Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Fraxel Re:pair is an ablative fractional laser. It removes tiny columns of skin and heats the deeper layers, which triggers strong collagen growth. It is used for more advanced sun damage, deeper wrinkles, loose skin and scars, with results that depend on your skin and treatment settings.
It has more recovery time than Fraxel Dual. Fraxel Re:pair is offered at our Upper East Side office and is performed by our dermatologists.
Your provider reviews your skin, your health history and your schedule, since recovery takes time. Fraxel Re:pair is best suited to lighter skin types.
Avoid sun and tanning for several weeks before treatment. You will usually take an antiviral medicine to prevent cold sores, and may be given other medicines to start beforehand.
Numbing is applied first, and your provider may use other options to keep you comfortable. Treatment of the full face takes about an hour or two, including numbing.
Expect swelling, oozing and crusting for about a week, with daily wound care. Most people stay home during this time. The skin then looks pink or red, which fades over several weeks and can be covered with makeup once healed.
Improvement is visible once the skin heals and continues for several months as collagen builds.
Plan on at least a week of initial healing, with pinkness that may last weeks to months. Your provider will give an individualized recovery estimate.
Many people need only one. Your provider will tell you if a second would help.
Risks include infection, changes in skin color and scarring; careful treatment and aftercare reduce but do not eliminate these risks. Your provider will go over them and give you detailed aftercare instructions.