Fraxel™ - Related FAQ's

Q: I can't stand the speckled dark skin spots on my face. I am 55 years old and look 70. What can be done?

A: An examination can tell in which plane the pigment lies. If it is superficial then you have a chance that topical products such as Elure, REvale, TNS Essential Serum, Prescription Retin –A, can help. If it is more in the dermis, then Fraxel Dual Laser along with the use of Elure or other lightening creams can help. Sunscreen use, is extremely important. Otherwise, without sunavoidance, whatever improvement you have been able to obtain from treatment, can vanish in 15 minutes of sun exposure.

Q: If I only have wrinkles around the mouth, can I have laser there and not treat the face?

A: The Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Restore can be used to treat the area confined to the perioral or periorbital areas. Some times more gentle treatment, including a mild peel or Fraxel Dual can be done to even the complexion on the rest of the face.

Q: Can I have Fraxel laser instead of botox around the eyes?

A: Yes you can, but there is no doubt that some people only need Botox and look refreshed without laser. For others, the Botox helps the laser heal better and the results may look nicer. Without Botox, the muscles continue to move underneath the skin and the lines will be back shortly after the laser is done. Laser by itself, is better to treat static lines at rest which are the sun-damaged wrinkles of the mid cheek as an example.

Q: I have a tendency to become dark after acne and I am scheduled for Fraxel resurfacing for my acne scars. I am concerned that the laser might induce darkening. Is there anything that can be done?

A: We often recommend a test spot to be done with the laser to see the reaction of the skin. If it turns dark then the laser may not be done, unless the darkening proves to be temporary. If the test doesn't turn dark, there would still be the opportunity to use Elure lightening cream, hydroquinone or Lumixyl prior to the laser to minimize the chance of developing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is extremely important and using sun avoidance techniques before and after the laser to also help avoid post inflammatory hyperpigmentation although it may occur despite all precautions taken, including a negative test spot with the laser.

Related Articles

Back to Fraxel Treatments Home Page