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Palomar Fraxel Laser side effects

Posted 16 Aug 2007

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. Do you think it's too soon to tell? Is there anything that can be done to correct it?

Comments (103)

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awalk (unregistered guest) 4 Oct 2007
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.....
Jenny (unregistered guest) 4 Oct 2007
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.
yvonne1269 15 Feb 2008
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.
Sachit Shah 18 Feb 2008
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.
Joy Moore 17 May 2008
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.
mom seeking advice 2 Jan 2009
I am about to do the palomar laser and was told it would remove old acne scars and smooth out wrinkles. Is this true? Is the Fraxel better than the Palomar. If so why? Pros and cons of each.
Reno Deb 3 Jan 2009
The 1540 Palomar and the re:fine and re:store treatments are very similar in action. Skin is left intact and only micro columns are treated (about 20-25% of the surface skin with each service) which is why your techs will recommend a series for more moderately damaged areas. All three services can resurface damaged skin and uncover the skin of your youth — all with minimal impact on your daily routine. These are Non-Ablative services that treat: wrinkles around the eyes, parenthesis around mouth, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots/sunspots, melasma and Actinic Keratoses. Downtime is advertised by both laser systems as: none to returning to regular activities the very next day. There are other forms of fraxel that are ablative and surgery quality like. If that is your desired result, that is where you need to investigate. Good luck and I am sure that whatever you choose, an informed decision will be the best one!
fvckyoufordoingthis 21 Jun 2011
You guys (MD) are all starting to sound like the laser sales representative. You haven't even addressed some of the horrible issues these patients are having with this treatment(s).

You simply parrot the info on the laser's brochures.

Please get back to the actual health care of patients instead of focusing on your bank accounts. Thank you!
Angela O 25 Apr 2012
AMEN. I often get the feeling that 'somebody' has equipment to pay for...
Donethat 25 Apr 2012
Have to agree - we are not all looking for a magic bullet but expect something for our money and maybe half of what is promised. My experience with laser was a complete waste of money - but worse you begin not to trust any of this stuff. If I bought a jar of cream that promises something and it doesn't produce - I have the right to return it... but these treatments fail to provide and there is no recourse. It makes me mad that providers of these treatments chime in to say how stupid we are and that our experiences are "uncommon." Obviously, they are not! I have had ingrowing hairs and stamp marks from this treatment - and many of the others are useless as well - unless you can afford to do them every week. Botox got rid of my 11s but produced a new wrinkle across the bridge of my nose, filler doesn't last and is crazy priced. Has anyone actually had this procedure and seen beneficial results... ? I haven't heard or seen anyone (at least anyone who isn't 14 years old and doesn't need it anyway!) and except for those airbrushed photos... this is all a bunch of crap if you have a serious wrinkle or scar - save your money!
Megan P (Community Manager) 26 Apr 2012

To try to keep a fair & balanced view, we should consider that the current Worth it Rating for Laser Resurfacing is 66%, so over 1/2 of the people who have had it done did think it was worth it, so it seems there is value in these patients eyes.

Since you had mentioned you were interested in hearing from people who have had good results you can click here to see the reviews of people who have voted it worth it. I filtered them for you, so hopefully that is helpful. :)

Donethat 26 Apr 2012
Thanks Megan - but many of the testimonials are not Fraxel - for example the very first one from Sharon (who is Dr. Reddy's assistant) who also had (multiple) face lifts, fillers, botox (the works) and ablative laser (the one that takes a couple of months to recover from). Many others had different treatments or combos and some are not a year out and haven' yet seen their skin return to its old ways. The mix of treatments also is not pure Fraxel - some have had other work including fillers etc., My experience was just plain old Fraxel over 4 months - -4 sessions and at first there was some improvement - but this disappeared fairly quickly. I am just trying to tell it like I see it. I know everyone is different - I am 55 and a blue eyed blond who eats right and exercises and stays out of the sun - I believe I gave it every chance but feel duped - luckily I don't have any long term problems like some others. However, as I said I am just sharing my point of view and people can take it or leave it.
marikemb (unregistered guest) 19 Feb 2008
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?
wendi (unregistered guest) 28 Feb 2008
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.
marikemb (unregistered guest) 28 Feb 2008
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
Scalicci 15 Aug 2011

Dear Wendy,
Please email me back and let me know your opinion about the PALOMAR STARLUX. I canceled any treatments after reading so many negative reviews. Now I dont know what to think. Please let me know.
Sandy

christy (unregistered guest) 28 Feb 2008
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.
cherubs 3 Aug 2008
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?
Debora 20 Aug 2008

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.

holly Hite 5 May 2008
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.
Michael A. Persky, MD 6 May 2008
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
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MD
reynoldsgloria (unregistered guest) 13 Aug 2008

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

Debora 20 Aug 2008

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. 

Michelle Rose 9 Oct 2008
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
Michael A. Persky, MD 10 Oct 2008
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
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MD

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