Post-Fraxel update. Day 5

It's the 5th day post-fraxel. And my skin is really taking its time to recover. I remember by day 5 after my first fraxel treatment, my face was so ready for bb cream and full makeup. But not now. I guess it might be due to the higher setting in this treatment, so theoretically there is more repairing work to do and more recovery time?  I'm not sure. Will have to consult the expert tomorrow.

Generally the dead skin flakes are completely gone, I'm having a very pink tone all over, which is how my skin is screaming for attention again.

Yes the pores are still very visible now. According to my dermatologist: it takes 4-6 weeks to see best result, because that's how long our body need to produce collagen.

Till tomorrow.

Post-Fraxel update. Day 4

I am still red! Went to work bare-faced, the guy from my next-door office teased me saying it is like 'monkey face'!!??? :-/

Generally my face is a better version of yesterday's, flaking and peeling is the most happening thing right now. My new skin is saying hello, it is super super SUPER sensitive, and screaming for my extra attention all the time. I tried using pure aloe vera gel, however I still feel Avene skin recovery cream and the thermal spring water does the best job.

And...it is kinda bothering me that there are several tiny whitehead-like breakouts on my forehead and chin, as well a pustular one on my right cheek. Yes the same symptom occurred as after my previous session, which is a normal response after Fraxel treatment. Just imagine the the top layer of skin is covered with all the dry and dead cells, meanwhile the inner is actively producing sebum, so when the sebum cant come out, they get stuck, there are then acnes.

So now I'm waiting patiently for my skin to get less sensitive, will see what I can do.

Post-Fraxel update. Day 3

Happy Sunday to everyone!

I'll do a very quick update on my post-Fraxel laser treatment day 3 progress. Sorry for the slightly different lighting, but the iPhone camera still did a good job in capturing the details:)

I'm very happy to see about 70% of the swelling is gone!  The black-colored pixels started to flake off, some fresh and new skin is peeking thru. My forehead and both jaw areas seem recover a bit slower, so they are still covered with the dirty-looking black dots. Yes the itchiness is still going on, so Avene thermal spring water spray come to rescue!

Patience, for my new skin. 

Post-Fraxel update. D1 and D2

After my Fraxel treatment this time, there is this sudden thought to document my daily recovery progress thru picture, for the benefit of those who intend for this laser treatment, this may give you a rough idea how much downtime you need to plan.

 

Day 1

Day 1 is all about the swelling and raw redness. My whole face was so swollen until when I looked down, my cheek blocked my partial view. LOL

My face felt taut, as if I am having a peeling-mask on, but no discomfort or whatsoever. 

I went to work without any makeup, my colleague commented this effect made me look 'grumpy'.

It is okay to wear makeup?
Not advisable, because we dont wanna put anything extra on the raw skin.

Day 2

The swelling is still there, it subsided a little but I am still upset with this all blown-up look.

The pixels of redness turned to black color, kinda dirty-looking, my skin right now is super rough and dry to touch, has exactly the same texture like sandpaper. 

Itchiness developed on my whole face, which is part of the natural healing process, however lotsa facial spray helps to calm it down. I got Avene Thermal Spring water to take care of that.

Is it okay to wear makeup?
Yes.. But I'm sure it doesnot give the best look, due to the skin's current texture, it is hard to blend the foundation on nicely. I just allow my bare skin to breathe freely.

When I came back just now, J actually asked me if I went for suntan yesterday! :D