Fraxel™ - Related FAQ's

Q: Does Fraxel™ need to be done in a series every three weeks?

A: Although most patients want to get the best result as soon as possible and schedule the next Fraxel™ Restore as soon as we allow which usually is three weeks, many patients' schedules, and some patients' finances, don't allow for a regularity of this schedule. It is still acceptable to schedule followup treatments whenever they can be done as the collagen that is produced from one laser is not temporary and the next one will build on this.

Q: I have dark skin. What laser is best to resurface my wrinkles and dark spots?

A: No laser is guaranteed not to induce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but the Fraxel™ Restore laser has the longest record of safety in this regard. In fact, treatment of melasma, a difficult condition to treat as it is stubborn and often recurs, sometimes worse after treatment with chemical peels and other treatments, can be effectively treated in some patients by Fraxel™ Restore. Medical publications have shown the effectiveness and safety of Fraxel™ Restore in patients with skin of color. The risk of darkening still exists and a test spot may be done in some patients to see the reaction in their skin several weeks after the test prior to the actual treatment. If the skin reacts well after the test, it is not a guarantee that there wouldn't be a darkening, but if the test shows a poor result, then the treatment won't be done! Skin lightening creams may be recommended prior to the Fraxel™ Restore treatment series and is used after in some patients to minimize postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Appropriate sunscreens are crucial and sun avoidance techniques should be observed. Fraxel™ Restore usually is done as a series of treatments. I recommend six treatments done three weeks or more apart for most patients, then a six month waiting period.

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