With my skin freshly exfoliated from my microdermabrasion last week, I decided it was time to take the plunge and have a Fraxel laser treatment. My goal being to remove some sun damage before it has a chance to turn into skin cancer (I was a sun worshipper, tanning blanket and all), reduce fine lines, even out my skin tone and maybe get a little tightening out of it too.
The treatment starts with having a numbing ream applied to your face and then relaxing with a magazine for about an hour. I actually walked around the med spa and chatted with our clients about the Fraxel and other skin care services I have planned.
Then it was time for the real treatment to start. Our nurse removed the numbing cream and handed me a wand with cold air blowing out. She instructed my to aim it on the areas that feel hot as she passes over them. Sounds confusing but actually works quite well and gave me a sense of control that put me at ease. Next, she covered my eyes and started with my forehead and continued to do my entire face by sections.
It wasn’t as painful as I was expecting but there were a few areas more uncomfortable than others. I really wanted her to get the lines around my lips which is a tender area to start with… and I am a baby when it comes to pain but it was still very tolerable. The actual laser part of the treatment only took 35 minutes, but 45 minutes is probably more typical. When I sat up and looked at my self I definitely looked sunburned and perhaps a little swollen which is normal and to be expected. I held ice packs on it for a few minutes and by the time I got home I didn’t need them any more. When my kids came home from school I was expecting a “What happened!” but they didn’t even notice. We tell our clients to expect 2-3 days of redness and slight swelling. I will let you know how it goes for me in my next entry. Next up is probably Dysport or Botox ?