Fraxel Laser before & after photos
55%
470 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Fraxel Laser Cost $2,200 average cost

TCA Peels Before Fraxel Laser to Get Full Benefit?

I'm considering getting Fraxel on my face. At one clinic I was told that I should get a TCA peel 30% at least 20 peels each a week apart before doing Fraxel or I will not fully benefit from the treatment. Should I get it on my neck as well?  I was informed that since I'm olive-skinned, I may end up getting dark. I'm confused and need some clarification. All I need is eliminating fine wrinkles, spider veins, some discoloration and getting a dewy, glowy complexion. Thank you for your time. 

Asked 28 months ago by meetingpoint in California
Sort 4 expert answers by:
+2

TCA peels not needed as a pretreatment for Fraxel

TCA peels are working in a similar manner as the Fraxel treatment. 20 peels spaced a week apart does not sound possible. Perhaps that is a typo. Typically our patients with olive skin will begin a home skin care regimen prior to having a Fraxel re:pair treatment. Some patients will undergo one or two superficial peels (glycolic) prior to the Fraxel treatment when they plan to have the treatment in a delayed fashion. I would discuss this further with your doctor to clarify the treatment... more
Jennifer Parker Porter, MD
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Fraxel Laser and TCA Peels

Hi Meeting Point, That was meant to be 2 peels, not 20, correct? You can get excellent results with Fraxel repair without having TCA peels. If your physician recommends two TCA peels for optimal results, like chicken soup, it can't hurt. To minimize your chances of hyperpigmentation, wear sun block, wide brimmed hats, and avoid sun exposure religiously. Enjoy your rejuvenated skin. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

TCA not needed with Fraxel

A. Fraxel and TCA peels: I cannot see the need for that many TCA peels prior to a series of fraxel laser treatments. Sometimes I do combine other laser treatments with Fraxel in order to enhance results. Some examples of lasers used in combination with Fraxel are: Vbeam pulsed dye or Gentle YAG 1064 for bood vessels or redness GentleLase long pulse alexandrite or a q-switched alexandrite laser (ex: alex trivantage) to treat pigmented spots - freckles, melasma Smoothbeam non-ablative laser... more
Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist
+1

You don't need TCA peels to benefit from Fraxel treatments

"Shaving down the sides of the nose" is not a clear statement. Doing a septoplasty and turbinate reduction is for improving the nasal airway and is not a cosmetic operation. Doing procedures to change the external appearance of the nose (Rhinoplasty) is a different operation that may or may not be done at the same time as the septoplasty. It needs to be clear if you are asking for cosmetic surgery , and if so, what you want changed such as thinning or reducing the dorsum,... more
David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.