Is Fraxel Effective for Treating Hyperpigmentation That Results from a Vitalize Peel? Doctor Answers, Tips
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Is Fraxel Effective for Treating Hyperpigmentation That Results from a Vitalize Peel?

I am of a Latina with olive skin and got 3 vitalize peels to treat acne scarring, but I ended up with hyperpigmentation that worsened with each treatment. I had a Fraxel restore treatment 2yrs ago for my acne scarring with great results but will it work as well for this type of hyperpigmentation? I want to get a fraxel treatment to "jump start" the process rather than waiting 6 months for something like obagi nu-derm to work because it looks so awful. What would you recommend?

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by River28 in New Brunswick, NJ
+2

Fraxel for Acne Scarring

If you want the greatest improvement in the shortest amount of time, I'd recommend having the Fraxel Re:pair laser treatment for your acne scarring/skin discoloration. The Fraxel Restore is a fractionated non-ablative laser that requires multiple treatments; the ultimate result after several treatments - in my opinion - is not as impressive as what you would have after one treatment with the Fraxel Repair (fractionated ablative, carbon dioxide laser). The fractionated ablative laser has... more
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Treatment for pigmentation following a peel - is fraxel a fix?

All patients with dark skin must be very careful with any invasive (laser, peel, abrasion etc) treatment of the skin because of something known as "post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" (PIH). PIH occurs when anything inflames the skin, including acne and other injuries. There is an increase in melanin production, which if then exposed to the sun becomes even worse. I have seen this as a result of Fraxel and almost every other laser. Once PIH occurs, the... more
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Fraxel lasers may help with pigmentation

This is very difficult to predict. Fraxel lasers have a strong safety record in olive skin and for pigmentation disorders. It works by damaging columns of skin which are then extruded or 'spit out' by the skin as the fine crusts you feel after the treatment. If it causes hyperpigmentation, it will resolve, but in the process the lighten the hyperpigmentation. I must say that it is unpredictable and if I treated you I would make sure to do a gentle treatment or... more

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+1

Fraxel is generally not a great treatment for hyperpigmentation.

Fraxel is generally not a great treatment for hyperpigmentation. Often hydroquinone bleachers as well as intense pulse light can be better. Sometimes, depending on the type of fraxel (i.e. an ablative fraxel), it can make the hyperpigmentation worse. You must be careful.
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Comments (1)

violetlight 23 Jul 2012
That must have been a strong peel. Do not go near fraxel, IPL or any other kind of laser. They can ruin your skin texture and cause you to lose fat in your face. The best idea is to use a GENTLE peel like a lower strength lactic acid, which works well for olive skin/hyperpigmentation. Try Make Up Artists Choice online. Avoid hydroquinine, that will make it worse. How do I know? I've tried out all these methods. And I have olive skin. Don't let anyone convince you to use a laser, ever.

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