Fraxel Restore employs laser beams that treat one portion of the skin at a time, stimulating the ironing out of wrinkles and the production of collagen, making the skin look younger and healthier. The entire treatment requires up to 5 sessions, spaced 2 or 4 weeks apart, and the recovery after each Fraxel Restore session does not exceed a few days.
Recovery after Fraxel Restore
The first 24 hours after the treatment will be more uncomfortable. Patients may feel like they have a sunburn and the skin will be red or have a pinkish hue. The swelling is minimal, but will be at its worst during the second day. Some plastic surgeons will recommend the use of vinegar soaked compresses, to reduce the swelling and minimize the redness, or may prescribe a special formula cream to apply on the skin. The skin may be flaky for a few days, so patients should get some moisturizer. They may also feel that the skin is slightly irritated, so it may itch, but this should go away within 2 or 3 days.
Patients will notice all these changes after each session of the treatment. It's possible to wear makeup to conceal any redness or flaking. Please note that each patient may experience different recovery times, depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment, the treated areas and the quality of the skin and its ability to heal.
Precautions after Fraxel Restore
The skin will be more sensitive to sunlight, and patients should wear a high protection factor sunscreen (at least SPF 30). They should avoid the sun for the first 3 months after having completed the treatment. Tanning salons or tanning creams should also be avoided.
