Pre – Fraxel Instructions
- Absolutely no sun exposure or sunless tanner use on treatment areas. If skin appears to be sun-exposed or sunless tanner has been used, treatment will be rescheduled.
- Discontinue use of tretinoin (Retin A) glycolic acid and salicylic acid one week prior to treatment.
- Discontinue aspirin products 1 week prior to treatment.
- Take Valtrex 500mg, twice a day beginning the day before your treatment if you have had cold sores in the past.
- Use melanin suppressor (bleaching cream) as directed by your treatment provider.
- If you have had other skin rejuvenation procedures in the past month, please discuss with your treatment provider. Procedures need to have adequate time spacing between them to avoid complications.
- Patients will experience mild swelling for 2-3 days, redness for 3-4 days, and may have some light flaking around day 4. Please keep this in mind for planning purposes.
- If active acne break out is present, please call the office to reschedule your appointment.
Post – Fraxel Instructions
AM
1.) Gentle Cleanser
2.) Witch Hazel
3.) Enzyme Gel
4.) Moisturizer
5.) SPF
Repeat steps 1-4, 2 times mid day if at home  
PM
1.) Gentle Cleanser
2.) Witch Hazel
3.) Enzyme Gel
4.) Moisturizer
5.) Aquaphor or Elta Moisturizer (apply starting night 2)
- 2-4 hours post Fraxel treatment, the full effects of numbing cream will dissipate and skin may sting similar to a sunburn sensation. Cold compresses can be applied periodically to minimize discomfort. Tylenol can be taken if needed.
- Redness and mild swelling can be expected following treatment.  With most treatments, swelling lasts for 2-3 days.  Aggressive treatment may have swelling that can last 5-6 days.  Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce this side effect.
- Skin will appear pinkish red with a bronzy appearance and feel slightly rough in texture 2-3 days following treatment.   The skin will begin to peel 3-5 days post treatment.  Peeling may last 3-5 days.  During this time, continue with treatment product routine.  Keep skin well hydrated.  Do not pick, scratch, or scrub peeling skin as this can cause post treatment complications.
- On occasion, small white pustules may appear on the healing skin. This is not an acne break out.  It is a side effect that can occur from treatment heat combined with topical products which are necessary for healing. The use of gentle cleansing and witch hazel post treatment greatly reduces this side effect.  Make sure to use a gentle cleanser at least twice daily followed by wiping gently with witch hazel.   If irritation should occur, please contact your treatment provider for further instructions.
- Avoid direct sun exposure following treatment as this can lead to complications.  It is important to remember that sun exposure to the treatment area/s should be avoided throughout the treatment course.  When outdoors, please use SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.  Use of sunless tanner should also be avoided throughout treatment.
- Avoid hot water, swimming, hot tubs, jacuzzis, steam rooms, yoga, and exercise for one week following treatment or until skin is fully healed.  If any skin irritation or sensitivity occurs with resumed activities, please contact your treatment provider for further instructions.
- Non-irritating or mineral make up can be used over skin products after 48 hours.  If irritation or sensitivity occur with use, please discontinue and contact your treatment provider for further instructions.
- Resume use of tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, bleaching cream, astringents, toners and other routine skin products one to two weeks post treatment as long as skin is completely healed and no irritation exists.
- The application of laser energy to the skin may cause temporary redness, mild swelling, and slight bronzing to the skin.
- In rare cases, crusting, oozing, blistering, scabbing, and discoloration can occur.  If you observe any of these rare side effects, please call 1-800-429-1151 to speak to your treatment provider for further instructions.
  If you have any questions or concerns, call The Skin Center at 1-800-429-1151