Does Fraxel 1927 Make Dermal Pigment Rise to the Suface?

asked 2 years ago by 2036anon in Alexandria, VA
Latest answer by Mark Taylor, MD
Question viewed 2,285 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, darkening, reoccur

I recently had Fraxel 1927 used on my face for melasma with excellent results. It's been two weeks, and I'm getting the sense that some of the pigment is starting to come back just slightly. I'm wondering whether the slight darkening is from the dermal pigment rising to the epidermis, and that this will then be taken care of in my next session. What causes the dermal melasma to rise into the upper layers, and is this why I'm seeing some slight darkening? p.s. I'm using triluma daily.

5 answers to Does Fraxel 1927 Make Dermal Pigment Rise to the Suface?

Melasma is stubborn!

I am so glad you are using Triluma, since it is FDA approved for melasma. Fraxel 1927 is the best treatment I have seen for melasma, but no treatment permanently cures this stubborn, often inherited condition. A strict protocol of sun protection with hats as well as high SPF (like Anthelios 60, or Neutrogena 75) as well as antioxidants and Triluma reduce recurrence. Most people do need 2-3 Fraxels for best results. Good luck.

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

Effective long-term treatment of melasma requires an effective short term treatment and a long-term maintenance program of skin

The Fraxel Dual 1927/1550 Laser is an excellent short-term treatment. In my hands, the best treatment for melasma involves an aggressive short term treatment to get rid of the pigment (Fraxel Dual) and then a long-term skin maintenance program to keep the pigment away. Short-term I recommend two or more treatments with the Fraxel Restore 1550nm or Palomar 1540nm laser spaced about two weeks apart. In between Fraxel Restore Laser treatments, I recommend using the... more

Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

Melasma and Fraxel Dual 1927nm laser

As you had Fraxel Dual (1927nm) laser for melasma two weeks ago, the darkening that you are seeing now could be pigmentation resulting from the inflammation of healing. If this is the case, then pigment could actually be going deeper, but that is doubtful this early. Triluma and UVA and UV-B sunscreen protection as well as a Zinc or Titanium dioxide sunscreens are very important. Remember that wide-brimmed hats are helpful but don't prevent reflected waves of ultraviolet bouncing off the... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Fraxel Dual (1927) works great for hyperpigmentation

Lasers like the Fraxel Dual 1927 and light based devices like intense pulsed light (IPL, Photo Facial) that work on hyperpigmentation and melasma often appear to bring the pigmentation to the surface before removing it. Often it will look like coffee grinds, a dirty type of look, before it fades away. Fraxel Dual 1927 definitely works better on melasma then Fraxel re:store.

Lorrie Klein, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

Laser treatment for melasma

Melasma is extremely difficult to permanently remove. Two factors which can make it worse or recur are ultraviolet light (sun exposure) and estrogen supplements. Both estrogen and sunlight will worsen Melasma and should be avoided if possible. The dual Fraxel restore with the Thallium wavelength is excellent for improving brown pigmentation in the skin such as Melasma. It is important to make sure that the treating physician has the Dual Fraxel Restore with the additional wavelength... more

John Burns, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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