Fraxel Laser Q&A
55%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review
View Before and Afters
Average Fraxel Laser Cost: $1,775
Learn about Fraxel Laser
1,960 people and 240 doctors are talking about Fraxel Laser
Get Free Email Updates
Does Hydroquinone Prevent Hyperpigmentation Pre- and Post-Fraxel Restore?
asked 11 months ago by Cape Town7868 in Cape Town
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 361 times
Tags: forehead, hydroquinone, hyperpigmentation, prevention
I am type 3 skin. Dark hair & dark eyes. Caucasian. I had the normal restore (not the new added thulium laser) done on my face. I did not hyperpigment. Energy set to 20. I did a second test patch overlapping the first & it would appear there are a few orange pigmented flecks developing. I am on day 5 after Fraxel. I did not pre or post treat with hydroquinone. Will hydroquinone really help prevent hyperpigmentation when I do my whole forehead? Could hydroquinone create more hyperpigmentation?
2 answers to Does Hydroquinone Prevent Hyperpigmentation Pre- and Post-Fraxel Restore?
+2
Skin Preparation Prior to Fraxel Laser Treatments
Following Fraxel laser treatments, patients may experience some bronzing discoloration as the microthermal zones (MTZs) of coagulative tissue necrosis are sloughed. This may be accompanied by some flaking or a slight rough surface texture. This should resolve when all healing is complete a few days later.
I would definitely prep all skin type III patients before any laser procedure. We typically use retinol and/or 4% hydroquinone for 4 – 8 weeks prior to beginning any laser...
more
+1
Fraxel and hyperpigmentation
Hydroquinones do not prevent hyperpigmentation in all people who are prone to this side effect. In fact, some patients become irritated from hydroquinone and any irritation can cause hyperpigmentation. Retinols and corticosteroids may have to be added to hydroquinone for some patients. Lately, a new product Lumixyl, which is a non-irritating topical cream (non-irritating from most patients) has been introduced into the market. Both hydroquinone and Lumixyl work by...
more
