 week
  • Going in a sauna or steam room for 1 week
  • Using AHAs, retinols, vitamin C, or astringent lotions for 1 week
  • Going into the sun without sun protection for 3 months

 

Cold sores:

There is a small possibility that a treatment may induce an outbreak of facial cold sores in patients with a previous history. If you develop a cold sore after a treatment, please contact us for a follow up appointment.

If you develop worsening pain, blisters, or fever – please contact us at

(519) 971-9542 or email [email protected]