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Fraxel Laser Cost ≈ $2,200 average cost

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Preventing PIH After Fraxel Restore or Repair

Have there been any statistics released on the percentage of patients that end up with PIH after Fraxel Restore or Fraxel Repair? Is there anything that can be done either prior to Fraxel or after that can reduce PIH? Does PIH occur more in patients getting restore versus repair? I know that there are creams that can be used if PIH occurs but what if anything can be done to prevent it in the first place?

Asked 26 months ago by Lin in MA in Mashpee MA

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Prevention of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH is a darkening of the skin which can potentially follow any injury to the skin. Scratching a mosquito bite, getting burned with a curling iron, waxing the eyebrow are minor injuries which can result in long lasting darkening of the pigment. How much more the possibility of PIH when more intense medical treatments are applied! Prevention of PIH starts with matching the patient and their goals to an appropriate treatment. For instance a very dark... more

Pamela Carr, MD

Sugar Land Dermatologist

The best thing to do is to prevent with Retin A and Obagi program prior to procedure

While there are many reasons for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the easiest way to prevent it is to pre-treat with Retin A and the Obagi System. The Obagi system has hydroquinone in it, which alone can help, but doesn't help as much as when it is in the Obagi program. The Retin A is always a help and is incorporated within the Obagi system if you purchase that. Additionally, it is really important to make sure you are the right person for these types of treatments. If you are... more

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Omaha Dermatologist

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur when any type of inflammation is delivered to the skin: laser, peels, dermabrasion, etc. With lasers it is more common with ablative (Fraxel Repair) than nonablative (Fraxel Restore). It is also much more common with Fitzpatrick skin types 4, 5, and 6 and in patients with Pacific Rim heritage. The Fitzpatrick skin type refers to the way your skin responds to ultraviolet light exposure (burn or tan). Generally, patients with darker skin... more

John Burns, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Using Hydroquinone a month prior and Gentlewaves helps prevent PIH from Fraxel

Starting hydroquinones 4% 1 month prior and restarting soon after the procedure will help prevent PIH from Fraxel. There is also a recent paper that suggests pre and post procedure Gentlewaves will decrease the risk of PIH as well. Avoiding the sun for 6 weeks prior to the procedure and good sunscreen also is important.