Fraxel™ - Related FAQ's

Q: Should I get fillers before my Fraxel Repair laser for acne scars?

A: It is better to first do punch grafts if anything is to be done but not fillers. Do the laser and then after healing, provided you won't have a second laser resurfacing with the Fraxel CO2 Repair laser, then you can consider fillers. Otherwise there could be an interaction between the laser and recently injected fillers which might, although unproven, hasten the dissolving of the fillers. Furthermore, you might improve the healing of the CO2 Fraxel laser if you don't have fillers injected before.

Q: I had Fraxel Repair laser for acne scars twelve months ago. Can I go to a sunny climate for a vacation?

A: As long as you apply good coverage of a sunscreen for both UV-A and UV-B and try not to expose yourself to the brightest sunshine of the day. People who are susceptible to darkening after skin insult or hormones, should avoid the sun as much as possible for a year after laser. Now that you are a year beyond the treatment, as long as you're using the high number sunscreens (minimum 30 SPF) and consider to also use a zinc or titanium dioxide sunscreen, you should be OK.

Q: Can my melasma improve with Fraxel dual laser?

A: Yes, but it can worsen, too! In fact, no treatment that is known to possibly help reduce the dark color of melasma is guaranteed not to make it come back, or come back worse. Use sunscreen faithfully. Fraxel Dual can help significantly lighten the color of melasma. I suggest using a lightening cream for a couple of weeks prior to the start of the laser so that there is less melanin (pigment) in the pigmentary skin cells thereby reducing the amount of pigment those cells can drop in the dermis during a traumatic period, such as resurfacing. This deposition in the dermis can create a post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The use of Elure lightening cream before the laser may help reduce the tendency for this PIH. Elure is resumed some time after the procedure along with excellent sunscreens and safe sun techniques. Prescription Retin-A and hydroquinone may be recommended as well.

Q: If I had Fraxel Repair laser resurfacing for wrinkles and now have a painful pimple one week later is it OK?

A: Any painful breakout after laser resurfacing should be addressed by your doctor to avoid potential scarring. It could be general acne, but in case it's virus, bacterial or fungal, you should see your doctor.

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