Fraxel Re:store for Type VI Skin?

I'm considering Fraxel Re:store laser for severe acne scarring. I have Asian skin which is between Fitzpatrick Type V and VI. I've never seen Fraxel before/after photos on Type VI skin. I've had mild peels before (e.g. lactic acid peels 30% and 50%) on my face without hyperpigmentation. Is there a serious risk of hyperpigmentation for me with the Fraxel Laser? Will low laser settings be effective without causing any side effects?

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acne scars Asian

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by angelique_evita in California

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Yes, but proceed with a well-qualified physician

Higher settings might increase your risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Fraxel, however, has worked very well on patients with your skin type. It is important to see a physician who has a great deal of experience treating Fitz VI skin with the Fraxel Re:store so that you can benefit from the proper pre-treatment and post-treatment regimens that have been time tested by that physician. Also, should you develop hyperpigmentation, that physician should be well versed in developing a... more

Fraxel re:store for Acne Scars in Asian Skin

Hi Angelique, Type VI skin is always risky to treat. Type VI skin, the darkest skin possible, has been treated with Fraxel re:store. I have treated scars without pigmentation problems. Asian skin is usually type IV. We do treat Asian skin with Fraxel re:store at low density, multiple treatments, separated by at least 3 to 4 weeks. Pre-treatment with a bleaching agent is also preferred. There is a low risk of hyperpigmentation in any patient. Avoidance of sun exposure and use of a good... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Most likely yes

First, I am wondering if you really have type 6 skin. Asian patients generally fall in the type 3-4 range. Imagine the darkest skin you have ever seen in your life and that would probably be a six. I lived and practiced in Japan for 2 years and have published articles on Asian skin and the Fraxel restore. We treat this type of skin in our practice on a daily basis and have great photos of this. In our research, we found that Asian skin is more likely to hyperpigment with increased... more

Fraxel for Acne Scars in Darker Skin Types

Since Fraxel Re:store is a non-ablative laser, there is significantly less risk of pigmentation issues compared to ablative CO2 treatments. When used at proper settings, it is a good option for darker skin types III-VI. Most Asians are Fitzpatrick Skin Type III-V. If you have had peels performed without pigmentation issues, you should be able to undergo Fraxel treatment without problems.

Fraxel is a safe option

In my experience, the key is the treatment level. If it is kept low (TL 4) is a good place to start, I have not seen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatment level determines the density or percentage of coverage, which is more important than the energy level used when worrying about pigment. The energy levels used should be high to go deeper for acne scars. It is always a good idea to be pre- and post-treated with retinoids and hydroquinone, and of course, sun protection. It is... more