Fraxel

 FRAXEL POST CARE: What to do after leaving Le Beau Visage Medical Spa

Two weeks before FRAXEL® Laser Treatment:

• Discontinue
• All Retin A/Retinols, Tazorac, Renova, Differin
• All glycolic acid treatments
• All salicylic acid treatments
• Direct sunlight/tanning beds/artificial spray tanning
• Waxing or Threading
• Abrasive Cleansers; i.e. no exfoliates or acids
• Microdermabrasion treatments
• Contact our office if you are prone to cold sores/fever blisters.
• For patients with melasma or darker skin types, prep skin with Hydroquinone (A.M. /P.M.) for 2 weeks prior to treatment up until the day of FRAXEL® Treatment.
• Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your treatment will increase recovery period.
• Since procedure included oral anesthetics, please coordinate a ride to and from facility.

Post Treatment:

• Immediately after treatment, the area will feel similar to a sunburn and have a mild-moderate swelling and redness. Cold compresses can be used to soothe redness and swelling after treatment.
• Although the heat mat subside or completely resolve within a few hours, continuous icing the day of your treatment will reduce the amount of swelling. A bag of frozen peas is ideal!
• Mild, moderate or severe swelling will occur within hours after the treatment. Most of the swelling will be visible within the first 24 hours after treatment, particularly around the eyes. Swelling will vary from person to person and also with treatment intensity and protocol. To minimize swelling:
• Apply cold compresses/ice pack (frozen peas) to the treated area for 10 minutes every hour on the day of the treatment.
• Sleep elevated the first night after your treatment.
• The treated area will often peel, flake or even undergo an acne breakout. Additionally, the skin may feel dry and itchy for up to 2 weeks. The consistent use of Ceramide by Skin Medica is recommended during recovery.
• Be sure to use non-pore clogging moisturizer (non-comedogenic); heavy cream-based products will cause acne breakouts. If an acne breakout occurs, please contact our office immediately.
• Benadryl may be taken for itching and swelling.
• If you notice areas of raw skin, keep the area moist with Aquaphor. Contact our office immediately. We will prescribe an anti-biotic of Bactroban which will be applied prior to Aquaphor. No not apply adhesive bandages or pick the area. The area will heal very rapidly on its own without any problems.
• Sun spots and age spots WILL DARKEN, BRONZE OR CRUST BEFORE they begin to “pepper”. Do not scratch these spots; they will exfoliate on their own.
• Cleanse the area with your fingertips using mild facial cleanser and water. DO NOT scrub, use abrasive cleansers or wash cloths.
• Discontinue the use of any products that will cause irritation (i.e. products containing glycolic acids, Retin A/Retinols, Tazorac, Renova, Differin) during your Fraxel treatment series. When the series is complete, resume your normal skin care regimen2 weeks post final treatment once the skin has finally healed.
• Patients with Melasma or darker skin types should resume Hydroquinone post treatment.
• A non-pore clogging sunscreen (30 SPF or higher with broad spectrum protection- UVA/UVB) must be applied to the treated area on a regular basis; regardless of the weather conditions.
• Direct sunlight/tanning beds/artificial spray tanning must be avoided before/during/after treatment.
• Make up should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment to allow the treated area to “breathe” and expel any heat that may have developed