Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

I had three fraxel treatments done starting february, march, and april - all went well - but last month i noticed spots on the sides of my cheeks - now i am reading about pigmentation which was never mentioned by my doctor - is this a common side effect and do these spots usually go away or they for ever? They were never there before fraxel. What could cause this?

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pigmentation complication

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by LisaAPrice in MURRELLS INLET, SC

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Any laser or chemical resurfacing can causes skin...

Any laser or chemical resurfacing can causes skin darkening and discoloration that show up as spots, or as large patches on face or body. This is because cells that normally produce brown pigment of your skin go into overdrive. This happens because of an inflammatory. Although this side effect can occur in all skin types, it is more common in people of Africa, Asia, Latin, and indigenous Indian background. This increase pigmentation will in many cases fade over time on its own. However,... more

Fraxel Restore can help hyperpigmentation but can cause it too in some patients

postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur with any trauma on some skin. It can be caused by acne, a burn from a curling iron, a sunburn, a waxing, laser hair removal, chemical peels and other treatments, and even a laser designed to improve facial darkening, Fraxel! Sunblock is important and your doctor may prescribe lightening creams and even chemical peels.

Sun protection AFTER Fraxel is essential

Fraxel has been a great success story in the quest for skin rejuvenation with little downtime. The laser targets water in the dermis to stimulate collagen production and it also removes microscopic islands of epidermis improving discoloration. It can be used in all skin types, but the energy settings must be decreased for darker skin or those prone to pigmentation. Deep heating can lead to inflammation that can stimulate pigmention, especially in darker skin types. No matter what your... more

Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve.

Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve. After fraxel, as with chemical peels, dermabrasion,etc, the skin remains with some redness and mild swelling for a few days. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure for two weeks after Fraxel in order to reduce the chance of developing brown patches. With these precautions, brown spots uncommonly develop after Fraxel. If however they do occur, they always fade with proper use of bleaching creams and sun protection.