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How to treat damage caused by Fraxel

By dee1016 on 31 Dec 2010

Diagnosis-5 sessions. After my 4th session I noticed a brown spot around my cheek. I asked about this and was told to use eye cream. Had my 5th session which truly damaged my skin. My skin below my eye above cheek bone looks burn/dehydrated.Dark brown spots-looks horrid. Whatcan I do?I hate my face.

Comments (37)

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Tom at RealSelf (Community Manager) 1 Jan 2011

Dee - I'm sorry to hear about your unhappy outcome. I hope these doctor tips may offer you some help. How long has it been since your last treatment?

dee1016 1 Jan 2011
My last treatment was done on March 16, 2010. I will post pictures to show the outcome of my sessions.
dee1016 1 Jan 2011
As you can see by my profile picture all the damage done by the Fraxel. Discoloration on my cheeks, upper lip, spotting on forehead and bridge of nose. What can I possibly do to get this corrected/reversed. I took the recommendation and had the 5 costly sessions. Sessions 1, 2 & 3 left wonderful results. 4th noticed spot by upper cheek 5th session went bad. I feel like I'm ruined. Please help, so....unhappy.
realist 12 Apr 2011
In my experience and that of many others who've survived the road you are on....do not do anything else aggressive to your skin. Let it heal. Be very gentle with it. It may get worse before it gets better but you can be hopeful about improvements over the long term. I am so sorry for your suffering. Using other lasers to "fix" the damage has not worked for every single person I know who was told to try that. In fact, they get more damage. Did they go up on your settings each time?
dee1016 13 Apr 2011
Realist- Thank you for your positive feedback. It's been over a year since my last fraxel and no change. It looks like its gotten worse. They told me to put hydroquinone 4% and it has not lightened up at all. I guess I'm doomed with the damage. Should I stop using the Hydroquinone?

thank you
FSRB (RealFriend) 17 Apr 2011
Dee....I have the same experience with my eyes. Do you see red in the dark areas? I was told mine were broken capillaries. It has been 10 months since my last treatment. I had very good results but as the settings went up, I had more damage. Do you have textural issues as well? Large pores, lines, etc? I am so scared it will get worse before it gets better.
FSRB (RealFriend) 17 Apr 2011
I meant to say it will get worse and never get better.

realist: How long did it take to see improvements? I looked at your review. Are you about 18 months out?
FSRB (RealFriend) 21 Dec 2011
Six months later, I want to update this comment to say things are better and they did not get worse which it what I think scares people the most. I think using vitamin c and Retin A has helped but time has helped the most At 18 months, it is getting close to how it was before except now I can't even blow dry my hair without getting hyperpigmentation.
dee1016 22 Apr 2011
Bowman929- I have textural issues. The skin looks sunken, dry and pasty. I've had people ask who's punched me in the eye because the skin is dark. I have been using lots of aveeno moisturizer because it contains soy. I read that its good for discoloration. Looks a little better, but not really. I say mine has not improved at all and its been over a year since my last procedure. I am very disappointed and upset with the outcome. They used a higher setting on my 5th session and thats when the damage occured. The technician said it's hormonal, but I know it's not. My skin was damaged to the point of no repair. Ugh.... Make sure if you go in the sun to use plenty of spf 70-100 and wear sunglasses and hat. I usually smear it on the discolored part and leave it white so the sun can't penetrate it.
FSRB (RealFriend) 23 Apr 2011
So it your eye issue post inflammatory pigmentation - is it brown? I have the same thing in the same area but I streaks of red in mine.....lots and lots of broken capillaries. It looks like PIH at a distance but when I really look closely, I see the red.

It is not ruined beyond repair.....it may take a little longer but if it is PIH, you will need to live like a vampire over the summer. I have heard good things about niacin as in Nia24 for strengthening the skin.

My last treatment was in June.....I hyperpigmented about a month later in July then my face competely collasped about 2-3 weeks after.

My children ask me if I am going to stay inside all summer because of my face...........so sad!!!
FSRB (RealFriend) 30 Apr 2011
Have you tried retin a? I got a little bit of sun (yes I was extra, extra careful) while my children were on spring break and now I am certain I have laser induced melasma!! I am heart broken!!! My skin looks dirty again and it is only April!!! This is on top of the enlarged pores and all over fine lines it caused!!!
dee1016 3 May 2011
So sorry....No I haven't tried Retin-A. Did someone suggest it. My spots feel like sand paper. I keep praying that one day I'll wake up and my skin will be beautiful again. Wishful thinking I guess, but that's what I wish. The sun will always make it look worse. So I wear oversized glasses to keep the spots under my eyes protected and my spf.
FSRB (RealFriend) 3 May 2011
What did your doctor tell you about the damage? Google Obagi Nu Derm and look at before and after pictures. It uses Retin A and hydroquinone. Many of the doctors on here have recommended it for general antiaging properties. It has good results for hyperpigmentation. I have just started using these products so I cannot give a full report.

My discloration is more red.....broken capillaries and milia which gives me a rough look.

Did you have good results otherwise? What were your goals with fraxel?

Blessings!!
imsorrynow2 18 Dec 2011
Had IPL for dark spots only and this was done by a Doctor not a spa. First three treatments at 18 went great. On the fourth time turned up to 20 and it caused red, hot burning for 12 hours. After two weeks my skin is lined with wrinkles, orange peel skin and little holes like someone who had bad acne. Doctor said there was no problem that she could see, refunded the balance and told me not to come back. I know she was as horrified as me. I am so depressed. Using Medica skin products but a month out and no improvement.
FSRB (RealFriend) 19 Dec 2011

Iamsorrynow2

You are not alone. Have you checked out the IPL reviews? Have you noticed any volume loss?

imsorrynow2 20 Dec 2011
Yes, I went to a plastic surgeon's P.A. and she said it is probably just dry and temporary. I would love to believe that but I see new areas on the surface of my skin that looks like slashing. It is horrible having a hard time sleeping, it is a nightmare. Do these professionals really believe what these repres of IPL are telling them? How do you prove the damage? What can be done now? A life time of fillers and botox? I had no problem with skin texture and now it is horrible.
dee1016 20 Dec 2011
Yes I have volume loss in that area.
FSRB (RealFriend) 21 Dec 2011
Baby your skin right now with lots of moisturizer. If you trust your Derm follow her instructions. If not find another one. Many deny the laser caused the damage but some will. It is easier to think it is the patient than their $150,000 laser. Take pictured from the same angle every 2 weeks since they do not lie.

Relax and eat as well as you can with lots of fruits and veggies!!! Get lots of sleep as well. I know this is easier said than done. Remember just because it happened to someone else honors not mean it will happen to you.....positive thoughts!!!!

Retin A is drying but has helped me. I truly believe it the science behind it but when to introduce it is the question. If you have hyperpigmentation as well. Look at the Obagi systems. They are expensive but after a month you will be able to see what products you like and ones you do not for reordering. For example I do not use the wash or toner but some swear by them.

Wishing you the best!!!
FSRB (RealFriend) 21 Dec 2011
I had a very well known plastic surgeon tell me that he sees patients frequently who want to restore volume after Fraxel treatments. I was able yo show him my pictures and he confirmed volume loss for me. It is so sad to think that I would think about having plastic surgery to correct damage from something that was going to make me look better.
dee1016 20 Dec 2011
I think it should be banned or the offices administering should go through special schooling. It's been almost 2 years for me and no improvement. Just seems to get worse little by little. I've tried numerous things and NOTHING has helped. My skin looks ages due to the brittle dark dry areas. It's very disheartening and for them to keep telling people there's nothing wrong is a crime. I'm still on a search for a product that will work.
imsorrynow2 22 Dec 2011
Has anyone either you or someone you know tried to seek legal consultation for the repairs you now need. They especially doctors should not be able to shove us out of there office and say they are not responsible. What about the makers of lasers? Don't tell me them don't know. At the very least the FDA should be made aware like when you have a problem with medication. Has anyone looked into it?
Jabberwocky 29 Dec 2011
I was burned by the doctor's assistant while undergoing a Fraxel Re:store session. She burned the left side of my face toward the hairline as well as my chin. I was left with hypopigmentation (I incorrectly said hyperpigmentation on another post) along my hairline and a keloid scar at my jawline. My skin has since returned to its normal color but I haven't been able to really do much about the keloid. What sucks is that I was getting treated for acne scarring when she did this. Even though I was high as a kite I remember her doing this. I didn't realize the burn was as bad as it was. The only thing the doctor did for me was offer me more Re:store treatments for free.
FSRB (RealFriend) 30 Dec 2011
Jabberocky
I'm not sure how long you are out from your last treatment. Have you looked into F5U shots? I think they can break down the keloid. I am so sorry you are going through this....it is awful!! Did you have volume loss or weird texture issues?
Jabberwocky 30 Dec 2011
Thank you so much, FSRB. It's been a constant uphill battle that I refuse to give up! My skin used to be smooth, and I'll try my best to regain what I had.

It's been about three years since my last treatment. At the time, I didn't realize I wasn't receiving the strongest Fraxel treatment (Re:pair) and that was what I wanted. The doctor didn't inform me of this. When I really stop and think about it, even though the doctor and staff were as nice as could be, the whole experience was so, so wrong.

I've never heard of F5U shots...I'll do some research and see if my new dermatologist or the other doctor I'm seeing for my scars knows anything about this. Thanks for the suggestion!

I didn't have volume loss from the burn, just hypopigmentation along the hairline and the keloid right under my jaw. As far as texture issues...my chin isn't very strong, and there appears to be a few "bumps" right under my bottom lip, but I'm unsure if it's due to the burn or just my skin texture/pores.
FSRB (RealFriend) 3 Jan 2012
The shots are called 5FU. I think it can be put in a cream as well.

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