Palomar Fraxel Laser side effects

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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

Yes it goes away.

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