Did you get acne breakout after Fraxel treatment?

Lisa South 1 Dec 2012

I was miserable after my first Fraxel treatment, with acne and whiteheads everywhere. Had antibiotics prescribed for the rest of the series and had no further problems.

Lisa South 1 Dec 2012

I was miserable after my first Fraxel treatment, with acne and whiteheads everywhere. Had antibiotics prescribed for the rest of the series and had no further problems.

Jabberwocky 2 Nov 2012

I had whiteheads from the Fraxel treatment. I've had both the Re:Store and Re:Pair. With the Re:Stores I was told it would bring "gunk" up to the surface. With the Re:Pair, I think the Aquaphor I had to apply to keep the skin moist and protected was the culprit. I took antibiotics with the Re:Pair, but since the Re:Store treatments were so long ago I don't remember.

Ctina4u 27 Oct 2012

Got my first fraxel treatment on Tuesday. I have been suffering from acne since my early thirties when I decided to get off birth control to start a family. After seeing a client of mine who just completed her third treatment I was convinced that this is what I needed to help with the extreme scarring on my face. I am breaking out in huge cyst like acne along and under my jawline!! The facility that I went to urged for me to get on obagi nuderm but @ an extra $500 on top of my treatment I thought that was too steep! Has anyone used this line of treatment to help with the acne & is it worth the extra money? At this point I'm desperate for help!!

Kathy830 27 Oct 2012

NO!! They gave me antibiotics and mine cleared up the next day practically. They gave me Doxycycline. Warning!!! Don't buy the Nuderm, just go on the antibiotics.

Breath_of_Aria 14 Dec 2012

Hi there, this answer may be a little late but just in case you are still researching... I had obagi line for acne before, it's a 3 step program. Worked really well, it does dry out the skin. The problem is, after a couple of years using it my skin got used to the medicine and my hormonal acne carried on. So this line for me was a temporary treatment, it's not very holistic for the long term.

Ctina4u 14 Dec 2012

So I finally was able to get the doxycycline but ohh my lord it upset my stomache soo bad after the third day!! I discontinued it!! How did you handle the nausea?

Ctina4u 14 Dec 2012

@ Breath_of_aria I got started on the obagi nu derm. 4 weeks into it & my acne has cleared up substantially!! After 3 years what line of skin care did you convert to?

Breath_of_Aria 14 Dec 2012

@Ctina4u I'm happy that your acne has cleared up! What a good feeling that is! :) I remember now that I stopped because my skin was starting to wrinkle a lot in addition to some minor acne and didn't feel that this is normal. I'm am now using L'occitane's brightening line, replace the moisturizer with SBT seabuckthorne berry cream, rose oil. I often use organic greek yogurt mask, honey + apple cider vinegar mask. Have a healthy diet, take my oils, do yoga, and try to meditate. The process is slow and requires me to improve my lifestyle and I do see improvement and my skin is better hydrated. My new mantra is to be gentle with my skin and my skin will be gentle with my feelings :) How long are you planning to use obagi for?

alyssa82 6 Feb 2013

Hi! I opted out of the crazy expensive creams they push after treatment and went instead for protective barrier creams sold at Shopper's Drug Mart. If you don't like Aquaphor, there is one called Cliniderm (15$). Even Vichy, Avene and Roche, which are more expensive at around 20-30$ have "0%" cremes intended for post-cosmetic treatment. The next thing is ensure you're using suncreen intended for face. If you are using one for body, it may contribute to occluding (blocked pores). Ombrelle makes a VERY good sunscreen with parasol 1789, i believe they make a facial one as well. Lastly, your face will be sloughing heavily, and much of that material will inevitably end up accumulating on the surface of your skin until it is washed off. It will clear up, have faith and what ever you do - DON'T PICK! You'll ruin the $$$$$ of money you put into your face. It's hard not to, even I had a squeeze or two, but remember, you're just re-scarring the areas you de-scarred!

alyssa82 10 May 2013

update: I folded and bought the sunscreen ONLY for $60... not that bad, but I caved under the pressure. DAngit!

Kathy830 14 Oct 2012

Yes, I did get cystic acne 1 week after my treatment and after reading your post I should probably go to my dermatologist to get medication. I am so upset at this, it's been 1 week since my treatment. Sad.

bayview 9 Sep 2012

I had a fraxel treatment 2 weeks ago. At first everything seemed to be going according to plan and then I woke up with one pimple, next day, two and then 25 cystic type pimples! Of course I panicked as my skin does break out, but never this bad! I have managed to control my acne on the chin area, so I felt confident that it wouldn't be that bad, maybe a couple of breakouts. I checked out this blog to see how other people were reacting and getting results and it made me feel worse as there didn't seem to be a solution but rather, making the skin worse!

So, now I have to say, my skin in completely healed (90%- according to my husband, who of course had to hear all my whining and complaining). And I want to share with everyone the solution that worked for me.

1 - Stop using all products on your skin. Only wash with either Dove soap (which I use all the time) or Cetephil.

2. You must go to a doctor and get on antibodics. I am on Minocycline (1 50 mg) twice a day, one after breakfast and one after dinner. Don't use 1 dose of 100 mg as it works better twice a day at 50mg. You stay on this for three weeks.

3. Get to a dermatologist for kenalog injections to take the inflamation down. I had 15 injections in total. The cysts were gone within 48 hours from the injection.

Honestly, my skin is so much better than I now see some results from the fraxel! I think the gals who didn't get to a doctor for the meds and injections and kept putting creams on, it just got worse! My doctor told me it was the Fraxel itself that caused the flare up. The heat was just too much for my sebaceous glands. I won't be doing it again as I would not want to go thru what I have just gone through! It was very depressing! With skin such as mine, less is better.

So, I hope I can be of some guidance, I'm not a doctor, but boy, you really need to see one if you start to have this immediate breakout!

I am going back again this week for a follow up to see when I can start using my skin regime again and get back on track. Keep you posted!

Yuli 16 Aug 2012

Goodness!!! I was considering Fraxel as my next procedure to whiten my skin & help with random breakouts. But after all those reviews I've read I can't even think about it as a repair procedure - it's a damaging procedure!!! It should have been tested for years before getting it out on the market. Unbelievable!!!! I feel so sorry for you guys having so much trouble with that. Hopefully your skin will finally heal after all that damage & will be healthy beautiful again. I don't know how much effort & time it's going to take but i refuse to believe that it's impossible. I very much appreciate that you shared your pain here & your willingness to stop other people from making such a disastrous mistake. I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
YB

alyssa82 6 Feb 2013

My fraxel wasn't a mistake, it was a god-send. I've had scars from chicken pox on my forehead for 20 years, and went through my teens with them and then university. After fraxel, one single treatment, half of them were almost gone. Even the fine lines around my eyes were almost removed. I did break out a little, definitely, with all the exfoliation, sloughing, and apoptosis, of course, where else is the material in your derma going to go but out the only exit - your pores! I didn't like the appearance, for sure, and my face was hella itchy for a week, but having no scars means the world to me. The acne or millia didn't stay and neither did my scars. I will be having 2 more treatments and im done. Not looking forward to them, just the results.

KdDaisey 9 Jun 2012

I wish you all the best with your Fraxel treatments, Goggy, FrancieLou. However, keep in mind (as you can see per the RealSelf reviews that are at least 3 to 6 months post Fraxel treatment), many people felt "all was well," too, in the early stages following their first, 2nd and even 3rd treatment of Fraxel - The damage usually becomes apparent within 3 to 6 months (and can continue for years).

I thought my results were spectacular, initially - THEN the "nightmare" hit. If you plan to do (a 3rd treatment, Goggy or a 4th treatment, FrancieLou), I "strongly" advise waiting "at least" 3 months (6 months, preferably) after this last treatment you just had to see what your true results are. I say this not based solely on my experience, but on the 1.5 years of research I've done on issue in trying to correct MY own damage - Along the way, I was hit with horror story after horror story from people who felt just like you do at this point in their treatment plan - They thought they were fine; they liked their results. Most people in this forum (in addition to myself) will advise waiting 3 to 6 months after a single Fraxel treatment (or any laser treatment working off of a "pixel-like" premise) before posting a review, because anyone before the 3 to 6 month mark has not hit the point where the sky can potentially begin to fall and where the damage can become evident.

...Not trying to scare you, but feel compelled to warn other people who still have a shot (like yourself) of avoiding the horrific damage/dangers associated with all Fraxel-like lasers. ...Injuries to the dermis (which is where Fraxel-like lasers target) cannot be repaired - There is no fix. I repeat, there is no fix. None. If you get damaged, you will be stuck with the damage for the rest of your life - And the damage is NOT pretty.

...Please give the above some valid thought. I say (with all the conviction in the world)... Stop while youre ahead.

...I will add that some people do get a nice result from Fraxel, however, there doesn't appear to be any way to predict outcome - THIS "FRAXEL NIGHTMARE" IS HAPPENING TO SOME OF THE BEST, SUPERSTAR LASER SURGEONS IN THE WORLD. IMO, results are not solely operator-dependent. Results, IMO, are how the laser interfaces with one's own unique physiology. And because physiology is a "unique" scenario, predictability is, therefore, impossible on any level.

...All the above is just my opinion - You may choose to disagree, of course, but there are many people "out there" who would advise you in a similar way.

I wish you all the best in your treatment plan...

Neverevergiveup 9 May 2013

Fraxel is a nightmare. After losing all my soft tissue...fat atophy everywhere the laser went, extreme burning pain, texture changes and the loss of fat pads around my eyes I was treated with cell-enriched fat grafting by Dr. Steven Cohen in La Jolla. Took away all burning pain, regained my fullness in my face and hopefully my texture will improve over time. Please research cell-enriched fat grafting with Puregraft...it has saved my face from this complete nightmare. Thank you.

torontofraxel 10 May 2013

thx for sharing your information. I too had a very bad outcome with severe ulcerating lesions that continue 3 years later. My face is completely scarred from these persistent constant lesions. Where are you & Dr Cohen located? I'd like to see if anything could be done to restore some of the skin. The physicians in Toronto have told me they can't help & it's not due to the fraxel treatment. My skin however was fine before treatmemt, just a bit wrinkled. Thx

alyssa82 10 May 2013

I have just finished my 3rd treatment in the beginning of April. I had 3 treatments in all, and i will admit, I am pressing pause on the treatment after 3 to assess what the results are, as I think the previous poster had a point about analysing the results. I will point out a few differences in my case that may make the difference: 1. I am extremely fair - we're talking in the 1% of fairness. After receiving the treatment, I didn't get very much swelling at all, and my redness was moderate, no bleeding ect. This is because my skin didn't absorb as much energy into the superficial layers. 2. I am under 30; My first treatment was on my 29th birthday, and i don't have deep wrinkles, only superficial lines around my eyes and one mouth corner. It is possible my skin may be more resilient in its recovery 3. I am a lunatic when it comes to sunscreen, before, during and after the treatment, and likely for the rest of my life. If people on here have discontinued their sunscreen use before 6-12 months after their treatment, there could be some problems with the recovery. Fraxel is obviously not for everyone; And as a poster pointed out, you have to understand the risks. Some people are better candidates than others, and some will heal faster than other, some less well than others

Neverevergiveup 10 May 2013

Dr. Steven Cohen is located in La Jolla, California. I live in San Diego. I went to a respected dermatologist for my Fraxel treatment, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, also located in La Jolla...that is when my skin began to deteriate quickly. The procedure I had done by Dr. Cohen to fix my laser damage is called cell-enriched fat grafting and it can be extremely healing. You can research Dr. Cohen and Puregraft by Cytori on the internet. Before the procedure my face felt like it was on fire everyday and I had complete collapse (fat atrophy) of all soft tissue where the laser went. All of my issues started right after Fraxel. Unfortunately, until many people keep complaining and telling everyone they know and report to the FDA, problems will persist. The cell-enriched procedure with Puregraft has really helped me and I hope it can help you. Maybe you can call office and see if they can consult by Skype? Let me know if I can help further. I know there is hope with these stem cells because I am living proof. Thank you.

Goggy 9 Jun 2012

Had my second Fraxel yesterday, had absolutely no problems with the first treatment. I have noticed nothing but less lines on my face!!! So happy with my treatment :)

FrancieLou 21 Mar 2012

I am going in for my third treatment of fraxel next week (I bought 4 treatments) and I had acne after each treatment. I still have acne and it has been 3 weeks since last fraxel. This is just part of the side effects. The acne should eventually clear up I think. I think it takes four treatments to see any results. So far do not see any improvement but I think after the next 2 fraxels I will. So I will reserve judgment until about 90 days after the 4th (last) facial fraxel to see what I think. The acne is a bummer for sure.

Elvellon 21 Mar 2012

Chose your doctor carefully. The right doctor will administer the right settings for your skin type, conditions etc. Fraxel Restore is an invasive procedure which, sadly, doesn't work for everyone in the same way.

I have had 5 treatments, the last one being 8 days ago. I had moderately bad acne when I was a teenager and suffered from a bit of cystic acne until I got that under control with Obagi products about a year ago. I am 26, female and as white as a ghost. I break out HORRIBLY in each Fraxel session. The reason is because my treatments were aggressive which means more downtime, more redness, swelling and a slower healing process in the beginning.

Right now I have a handful of pimples and a very rough texture to my skin but give it a few weeks and I'll be good again. The "orange-peel' skin that people refer to I can honestly say I haven't really noticed with my skin however, I think I would take that over horrid acne scars any day. The current look of my skin is rough-ish but in the past this has exfoliated nicely and I'm hoping it will do the same again this time.

Whatever you choose to do, just be informed about it. In the right hands you have a higher chance of getting good results out of Fraxel Restore. Am I happy? Yes. I've seen improvement that has turned my life around for the better. Do I still have scars 5 sessions on? Yes. But compared to how they were before I am amazed. Results take a long time to come through though so please don't think of it as a quick fix, it isn't. Its a tough, slow process but with the right care it can work wonders.

I'm not saying that those with unfavourable results are the work of bad doctors or poor aftercare etc. Not at all. There will always be risks and unwanted side effects. What I am saying though, is that you need to be prepared of the realities of the procedure instead of the fluff they try to sell you in brochures. There is often weeks in downtime, lots of swelling, more than just a "sun-burned" look (for me I looked like a burn victim) and a lot of break outs in either milia, acne or sebaceous gland clogging (which is where the rough texture comes from). It's all normal after this procedure and there are ways to deal with it. They just don't like to make us aware of this as they wouldn't sell the procedure as well, would they? You will also need products specifically designed to help your skin heal after the procedure. Often an additional cost you weren't aware of when you booked your appointment.

In all, my experience has been tough and slow going but worth it. I hope that others who have not had good results find something that works for them. My heart goes out to all as I know how traumatic it is having to live in a face you're ashamed of. In the end, just remember that nobody has the cliche perfect skin. Make improvements but be realistic and you'll be happy!

torontofraxel 21 Mar 2012

Thank you for this encouraging post! May i ask what products you found helpful for sebaceous gland clogging which seems to be my ongoing issue after ++ years since Fraxel? Thank you.

Grimaud 21 Mar 2012

I have been using (for the same problem 2 YEARS after last Fraxel) SkinLaboratory: Salicylic / 20 Gel Peel. (Super Keratolytic)
Unlike the instructions that say apply and peel and wash off - I use a Q-Tip and apply to trouble spots and LEAVE ON overnight.
It dries and clears very well. It is quite strong so you might want to test a single spot overnight.
I have had clear skin my WHOLE life until my Fraxel laser treatments. Now a day doesn't go by without a breakout or small lump. Damaged hair follicles? That is my best guess. I have extremely tough skin (meaning highest laser intensity - highest glycolic concentration ) so you might want to be conservative until you find how long to leave it on. Good luck!