Fraxel Laser: Q&A

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Radiation in Cosmetic Lasers Vs Cancer Treatments?

My doctor is suggesting Fraxel Repair for hyperpigmentation after Fraxel Restore, and I'm a bit concerned about the possible long-term side effects of these treatments. What is the difference between the radiation used in Fraxel and other lasers, and the radiation used for cancer treatments? Have the long-term side effects of facial treatments with these type of lasers been studied?

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by awalk

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Fraxel Laser Wavelengths Are Proven to Be Safe

Hi awalk, Very good question, as well as a concern that I had 20 years ago when I first began using lasers on patients. I did not want to find out like Madam Curie did with X-ray radiation that the lasers caused cancer years later. With respect to "laser damage" versus "solar damage" radiation, the effects of UV radiation on skin are well established. The UV wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum are 100-400 nanometers (nm). While there are beneficial effects of... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

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Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Significant difference in lasers

The difference between cancer radiation and cosmetic lasers is significant. Cosmetic lasers are in the visible or infrared spectrum, not the X-ray wavelengths which is what cancer radiation uses. There have been no clinical reports of cosmetic lasers inducing skin cancer.

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