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Fraxel Laser

What it is: a fractionated laser treatment designed for resurfacing wrinkled, sun-damaged, scarred and aging skin

What it addresses:

There are three types of Fraxel laser treatments that address a  range of skin problems and skin types. Fraxel Re:fine is a mild, non-ablative aesthetic laser treatment performed in a series for discoloration, age spots, and general improvement to skin tone. Fraxel Re:store is deeper treatment which uses a fractionated erbium laser and provides non-ablative treatment with minimal downtime. Fraxel Re:pair is an ablative fractionated CO2 laser for the most intensive resurfacing and epidermal repair.

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Question

How long do Fraxel side effects last?

I had co2 fraxel 5 days ago and am bright red. I believe I have peeled all the skin off, but now I notice my skin is not porus and is rough. Will it soften over time? How long do these side effects last?

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Asked by: pete
Cleveland, OH

Answers (1)

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1
September 5, 2008
Michael A. Persky, MD
Michael A. Persky, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Bright red and still swollen are par for the course five days after Fraxel re:pair laser treatment.  Of course everyone is a little different so some patients heal quicker, others more slowly.  To be on the safe side, you should definitely consult with your treating physician to make sure that you are not having an allergic reaction, or inflammatory reaction. 

Another factor in the healing process is how aggressive the Fraxel repair laser treatment was.  The skin is often rough and appears and feels thicker sometimes for a week or two, particularly on the neck.  

After 5 to 7 days, Jane Iredale make-up provides excellent concealment of the redness. The skin is dry so it is important to use moisturizer in large quantities.  Be patient and the redness will diminish to pink at around 7 days, and then will progressively fade over the next few weeks. 

Fortunately the side of effect of looking years younger should last for 10 years.  I hope that the remainder of your healing goes well and rapidly.  Be well.

Dr. P

 

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Comments (1)
Kimba116
Kimba116
10/30/08

I had a fraxel treatment on my face
just over 5 months ago. My skin broke out a lot and I had bronzing and peeling.
Eventually my skin settled down, BUT still to this day I can see the fraxel pinpoints in my skin. I know these "holes" are supposed to be microscopic, but I can definitely see them. Have you ever heard of this
before, and will they EVER heal???

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