So, you are considering a Fraxel treatment? Great – your skin is in for a world of improvement!
But, before you get to enjoy your refined, smoother skin texture, there are some things to consider…
Before a Fraxel treatment:
- It is critical that you not be using topical or oral steroids (creams or pills), Retinoids (topical or oral) or Accutane within the last 6 months.
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding you are NOT a candidate for Fraxel re:store or Fraxel re:store DUAL treatment.
- If you have a history of ?cold sores? or peri-oral HSV, please let us know. Medication can be prescribed to minimize the possibility of an outbreak following your treatment.
- For darker skinned patients, patients with melasma or a history of hyperpigmentation, medications will be discussed and prescribed to minimize the possibility of hyperpigmentation following your treatment.
- Active tanning must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to your treatment. Both sun tanning and tanning booths must be avoided for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Do not have any laser or light-based treatments until your Fraxel treatment series is completed.
- Do not have microdermabrasion or ?peels? for 2 weeks prior to your Fraxel re:store DUALtreatment. There is no need to ?thin? the outer layer of skin prior to your treatment with the Fraxel re:store DUAL
- Do not use irritating skin-care products such as glycolic or salicylic acids and abrasive scrubs for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
The Fraxel treatment process:
- Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:store DUAL treatments are well tolerated, however ?relaxing? medications are recommended and available to ensure your comfort.
- You may drive to and from your appointment unless you are taking oral ?relaxing? medications in which case you will need to arrange for alternate transportation.
- In order to be best prepared once you get back home, you should have Ice Packs ready. (Ice packs will be provided to you for your trip home.)
- Please make sure you leave enough time in your schedule to allow for a proper Fraxel treatment — you should plan on roughly 2-hours in the office to allow for proper numbing, treatment and after care.
- After your treatment you should use non-clogging, non-irritating skin cleansers and lotions, such as Cetaphil, Dove, or Neutragena.
- Upon arrival your will be asked to wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Numbing cream will then be applied to your skin, and allowed to take effect for 1 hour. (If medication is being used, it will be dispensed at this time.)
- The Fraxel treatment itself takes about 30 minutes and then Ice Packs will be applied.
- Topical skin care products (will vary per patient?s skin) and sunscreen will be applied to treated skin upon completion.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT AFTER MY FRAXEL TREATMENT BEFORE RETURNING TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
- You may apply make-up (and/or gently shave) immediately after treatment.
- Most patients return to work within 24 hours following the treatment.
- Avoid saunas, swimming and any vigorous exercise for 1 week and do NOT have any other form of facial treatment or therapy until authorized to do so by your practitioner. ??
- Do not use products on your face that will irritate the skin or block the pores until at least a week after treatment.
More Fraxel questions? Feel free to check the rest of the site – and if you have any lingering queries, feel free to ask us: 215-923-5001