Healing from Fraxel Laser: A Step by Step Guide

Healing From Dual Laser: Post Op Care Explained

If you’re about to undergo a Fraxel Dual Laser treatment, congratulations! You’re on your way to smoother, more radiant skin. While the results are definitely worth the downtime, proper post-treatment care is essential for optimal recovery. Below, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to take care of your skin after a Fraxel Dual procedure.

Pre-Treatment Tips for Success

• Sun Protection: It’s crucial to avoid direct sun exposure for one month before and after your treatment. If your skin tends to remain tan for longer than a month after sun exposure, it’s a good idea to contact us before your appointment to confirm that you’re ready for the treatment. In general if you are free of tan lines, you are safe for treatment. Tan avoidance also applies to sunless tanners — discontinue spray tans or at home products three weeks prior to your treatment.
• Neuromodulator Appointment: Healing over non-moving skin provides a much smoother recovery process, which is why we recommended at Neuromodulator two weeks before Fraxel Laser.
• Pain Management: Have a pain management plan in place, as some options may require a driver. This is essential for your comfort! Topical numbing, ProNox (similar to laughing gas), and oral medication for pain and anxiety are a few of the options we have available.
• Pre-Treatment Skincare: Start using Alastin Nectar two weeks before your Fraxel treatment. This product helps flush impurities from the skin and calms inflammation.
• Stop Certain Products: Avoid products containing glycolic acid, Vitamin A (retinol, Retin-A), or bleaching agents like Hydroquinone for at least two days before your treatment to reduce the risk of irritation.

The Day of Your Fraxel Appointment

• No Makeup: Arrive with a clean face and no makeup.
• Sun Avoidance: Bring a wide-brimmed hat for your drive home to shield your skin from the sun.
• Entertainment: Since numbing typically takes 45-60 minutes, bring something to keep you entertained, such as a good book or your iPad/laptop.
• Dress Comfortably: The numbing agent can be a bit messy, so dress in clothing that you don’t mind getting a little product on. If you’re having treatment on your body, wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Immediately After Fraxel Dual Laser

Immediately after your Fraxel treatment, you can expect a few common sensations. For the first 1-2 hours, your skin will feel warm, similar to a sunburn. This sensation is completely normal and will gradually fade. You will also experience redness, dryness, and some swelling right after the procedure. These side effects are temporary and will resolve over time. To soothe your skin, you may use an intermittent ice pack during the first hour, but be cautious not to over-ice, as this may lead to excessive swelling.

Healing From Fraxel: Weeks One and Two

Healing can vary slightly depending on your provider’s recommendations. In general, for the first two weeks you will only be using products from our office found in our post care kit. You will clean your skin morning and night according to provider instructions. It’s important you are patting your face dry after cleansing and not using any rough/exfoliating items like a washcloth or at home exfoliating device.

When to Use Normal Skincare Post Fraxel

After about two weeks, your skin will have healed enough to tolerate most skincare products, such as Vitamin C, your regular cleanser/moisturizer and any products containing growth factors or peptides. You will need to wait at least 21 days before reintroducing stronger active ingredients like Vitamin A (retinol, Retin-A), glycolic acid, or Hydroquinone.

By following these steps you’ll ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy the full benefits of your Fraxel Dual Laser treatment. Don’t rush the process — the results will be well worth the wait! If you are looking for a Fraxel Dual treatment in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, contact our office.