What happens after the Fraxel treatment? While there will be a risk of breakouts, there are a few things you can do to reduce the potential for this to happen: Wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater on the treated area for the next few months after the treatment.
If the Fraxel came into direct contact with any debris lurking in a pore, your body's healing process has expedited the cleansing process and pushing out the clog now. In other words, any pimples you are experiencing now are breakouts that would have occurred in the future.
Acne and milia are common minor side effects. Spontaneous resolution can be expected.
Heat-related irritation and inflammation can result in acne-like red bumps and pustules. Bacterial infection: Laser hair removal can upset the skin's normal bacterial balance, which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria that cause acne, like Propionibacterium acnes.
While a mild purging phase can occur in some cases, it's a positive indication that the treatment is working to reveal the healthier skin beneath. Remember that the purging period is temporary and typically brief.
In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.
Care for the treated skin. Your face will ooze and swell for the first 48 hours and then will quickly improve. Generally the procedure is not extremely painful, and feels more like a sunburn. You should shower and gently wash your face each morning and night.
The laser targets and damages hair follicles to prevent regrowth, but this process can also traumatize the surrounding skin tissue. The heat and energy from the laser can cause redness, swelling, and irritation around the hair follicle, often appearing as tiny red pimples.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
The Healing Process after Laser Treatment
As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
Fraxel Aftercare & Down Time.
PSA: Your skin will look worse after Fraxel before it looks better, trust the process. Dr Jeremy recommends taking at least a week of down time (or working from home) as your skin may appear red and tender, similar to a skin burn.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.
Very rarely, patients may experience tiny blisters or pustules after treatment.
Best Practices: Use gentle skincare products, hydrate, and avoid makeup for the first few days. Long-Term Care: Maintain results with sunscreen, a consistent skincare routine, and follow-up treatments if needed.
Recovery is usually 3-14 days, during which the skin may flake and peel.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
After 3 days, you may begin gently cleansing the treated area with Riversol® gel cleanser twice a day. Continue to apply Aquaphor® moisturizer to the treated area after cleansing. After 3 days, you may apply mineral powder or makeup if desired. If prescribed, continue taking Valtrex; one pill twice a day for 7 days.
How Often Do Pimples Appear After Laser Hair Removal? The occurrence of pimples after laser hair removal is relatively common and is generally not a cause for alarm. However, the frequency can vary depending on several factors such as skin type, the area being treated, and the expertise of the practitioner.
Clusters of small, raised, pale bumps or red welts around hair follicles. Itchy, burning, or stinging sensations in the treatment area. Papules (small red bumps) that develop into hives.
Follicular edema, or hair follicle swelling, is a perfectly natural result of every laser hair removal session. In 90% of patients it has gone in 15 minutes. In rare cases it can last for several days and cause itching. In these cases treatment with Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone lotion is advised.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
Do not sleep on your side. Keeping your body more upright will minimize swelling. You do not want the laser treated areas to be pressing against your pillow. Continue this for one week.
In most cases you do not need to continue Aquaphor after one week. People can develop an irritation to the Aquaphor. After three days please call our office if the swelling continues or the area becomes more red, as this could be a reaction to the Aquaphor.