Fraxel® laser resurfacing is recognized as one of the most effective ways to achieve glowing, healthy skin. It’s innovative fractional technology renews the surface of the skin and delivers dramatic results and is safe for use on all skin types. The treatment is quick, virtually painless and recovery time is minimal.
How Fraxel works
The Fraxel resurfacing laser delivers microscopic pinpoint beams of laser energy into the skin, but leaves the skin between the treated areas intact. The thermal damage stimulates collagen, which contributes to the resurfacing of the outer layer of skin. It also accelerates healing.
Fraxel after-care instructions:
- Immediately after treatment: Use a bland moisturizer (i.e. Cetaphil cream) or a very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (i.e. Aquaphor). Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing. Icing the area helps alleviate the hot sensation. You may also cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.
- First few days: Continue cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days. Once the sloughing starts, please allow your skin to heal and DO NOT scrub, rub, or use exfoliants. Keep clothing away from treated body parts as much as possible to avoid irritation.
- First week of healing: Keep the treated area clean; avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming, or exposing skin to heat and sun.
- Skincare products: All of your skincare products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for at least the first week after a Fraxel treatment. Some gentle, inexpensive brands include Aveeno, Dove, Neutrogena, and Cetaphil.
- Scrubs, toners, glycolic acid and Retin A: Your skin will be sensitive for the first week or so after treatment. Do not use products that will cause irritation during this time. Do not use abrasive scrubs, toners, or products that contain glycolic acids or Retin A. Read the product labels.
- Normal skincare regimen: Once the sloughing is complete, you may resume your routine skin care and make-up products, as long as they are tolerable to you.
- Sun protection: It is very important that you use sunscreen to prevent sun damage. Sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Once sloughing is complete, use sunscreen daily for at least 3 months after your last treatment. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Your practice of diligent sunscreen use may lower the risk of laser-induced hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).
- Bleaching creams: Discontinue use of your bleaching cream while your skin is tender.
- Abnormal healing: If you notice any blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting/scabs, areas of raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, pigment changes (lighter or darker than usual complexion), or any other problems, please contact us as soon as possible.
