What should I avoid before Fraxel laser?

It is critical that you are not using topical or oral steroids (creams or pills), retinoids (topical or oral) prior to your Fraxel procedure. Discontinue using skincare products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and abrasive scrubs for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.

What helps Fraxel heal faster?

Keeping a light moisturizer on your skin throughout the first week after your Fraxel laser treatment is an important aspect of hydrating and rejuvenating your skin, but you should avoid heavy moisturizers, makeup, and any type of exfoliant to avoid slowing the healing process.

Can I drink the night before Fraxel?

It is recommended that you avoid alcohol for 24 hours pre operatively.

What should I avoid after Fraxel?

Keep treated area clean; avoid smoking; excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming, or exposing skin to heat and sun. All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week or so after a Fraxel treatment.

Do I need to shave before Fraxel?

Don't Be Rough with Your Skin

You don't want to cause scars or discoloration, so be gentle with your skin. If you need to remove any unwanted hair, gently shave or tweeze, but definitely do not use depilatory creams or waxing.

Fractional Laser Treatment Aftercare Do's and Don'ts

How do you prepare your skin for fractional laser?

Skin Prepping

You'll also need to avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before and after treatment. Rachael explains that UV radiation causes cell damage, breaks down collagen and increases your chance of hyperpigmentation, so it defeats the purpose of having a treatment.

Can Fraxel ruin your skin?

Because the Fraxel laser does damage your skin cells (in order for them to rejuvenate and improve your skin's appearance), you need to be certain to clean all treated areas several times a day – two to five, according to plasticsurgery.org – with saline or diluted vinegar solution, depending on your surgeon's ...

Can you use vitamin C serum after Fraxel?

AFTER THE TREATMENT. During the healing process (5-7 days), AVOID ACTIVE PRODUCTS as they may cause irritation to the treated area. This includes all of the following: any form of retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic/glycolic/lactic acid, vitamin C, or Benzoyl Peroxide.

Can I take a shower after Fraxel?

Showers can be taken, but please try to avoid hot water and direct shower spray to the treatment area for 48-72 hours following treatment. Avoid all saunas and hot tubs. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours (this includes hot yoga). Do not use any retinoid, RETIN-A or GLYCOLIC products for 1-2 weeks post-procedure.

How do I wash my face after Fraxel?

Wash your face with warm water. (Hot water will not do any damage to your skin, but warm water will feel much nicer against the skin.) Make sure to apply ample sunscreen after washing face in the AM.

What is the best cream to use after Fraxel laser?

Post Laser gel or Aquaphor Healing Ointment (available OTC) can be applied several times a day. If your skin is acne prone, use a lighter moisturizer, such as Cetaphil or Cerave.

Can you take ibuprofen before Fraxel?

3. You should stop taking Aspirin or other pain medication such as Motrin, Celebrex, Aleve, and Ibuprofen, 10 days before the procedure. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain at recommended doses only.

Can you drink wine after Fraxel?

No Alcoholic Beverages – Patients should avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours post-op, or until redness is gone.

Can you drink coffee after Fraxel?

Our recommendation is Alastin Skin Regenerating Nectar because it's specially formulated for post-procedure skin and helps you heal much faster. Drink lots of water, and avoid caffeine products.

How long will my face be red after Fraxel?

Most patients complete this process 5 – 7 days after a treatment on the face. (On off-face areas, such as hands/arms, where healing is slower, the process may take up to 2 weeks.) redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks.

Should I take arnica before Fraxel?

Excessive scabbing, pain or pustules should be reported to the office right away. You may take Arnica to alleviate some swelling prior to treatment. You may purchase it at reception.

How soon after Fraxel can I wear makeup?

First Few Days: Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using exfoliants for 1 week. Apply sunscreen daily and you can use makeup if needed starting the day after treatment.

How can I heal faster after laser resurfacing?

Keeping your face well hydrated after receiving laser skin resurfacing can help alleviate this with the use of doctor-approved moisturizing creams or lotions. Hydrating your skin will not only allow your skin to be more elastic and heal faster but also offers a degree of comfort as you contract facial muscles.

How many days does it take to recover from Fraxel?

The downtime to ablative Fraxel (so Fraxel Repair) is typically a week. During the first two days, you can expect redness, throbbing, and swelling (like a sunburn), then between days three to five, your skin will start to roughen up and peel.

Do and don'ts after laser?

Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don't use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days.

How many times can you do Fraxel?

If it's pigment, you will see results in one to two sessions. If you're trying to get rid of wrinkles or acne scarring, it's three to five sessions. For both acne and wrinkles, it's recommended to space out sessions four weeks apart. For photo damage, you space out sessions six to eight weeks apart.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after laser?

Immediately Post-Treatment

"Great post-treatment moisturizers should contain ingredients such as petrolatum, vitamin E, vitamin C, antioxidants, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lanolin, or aloe, which all help hydrate the skin while preventing water loss," Graf continues.

Will Fraxel remove brown spots?

Fraxel Laser is FDA approved to treat brown spots on the face and body, periorbital wrinkles, and melasma. It has also received FDA approval for skin resurfacing procedures, including photocoagulation of pigmented lesions such as age spots, sun spots and dyschromia (a disorder of pigmentation of skin or hair).

What is better than Fraxel laser?

Fractora and Morpheus8 combine RF waves with microneedling technique for even better results. Unlike Fraxel laser, Fractora and Morpheus8 can be used on all skin types safely – on light and darker tones up to skin type VI with no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How painful is Fraxel?

The 'new' Fraxel is not painful for most patients; a mild prickling sensation can be felt. We ensure patients are comfortable by applying a topical anaesthetic cream before the treatment and the machine now comes with a Zimmer device, which blows chilled air on the skin as the laser works, distracting nerve endings.