Pre/Post Care Instructions for Fraxel

Before Treatment:

• It is critical to avoid extended sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning for 2-4 weeks before and after treatment. Please plan your treatments accordingly. You may be turned away if you have had recent prolonged sun exposure (ie. Sunny vacation).
• Depending on your skin type, a pre treatment cream may be recommended 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Do not use any retinol products 3 days before treatment.
• IMPORTANT: If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks, please inform your provider. Your laser treatment can temporarily flare the virus and your provider will prescribe an antiviral to prevent any outbreaks. You will start taking this medication the day before the treatment.

Day of Treatment

What To Expect

• Allow at least 2 hours for your appointment. We will apply topical numbing cream to the treatment areas.
• You will numb for 45 minutes. The laser treatment takes 20-30 minutes depending on how many areas you are getting treated.
• Your eyes will be covered with protective goggles during the treatment.
• You will feel some heat-related discomfort/pain localized within the treatment area.
• You may experience redness and swelling, resembling a sunburn for 5-7 days.
• You may experience hyperpigmentation and scabbing of the skin over 2 weeks. This is normal. Your skin will slough off the old skin and reveal the new, rejuvenated skin underneath.
• It takes 7-14 days for your skin to fully heal from Fraxel. Results are usually revealed around 4 weeks post treatment. A series of 3-5 sessions is typically recommended for the best results.

After Treatment

What To Avoid

• No strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 48 hours. No hot baths or showers for 48 hours. Avoid heavy perspiration and overheating the treatment area.
• No harsh products such as exfoliants, retinoids or hydroquinone for 2 weeks until skin is fully healed
• DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH. Allow your skin to gently exfoliate with gentle washing.
• Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks

What To Do

• Wash treatment area with warm water and a gentle cleanser
• Pat dry. Hydrate with serums and thick moisturizers that promote collagen and elastin 3 times a day. We recommend the following serums and moisturizers
  • Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
  • SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
  • Neocutis BioSerum
  • SkinMedia TNS Ceramide Cream
  • Neocutis BioCream
• Apply Aquaphor or Cerave Healing Ointment as needed for dry skin
• Apply SPF everyday
• Cover your treatment area with a hat or protective clothing for at least 2 weeks