Fraxel Aftercare

Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment used to improve skin tone, texture, and overall skin clarity with minimal downtime. Patients often choose Fraxel to treat sun damage, dark spots, acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture that develop over time. One of the reasons Fraxel is so popular is that it delivers visible skin improvement while fitting easily into a busy schedule. After treatment, the skin commonly looks red and may feel warm or tight for a short period, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects are temporary and expected, and with proper aftercare, most patients find the recovery process manageable and straightforward. For patients seeking noticeable results without a long interruption to daily life, Fraxel remains one of the most popular laser treatments at Dr. Michele Green’s private dermatology practice in New York City.

Fraxel works by sending laser energy into the deeper layers of the skin to trigger collagen production and natural skin renewal. The Fraxel Dual device uses two wavelengths: 1550 nm, which improves fine lines, acne scars, and skin texture, and 1927 nm, which treats sun damage and discoloration. Treatment is delivered in small, controlled sections, which is why healing happens gradually rather than all at once. As the skin recovers over the following days and weeks, texture becomes smoother, tone appears more even, and overall skin quality improves. During this time, following proper aftercare helps the skin heal comfortably and reduces the risk of prolonged redness or irritation. When Fraxel is performed by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, patients receive personalized guidance to ensure safe healing and optimal results.

Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, including Fraxel laser therapy. Known for her precision, patient comfort, and ability to deliver optimal results, Dr. Green creates customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals. Her dedication has earned her recognition as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by publications such as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Using advanced laser technology and innovative techniques, she adopts a holistic, less-is-more approach to cosmetic rejuvenation. When you visit her private dermatology practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific skin concerns and achieve your overall aesthetic goals for clear, smooth, radiant, and healthy skin.

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a non-ablative, non-invasive skin resurfacing laser used to revitalize the skin. Often called a “magic eraser” by Dr. Green, Fraxel can address numerous skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, sunspots, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and uneven skin texture and tone. Fraxel Dual features two wavelengths for treatment: a 1550nm wavelength to target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and acne scars, and a 1927nm wavelength to treat hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and actinic keratoses (precancers). The device delivers fractionated laser energy into the dermis, causing microscopic damage in the treated area while sparing surrounding tissue. This controlled damage stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen production and skin cell renewal. Over time, increased collagen helps create smoother, more evenly textured skin, diminishes hyperpigmentation, and gives patients a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Fraxel treatment with Dr. Green is quick and straightforward. Patients receive a topical numbing cream to apply an hour before the procedure to ensure comfort and make the treatment virtually pain-free. Afterward, patients get detailed aftercare instructions to support skin healing and preserve the results. A major advantage of Fraxel laser treatment is that it offers both immediate and long-lasting benefits. Within days, your skin tone and texture will improve. Over the following months, you’ll notice continued skin rejuvenation and a more youthful, radiant appearance as new collagen continues to develop. After a short series of treatments, many patients enjoy the cosmetic benefits of Fraxel for years, though most choose to have an annual maintenance session to keep optimal results. When you consult with Dr. Green in NYC for your Fraxel treatment, you can expect clear, radiant, rejuvenated skin with lasting results.

What are the side effects of Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel is a non-ablative laser, meaning it doesn’t damage the skin’s top layer and is linked to minimal side effects. Common side effects after Fraxel treatment include mild redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area, which usually disappear within 48 hours. Patients might also develop scabs or blisters on the skin, which generally heal within the first week. Those with sensitive skin can take Zyrtec for several days after treatment to lessen redness and swelling. Ibuprofen can also help reduce discomfort after the procedure. Patients with a history of cold sores should take Valtrex on the day of the treatment to prevent an outbreak.

More serious side effects can happen, such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring, if Fraxel treatment is done improperly by an inexperienced or untrained provider. When you have your Fraxel laser treatment with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, the chances of experiencing unwanted side effects or poor results are very low. During your consultation, Dr. Green will review your medical history and skin concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to rejuvenate your skin.

When does peeling start after Fraxel?

The healing process after Fraxel treatment varies depending on the wavelength used. Peeling can occur when treating sun damage and sunspots with the 1927nm wavelength setting. This peeling occurs because dead, pigmented skin cells are exfoliated. Peeling typically begins 48 hours after treatment and lasts for 3 to 7 days. It is usually not noticeable to others and often feels like a rough, sandpaper-like texture on the skin. Patients should avoid picking or scratching the treated skin while it is flaking off.

What should you not do after Fraxel?

It is important to follow post-care instructions and avoid certain activities after Fraxel treatment to achieve the best results. Patients must avoid direct sun exposure for 1 week after treatment, as the skin is sensitive during healing, and sun exposure at this time can cause sunburn. Additionally, patients should refrain from strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 48 hours to reduce the risk of swelling. They should also avoid using harsh skincare products, including exfoliators, toners containing alcohol or other astringents, retinol, Retin-A, hydroquinone, and other irritating products for five to seven days.

What is the best thing to put on your face after laser treatment?

Patients often wonder what to put on their skin after Fraxel laser treatment. The best skincare products to use afterward include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays, and be rated SPF 30 or higher. Dr. Green’s proprietary skincare line, MGSKINLABS, offers three products that are both gentle and hydrating for use after Fraxel treatment. The Gentle Cleanser is a lipid-free formula that cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier. The Absolute Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream contains essential fatty acids to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and rose extracts to hydrate and soothe irritated skin. The Hydrating SPF 50 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against harmful UV rays and hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid. When you undergo your Fraxel treatment with Dr. Green in NYC, she will review your skincare regimen to make sure you’re using the right products to support healing afterward.

Can I put ice on my face after Fraxel?

No. Ice packs should never be applied to the face after a Fraxel treatment, as they can cause a burn. Instead, Dr. Green recommends using cold compresses made with cold water (not ice water) and a washcloth or paper towel. Immediately after the treatment, Dr. Green applies the cold compress to the treatment area to reduce swelling and heat. Patients can use the cold compress several times at home if discomfort or swelling continues.

Can I use Aquaphor after Fraxel?

Yes, Aquaphor is excellent to use immediately after Fraxel treatment. After the cold compress, Dr. Green will dry the skin and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the treated area. Aquaphor forms a protective barrier that helps keep the skin moist. It is not necessary to use Aquaphor after the first day of treatment, and patients can switch to a gentle, bland moisturizer to maintain hydration.

How long after Fraxel can I wash my face?

Patients can wash their face the night of their Fraxel treatment with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. The cleanser should not include ingredients such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Some excellent cleansers to use after Fraxel treatment include the Gentle Cleanser from MGSKINLABS and gentle cleansers for dry, sensitive skin from Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Aveeno.

How soon can I use vitamin C serum after Fraxel?

Typically, patients can start using a vitamin C serum five to seven days after Fraxel treatment. Since the skin is sensitive during healing, patients should use only gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens for the week following the procedure. Once the skin has healed and any peeling or flaking has stopped, they can resume their normal skin routine, including a vitamin C serum.

What cream is good after a fractional laser?

The best cream to use after a fractional laser is a moisturizer free of irritating ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol. The cream should contain hydrating or soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, ceramides, and glycerin. The Recovery Cream from MGSKINLABS is an excellent option to use after a fractional laser treatment because it contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, to draw moisture from the environment into the skin, and essential fatty acids to help retain moisture. The moisturizer can be reapplied throughout the day if the skin feels dry.

How long does it take for skin to heal after a fractional laser?

The time it takes for your skin to heal after a fractional laser treatment depends on the type of laser used. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 days for the skin to recover after Fraxel treatment. Clear + Brilliant, another non-invasive laser, requires no downtime or healing period. Ablative fractional lasers, such as CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers, remove the outer layer of skin, and healing can take 2 weeks or more.

How do you speed up healing after a fractional laser?

The best way to accelerate healing after a fractional laser treatment is to follow the post-treatment instructions carefully. Engaging in intense physical activity or exposing your skin to heat sources, such as hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, can increase swelling and slow healing. Sun exposure and harmful UV rays can also delay healing and lead to increased redness, swelling, blistering, sunburn, and undesirable cosmetic effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring. Patients should stick to gentle, moisturizing skincare products and avoid exfoliation or ingredients like hydroxy acids and retinol. When you have your fractional laser procedure with Dr. Green, she will review all relevant aftercare guidelines to help expedite healing and help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

How to maximize Fraxel results?

After an initial series of treatments, Fraxel results can last a long time. Many patients have yearly or twice-yearly treatment sessions to keep and improve their results. Patients can also improve their Fraxel results by using skincare products tailored to their specific skin concerns. Dr. Green’s exclusive skincare line, MGSKINLABS, offers a range of products to address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and texture. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your skin type, tone, and aesthetic goals to create a personalized skincare routine that supports and enhances the effects of Fraxel treatment. Patients can start using these products one week after their Fraxel procedure.

Retinol and retinoids are derived from vitamin A and work to speed up skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. By exfoliating the skin, these vitamin A derivatives can remove dead, pigmented skin cells, revealing healthy, bright skin on the surface. Retinol and retinoids are great for patients seeking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mild skin laxity, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Retinols, like the Essential Antioxidant Infusion from MGSKINLABs, are available over the counter. Retinoids such as Retin-A (tretinoin) require a prescription from a board-certified dermatologist. Patients should always use sun protection while using these products, as they increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Also, retinol and retinoids should be avoided for 7 days before and after Fraxel treatment.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that shields the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. It also accelerates skin cell turnover and boosts collagen production, leading to a more even skin texture and tone. The Vita-C Serum from MGSKINLABs contains a high-strength vitamin C formulated to reduce dark spots and brighten the skin. Patients treating hyperpigmentation from sun damage can also use MGSKINLABs’ Skin Brightening Cream, which contains a unique blend of kojic acid and fruit extracts designed to lighten and eliminate hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching cream used to treat stubborn hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting melanocyte growth and the enzyme tyrosinase, which is vital for melanin production. Hydroquinone is only available with a prescription and should be used under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. Additionally, patients need to practice proper sun protection, as hydroquinone can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Sunscreen is crucial for anyone looking to maintain and improve their Fraxel treatment results. Protecting your skin from the sun afterward is essential to prevent damage and side effects like increased hyperpigmentation, burns, or scarring. Dr. Green recommends using a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen and reapplying every 90 minutes or after water contact. MGSKINLABs Hydrating SPF 50, which contains zinc oxide, creates a barrier against UV rays while also including lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to nourish and hydrate the skin. For best protection, layering physical and chemical sunscreens is advised. Physical sunscreens such as Hydrating SPF 50 contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use agents like homosalate, octinoxate, and avobenzone to convert UV rays into heat and disperse them from the skin.

How do I get started with Fraxel treatment today?

Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment designed to improve skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality while allowing for a manageable recovery period. By stimulating collagen production beneath the skin, Fraxel helps soften fine lines, improve acne scars, even out discoloration, and restore a smoother, more radiant appearance. Following proper aftercare after Fraxel treatment is essential to support the healing process, minimize downtime, and help patients achieve the best possible results. With the right skincare routine, sun protection, and post-treatment guidance, patients can enjoy gradual, long-lasting skin improvement. Fraxel can also be safely combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as injectables and medical-grade skincare, to further enhance overall skin rejuvenation when performed by an experienced dermatologist.

Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing advanced non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including Fraxel laser therapy. She is known for her precise technique, patient-focused care, and holistic, less-is-more approach to skin rejuvenation. Consistently recognized by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times as one of New York City’s top dermatologists, Dr. Green creates individualized treatment and aftercare plans tailored to each patient’s skin type, concerns, and aesthetic goals. When you schedule a consultation at her private dermatology practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Dr. Green will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan designed to promote healthy healing and maintain clear, smooth, radiant skin. To learn more about Fraxel treatment and aftercare, call Dr. Michele Green’s NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.