Fraxel Laser before & after photos
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Can Fraxel Treatment Trigger an Acne Outbreak?

I had Fraxel last week and am now experiencing some bad acne flareups, but I suppose this makes sense if there were flare-ups waiting to happen under the skin and the laser released them... just wondering if this is common and if it will go away.

Sort 2 expert answers by:
+2

It Sure Can!

Hi 22mama, Acne breakouts after Fraxel re:pair are very common because of the post treatment use of occlusive Aquaphor dressing. The incidence of acne break out following Fraxel re:store is much less, but can occur. Usually the chin area is most affected. There are ways to minimize or completely avoid the acne breakout after Fraxel. There is an anti-bacterial cleanser, Brevoxyl-8 Wash that can be used 2 or 3 times a day after the first few days. Recently I have begun using Centagenix,... more
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fraxel can cause an acne flare

Yes, we do see acne flares in patient's who get Fraxel treatment.  We often put patients on doxycycline orally and try to use petrolatum free products on the skin. Your acne should calm down fairly quickly and you will be able to have further Fraxel treatments. Don't worry.
Brenda Dintiman, MD
Fairfax Dermatologic Surgeon
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