Usually, it takes about 7 to 10 days before the redness and swelling resolve, after which you’ll just look a bit sunburnt — like you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation. During that time, you can still go to work, but you might feel uncomfortable if your work involves dealing with customers face to face. You won’t feel pain though you may have some pinpoint bleeding. This goes away in a day or two. You’ll need to avoid applying makeup for about a week to 10 days, because your skin will need time to heal.
Once the Fraxel® procedure is finished patients can expect to feel a sensation that resembles a mild sunburn for roughly an hour. This discomfort will begin to noticeably subside, vanishing completely during the days that follow the treatment. The affected skin will take on a pinkish colour for several days (indicating that it is healing) and there may be a small amount of swelling during this time as well. Because healing skin is more vulnerable to environmental damage, minimizing sun exposure is important at this stage.
After your Fraxel® treatment the skin immediately begins to repair itself and correct the problems that the procedure was aimed at fixing. The first healing stage can result in a bronze tinge appearing on the affected skin (lasting from three to fourteen days) before dead tissue begins to shed. Skin flaking is similar to what results from a mild sunburn and can be reduced in appearance by using moisturizers or sunscreen.
Some Fraxel® treatments can cause brief acne flare-ups but, if this looks to be the case, your clinic will prescribe an antibiotic to counteract this side effect.The vast majority of patients continue on with their day immediately after the Fraxel Skin Resurfacing procedure is completed. Your practitioner will let you know how soon you can begin to shave and/or apply makeup but, usually, patients are able to do so soon after the end of their appointment. Results will begin to become noticeable almost immediately following treatment but, depending on the nature of your skin improvement goals, follow-up sessions may be advised.