I had the Palomar Fraxel 1540 done exactly two weeks ago for hyperpigmentation. Photofacials have worked well for me, but I was assured this would be better. The pain was intense, but I expected that. What's upsetting, so upsetting, is that 2 weeks later, my face looks worse than before I started. It hasn't peeled, and the spots have just gotten darker; I've even gotten comments on it. Rather than having smoother skin, there are these fine little bumps - like milia - that turn into acne. I now have to wear makeup to even out my skin tone, and it's clogging my pores even more. I look aweful, and I'm sick about all the money I spent. I had gotten my skin looking halfway decent with the photofacials, and now this.
Do you think it's too soon to tell? Is there anything that can be done to correct it?
Yvonne
Submitted by Yvonne on August 16, 2007 - 8:01am. Viewed 5010 times
10/4/07
The same thing happened to me. Fraxel has ruined the texture of my skin. And I have milia and ingrown hairs that are horrible its been four months I only had one treatment and I am so dissapointed. My skin looks ten years older and It seems like it melted the restylane I had done before. two scars that had gone away years ago have come back and are worse than when they were new. I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience. Is it milia or burns? Does the laser affect fillers in your skin? I was told it wouldn't but seems like it did.....
10/4/07
My skin is itchy and rashy, maybe the milia you speak of? Anyway it definately loks worse rather than better so far. Its been 10 days. I was told the fraxel laser WOULD desroy fillers but not botox because fillers are just under the skin which fraxel can rech but botox is in the muscle which it does not penetrate. Seems logical to me. Even so,
the fraxel did not destroy all the filler I had for nasolabial lines.
I realize techniques effect people differently and one never knows in what way she will react, but for the high price of this procedure, I probably will not have more than this one treatment.
2/15/08
I'm sorry you all had a bad experiance with Fraxel. I had Fraxel 1 week ago today and I did experiance some of the affects you mentioned but I also prepared my self. I doubled up on vitam E, used SkinMedica (my Dr. said it would help heal and moisterize) and used ice packs every hour for 15min the day after. I did notice minimal break out and the age/sun spots did darken for the first week but as I washed my face I noticed it was flaking off little by little. I just orded the Sensative Skin cleanser that SkinMedica offers because I want to be sure and take care of my skin post Fraxel.
2/19/08
Please check - Palomar fraxel laser is not a Fraxel laser. They are different lasers completely. Palomar is not a Fraxel laser. It is just a fractionated laser hand piece that stamps in a pixellated form.
2/19/08
I'm scheduled to go in to the med spa on Monday morning for 1 session with the palomar 1540 fractional handpiece. They've assured me that 1 session will sufficiently provide me with a little tightening. I really have very nice porcelain skin with no discoloration and am just looking for some slight tightening. All of these comments are making me especially nervous.... Should I cancel my appointment and just use the money for something different? Has anyone had good results with 1 session with the palomar 1640?
2/29/08
you all are making me nervous! I just had my second palomar session today, on my face and chest. years of antibiotics have reddened my skin. I see a little improvement, had no pain and am supposed to go back for a few more sessions. Should I not go? After the redness is under control I am supposed to start the tightening phase. Would you guys update your posts so I know how satisfied you ended up? Thanks so much.
2/29/08
I am a Palomar-certified cosmetic laser technician. Three to five treatments with the 1540 are recommended for optimum results and layering of the collagen production in the skin. If you don't experience some reddening and swelling, you are not getting an effective treatment. You can expect itching and "flaking" as the surface layer of dead cells sloughs off. Everyone does experience different pain levels and length of recovery, but if you have had two sessions already with no problems, you should be fine. I have had very satisfied clients with their results.
2/29/08
Hey Wendi. I'm the comment right above you. I ended up cancelling my appointment at the med spa, so I have no results to report. The negative comments were just too much for me...I can't get my money back so I'm prepared to hold off for a while to see if I can work up the courage. Let me know how it all works out for you and if you end up with any overall tightening.
marikemb
5/5/08
I am so mad!! I had a fraxel laser done 2 months ago at a Beverly Hills plastic surgeons office. My skin has a print all over it from the laser. Like a fabric. It looks 10 years older and now covered in dark spots. I will not go for apt. #2.
5/6/08
Hello, I have been having the Fraxel laser treatments, I have had 3 so far, It is somewhat painful, my face is swelled for 3 or 4 days, and red, after the redness does leave gradually. my face is tight feeling, and some wrinkles improving, they said it would show results in 3 months, it has been 2 months. It burns
alot as each section of your face is done, but by the time I get home, the burning is over. my face gets itchy, but I am to have 6 treatments in all. the cost is 1,700 total. we are in the Army in Germany, so I get my treatments here. so would love to hear the results of others after 6 treatments. and how much swelling, redness and pain. people who fear the pain, remember "no pain, no gain" and it is only for an hour. I have never taken pain medication before but next treatment I will take an asprin.
5/7/08
Hi Holly,
Sorry that you have had such a bad experience. With any laser, before and after treatment, patients need to be very careful about what skin products they use as well as avoidance of sun exposure. Hormone pills such as BCPs can also cause increased pigmentation after treatment. Your skin type (color) could also effect the pigmentation. Lastly, the settings on the laser need to be at the proper levels. Did you have the Fraxel laser by Reliant Technology? I have been using Fraxel re: store (and now re: pair) in my practice for the past 3 years and have never seen or heard of the print that you describe. This does not sound like Reliant's Fraxel. Perhaps it was a different laser company's "fractionated" technology. Please let us know. Good luck.
Dr. P
5/7/08
Hi Eleanor,
So that's where our tax dollars are going! You are going to cause an enlistment surge if you publicize 6 Fraxel re: store treatments at that price! I hope that your physician is using a Zimmer cold air blower during your treatments. Also numbing cream that is 7% Tetracaine/ 23% Lidocaine should be left on for at least one hour before the treatment. Xanax and Vicodin don't hurt either.
I have a few patients who have had 6 or more treatments and they are all doing well and happy with their results. Keep up the good work and most heart felt thanks for your service in the defense of the United States of America. G-d bless you and be well.
Dr. P
5/9/08
I am 7 months out 1 treatment and feel uncomfortable leaving my house.. I have what looks like Cystic acne every place I had restylane
...Cheeks... Nasal folds and under eyes....
I had it done at a very reputable plastic surg who I have seen for botox and resty more than 7 years..but the nurse did it.. I was hesitant because one nurse wasnt sure if I should do it with the fillers....But the nurse doing it assured me she spoke to the fraxel rep day before and it was okay over fillers.....
Has any one else had a bad experience...
The texture of my skin looks like chicken skin and I keep thinking my face is going to heal.... but its getting worse...
I had visia skin pictures and the derm doc I went to said he has never seen anything like it and he has done 100's of treatments.... He is hesitant to treat me untill my skin is normal...
PLEASE if anyone can lead me in the right direction or let me know if they had a bad experience....I WANT TO GET BACK TO MY LIFE and need help getting this fixed I am so worried that my face is ruined forever...
5/10/08
Hi a,
What type of laser made by what company were you treated with? What were the settings? Are you positive that you recieved Restylane? I have never heard of the reaction that you are having with Fraxel by Reliant Technology and U.S. Restylane by Medicis, and have treated hundreds of patients with the combination. Let us know.
Dr. P
5/17/08
Is the Palomar Fraxel laser suppose to give the same results even though it is a different instrument. Can you explain the difference between the two?
Thank you so much.
8/3/08
I had palomar laser done on Friday. Today is
Sunday. I am asian and my skin tone is medium
olive. Before the treatment I used Obage clear
lighten my skin. Today I my skin is blotchy and
I can see the stamp print on my face. My face
is not dry and is not peeling. Will my face
peel and when does the stamp print go away?
8/14/08
Ihad the same print on my face after fraxel laser, it was pretty much in one area. that was about a year ago. I had it done again today on my chin with a different doctor, they did 8 passes so I dont know if that will happen again ,Ihope not. Iused alot of moisturiser, it seemed to help,but Ithink it just takes some time. good luck . gloria
8/21/08
Did the "fabric" imprint ever go away? I have the same situation, although seems a small price to pay for what I got after one treatment. I actually can see the area on my upper above my lashes! I went and bought $100 worth of eye shadow.
Lower, better but still have drooping. Still baggy but better.
However, if the fabric imprint never goes away, I may just be happy with how they look and not get a second treatment.
8/21/08
Did the "fabric" imprint ever go away? I have the same situation, although seems a small price to pay for what I got after one treatment. I actually can see the area on my upper above my lashes! Lower, better but still have drooping.
However, if the fabric imprint never goes away, I may just be happy with how they look.
9/27/08
It was fraxel restore with the blue mask perfomed 3/07 in a reputable plastic surg office who I went to see about 8 years ago for bleph..He said I didn't need it..yet.. I continued to go for botox then resty. I'm fairly confident of the authenticty and participated in the rest rewards..I will find my records for the settings and can send pics if you think it will help..I belive my doctor to be one of the best with the upmost integrity and prefer not to mention his name on a website. The procedure was performed by a nurse in his office..I am at my wits end. And will follow this up with settings and more info The Presidential debate is heating up and I'm anxious to watch....
Thank you in advance for any help or direction you can offer to help me get my life back..I am willing to travel anywhere to get this repaired..My entire family is suffering as a result of this..I am losing hope as more time passes that my face will return to normal.
9/28/08
Hi a,
Send photos to my email for evaluation.
Dr. P
10/10/08
Hi, I also have been left with the stamp of the fraxel laser. It's really just on my chin. I had it 9 weeks ago. Just wondering did the stamp imprint go away over time, if so long did it take?
As you can imagine this is causing me great concern and any advise or comments you could give would be a great help.
Michelle
10/10/08
Hi Michelle,
I have not seen this "stamp" with Fraxel by Reliant, though I have seen it with other lasers that are "fractionated". Are you positive that your physician treated you with the Fraxel laser by Reliant?
If it was a Fraxel re:store laser, then the area should fade with time. Much good luck.
Dr. P
10/10/08
Yes the "stamp" or "fabric" imprint does go away....about 4 weeks just in time for another treatment. I had the Palomar laser.
I mean, no it is not the results an eye job would give. But I do look better after two treatments. I still have bags allow they are smaller and smoother. I would have preferred a lower blepharoplasty and been done with it.
10/15/08
Hi Dr P,
Thanks for your response. I was just wondering- the 'stamp' effect which is left is that a scar that will fade with time? I am really worried that it is a scar. The doctor I spoke to said it's because only 30% of the skin was treated and with time the rest of the skin will grow out and return to normal. I am skeptical whether this is the case and think he may have just left a fabric looking scar because the treatment was far too strong for my skin.
What is your opinion- Is the fabric print a scar or just part of the healing process? Can it be a permanent thing?
Thanks so much for your advice
Michelle
10/15/08
Yes it goes away.
10/16/08
Hi Michele,
I have never seen a persistent "stamp" effect with the Fraxel laser. Fraxel is the only fractionated laser that does not use "stamping" with its application. Fraxel is applied to the skin with a "roller paint" stroke. If you were truly treated with Fraxel by Reliant (and not another company's "fractionated laser") then the effect that you are experiencing should disappear with time. Send a picture if you can, and let us know how it goes.
Dr. P
10/16/08
Dr P.
Are you aware of any clinical trials that I can view online....I'm trying to find information or someone who had the same problems that I did to see how they fixed it.
My face seems to be getting worse with time and it’s been well over a year since my treatment. This is not my skin.
It looks like I aged 30 years overnight and the texture looks worse with makeup..I’m getting sores along the boney areas, the sides of my nose and where I had filler. They look like little ulcers not a zit or bug bite more worm shaped than round and appear in a linear pattern. I’m also getting sores and hyper pigmentation anywhere I had an injection in the past. A scare that had disappeared ten years ago resurfaced..
I’m totally perplexed and concerned that I have been badly burned and my doctor doesn’t know how to treat it. I’m getting the feeling he is waiting for me to just go away at this point…I am looking for trials or info relating to complications and how they were treated so I can get this fixed without causing further damage. I have spent over a year dealing with this hiding in my home and no one seems to know what to do about it… I went to the FDA website and couldn’t find much. It looks like Fraxel received 501k approval 7/08 . I found some reported complications but the treatments are not specific as to how they fixed them… Are doctors required to report complications or is it voluntary with 501k approval? My understanding is this is an expedited approval based on previous technology. I’m desperately trying to find a way to fix my face so I can get my life back. I feel like I'm under house arrest and keep thinking improvement is coming then it gets worse.. I think I have seen all the improvement I'm going to see and wondering if the sores are my hair trying to grow back...It’s also starting to hurt in areas that I didn't have feeling before. Does that mean those areas are healing?
Who in the country has done the most research or procedures with this laser…And who would you suggest I go to for treatment to fix this?..If anyone has had the same problem and had it repaired please let me know what you did...My family is supportive and willing to send me anywhere to repair this .
Thank you in advance for any assistance or direction you can offer.
10/16/08
Hi a,
I am not aware of clinical trials dealing with your problems. From your description it is unclear as to what is going on. You need to be examined by an expert in the field. It is not clear whether you are having side effects from the "Restylane" or whatever the filler injected was; or from the Fraxel re:store (which has an extremely low complication rate). It sounds like you are having granuloma skin reactions which are related to the more permanent fillers. You should notify both Medicis (Restylane manufacturers), and Reliant (Fraxel) and ask them whom they recommend that you consult with regarding your problems. That will likely depend upon where you live in the country. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
10/21/08
Hello,
Thanks again for your comment. It was definitely Fraxel by Reliant that has given the stamp effect. Can you explain why this would happen. Also is this machine able to cause scars from where the laser beam entered the skin as you can still see them and the texture is still different from the rest of my skin. It's been 10 weeks. How long would it take for complete recovery would you imagine? I think it was 45 mj. Mineral Makeup does still not cover it and seems to just sit in the treated skin and highlight the treated area.
It is getting better but I just want to know if it is even possible to have complete recovery and how long it should take?
Kind Regards
Michelle
10/22/08
Hi Michelle,
Which Fraxel laser were you treated with, re:store or re:pair? That will determine the answer to your questions. I have not seen patients who did not have complete recovery over time. Yours should fade over time.
Avoid sun exposure, and if you are on hormones, check with your doc, as BCPs and female hormonal supplements may increase post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Be well.
Dr. P
10/23/08
Dear Dr P
Thank you for your response. It was Reliant Restore. I know the hyperpigmentation will fade but will the different texture of my skin return to normal.
It is alot better but you can still see the lines of where the fraxel was and a sort of stamping effect on my chin. It is now 11 weeks
Thanks kindly
Michelle
10/23/08
Hi Michelle,
With time, both the texture and skin color will return to normal. It is very important to avoid sun exposure, and use a physical sun block. There are some patients whom if I look hard enough, I can see where the treatment ended, and untreated skin begins.
To create a burn or permanent scarring with the re:store laser is very difficult, but I have seen one patient treated by a physician who did not know how to use the machine (his nurse was sick that day).
Be patient and your skin should return to normal. Be well.
Dr. P
10/23/08
Dear Dr P,
Just one final question if you don't mind. With some patients how you stated that if you look hard enough you can see where the treated area began and the untreated skin starts, how soon is that after the treatment? Are you talking about that being a permanent thing for some patients or just in the healing stage?
Would you expect skin to heal 100 % and there be no textural change at all or some patients that slight difference remains permanent?
I really appreciate your help and fast responses.
Kind Regards
Michelle
10/24/08
Everyone that has the "stamp" or "fabric" look simply needs to have a Dermaplane facial a few weeks post fractional or fraxel treatment. This will completely diminish the the unwanted texture and leave your skin exfoliated and refreshed. :)
10/24/08
You should find a derm in your area who doesn't do a lot of cosmetic or specializes in skin cancer or burns...Also get visia and primo pics. They have the technology to tell whats going on under your epidermis..
Another doctor who doesn't have fraxel will be able to tell you if it is a burn and start treating it. A doctor who invested in one will be hesitant to say anything neg about fraxel..
My fraxel was 18 months ago..I had the same texture issue and the lines of thicker skin. It has not healed and actually is worse..you should do it now..It could be more serious than a cosmetic issue Skin cancer develops in burn scars and can be disfiguring in the future. I was done with the restore laser...one session..with the blue dye..
10/26/08
Hi Michelle,
My experience has been that with time the color difference between treated and untreated areas fades to almost nothing. It does depend on you avoiding sun damage and using sun block during the healing phase. There should be improved texture of your skin in the treated areas. Be patient and let us know how it goes, there is certainly no need to panic. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
10/29/08
Hi all,
Wow, I'm amazed by all the horror stories that i have read on this page. I'm sorry this has happened to you (but thank you for sharing.)A best friend of mine has had 3 fraxel treatments and has experienced positive results. She had this treatment done becuase of acne scars on her cheeks and lower face. She did not notice much improvement after her first treatment, but now, a few weeks after her third treatment, her face has improved a lot!
I also have scars on my face from acne and my friend has recommended Fraxel to me. I was excited to try it, since she had positive results, but I wanted to do some research on it first. Now, after reading some of the comments on this page I must say I'm a little hesitant. Also, my face is not only scarred from acne, but I still break out so I'm wondering if it would be a waste of time/money to get this treatment if I'm going to just continue to break out and create more scars??? Any advice?
10/29/08
Hi amarie,
Results do vary from patient to patient, and from doctor to doctor. Your friends experience is the most common pattern that I see in my office when treating acne scars. I have also seen improvement in active acne, although Fraxel re:store is not indicated for active acne. I believe that Fraxel re:store should be helpful. You need to discuss with your treating physician your expectations, and his/her ability to meet those expectations with the treatment. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
10/30/08
I had the palomar laser 3 months ago. My pores on my cheeks seemed to of shrunk, but in some spots I still have the pattern on my face . My skin is sensitive and Im wondering if it just takes more time before it goes away? It has already been three months and Im getting nervous . I am happy with pore size but will the pattern on my skin will this ever go away?
I am nervous now
10/30/08
I had the fractional palomar laser treatment about 3 months ago. I see a difference in my pore size but I too have the pattern on my face still on some parts like around the eyes, cheeks, and jaw line. I got a microdermabrasion because thats what they told me to do that it would go away after. It is still their. My skin in very fair and senstitive. I am wondering if this will ever go away and if so when ?
I am nervous
11/15/08
Some clarification...
This is what's behind the "stamping" affect or the "little dots" a patient might see on his/her face after a "fraxel"or a "fractional" non-ablative treatment (meaning the very top layer of the skin is not removed, there would be no bleeding or oozing).
When any non-ablative "fractional" laser is pulsed into the skin, the laser coagulates or heats up hundreds of miniature or "fractional" columns in the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue completely unaffected. In any type of laser treatment, your basically creating a controlled burn. The tiny little dots or patterns a patient might see on their face are the very tops of the miniature columns that were pulsed into the skin in the first place. So really, these dots are tiny scabs that over time, WILL fall off.
The difference Fraxxel and Palomars 1540..
Both Palomar and Reliant technolgies are the only two companies that own a patent on "fractional" technologies. Fractional technology is taking a single columnated laser beam like a laser pointer and instead of only seeing one dot on the wall, the beam is "fractionated" of broken up and you now see 300, which is exactly what on a miniature level your skin would look like after a procedure.
Fraxxel is the family of Reliant technologies "fractional" lasers.
Fraxxel has three fractionated lasers
1. re:pair ~ Co2, ablative, heavy duty laser. most intense fraxel treatment... compares to Palomars 2940 Erbium laser but with longer downtime
2. re:store ~ 1505 wavelength non ablative erbium laser. medium intensity... compares to Palomars 1540 wavelength laser.
3. re:fine ~ 1410 wavelength non-ablative laser goes quicker and hurts less than the re:store, least intensive fraxel procedure, compares with Palomars 1440 wavelength laser
When it comes to the re:store/1540 and re:fine/1440 lasers Palomar and Reliant both have very effective, similiar and clinically proven technologies
There is a big difference however, between Palomars erbium fractionated 2940 wavelength and Fraxel's re:store treatment.
It all comes down to down time. Both lasers shoot down and completely vaporize mini columns in the skin leaving a wound. Reliant uses Co2, a wavelength that historically has caused prolonged redness (which does eventually go away) along with heating up the skin much more than Palomars Erbium wavelength 2940 laser. Patients have been red for months with fractionated treatments!!! Palomar's erbium 2940 laser accomplishes the same clinical endpoint as fraxel's re:store laser but with much less downtime and redness while keeping a rather larger saftey margin.
Hope this helps...
Pumpsy
12/4/08
You had FRAXEL done at a Plastic Surgeons office. We are using the Palomar Fractional 1540 Handpieces. These are NON ABLATIVE unlike what you experienced. Do not confuse the two. I am sorry about your experience but the Dr's office should have thoroughly discussed what you would look like, downtimes, and before and after expectations with you. Palomar's 1540 Fractional Laser is a wonderful tool when utilized by a knowledgeable Technician. I encourage you all to ask questions and do research before consulting so you can have your concerns and questions addressed!