Permanent hypopigmentation is generally caused by irreversible damage to the melanocytes. This can occur as a result of an aggressive immune response or scarring. Inflammation generally causes a stimulation of melanocytes causing hyperpigmentation. Inflammation releases many cell mediators... more
Hypo-pigmentation After Fraxel Repair
I am 12 weeks post fraxel repair and still dealing with hyper-pigmentation issues that are slowly getting better. I recently got another opinion from another PS that is very experienced with CO2 lasers. I was there for another reason, so he was looking at my face with make-up; but, he said it looked like I was still dealing with some prolonged erythema and that the erythema could possibly lead to hypo-pigmentation. I understand that hypo-pigmentation is usually permanent. I am using Triluma for the hyper-pigmentation which tends to make my face more red. I'm so confused at this point. I do have some white patches that have been visible since the day after my treatment. I assumed they were areas that were skipped and never considered that they could be hypo-pigmented. Can hypo-pigmentation come on that fast? Should I lay off the Triluma until all of the redness goes away and then deal with the darker spots? While in the waiting room they had the Reliant video playing and it made my cringe. Their claims of "a few days of redness and no reports of delayed onset hypo-pigmentation" are ridiculous. There is no doubt I had some great improvement in some areas of my skin, but I feel like I traded them for other issues. I feel lucky that I didn't have more damage than I did.
4 answers to “Hypo-pigmentation After Fraxel Repair”
A: Prolonged inflammation can lead to pigment changes
To really answer this question, I'd need more information about your skin type and the settings used for your Re:pair treatment. In general, the healing time for an aggressive Re:pair will be weeks and not days. The redness can last for 2-3 weeks routinely, but if it persists beyond that, the risk of prolonged... more
A: Hypo-pigmentation takes time to show
Hi c, The area that you noticed immediately after your Fraxel re:pair treatment was likely undertreated as you suspected. Hypo-pigmentation takes some time to develop, at least enough time for the redness from the treatment to go away. Certainly seek the advice of your treating physician regarding... more
A: The real story about Fraxel Re:pair
You have just found out the greatest lie in laser surgery and one that is unfortunately perpetrated by the laser companies to physicians and from physicians to patients. It makes me mad as well when I see the laser information that states recovery is that quick. It simply isn't that quick if the... more
Comments
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1 post
11 Oct 2008
I think Triluma is a mistake. That is inflammatory and the steroid will increase your chances of developing hypopigmentation in my opinion because it interferes with the healing of the skin.
1 post
15 Dec 2008
cb-i wonder how you are doing now? i also have hyperpigmentation from repair and am using you as a bit of a guide to recovery. i am only at 5 weeks now but as you can imagine the darker spots on my neck make it difficult to wear clothes!
35 posts
28 Dec 2008
Mondavi, Sorry for the delay in reponding. Somehow I missed your post... I'm happy to report my pigment issues are gone. It took a long time for me. I had fraxel repair the last week of June and it's just been over the last few weeks that I feel my skin is back to it's normal shade. I had a pretty aggressive treatment. I have no hypopigmentation at all which was my greatest concern. How are you doing? CB
35 posts
14 Mar 2009
Hi NC, I had major hyperpigmentation over my entire face. I was a strange bronze color and it was hard to tell what was really hyperpigmentation and what was redness/vascular. The first 6 months I used the Modus Skin care line. I would use it on and off. It was hard to tell what was making it worse etc. One thing that I did use everyday was NIA 24 sunscreen and a Vit C serum. It helped with of course sun protection, but also with the redness. For the last 4 weeks I've been using Obagi and have very little irritation. My skin looks really good. It took 6 months for mine to clear up and honestly, I don't think any product (except the Nia 24) helped. If your pigment issues are post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, time is probably the only thing they will help that much as you run the risk of causing more damage with product. How long has it been since your treatment?
465 posts
25 Mar 2009
Revale coffe berry night cream works great for inflamation and redness without the side effects of a corticosteroid. It was voted Allures best night cream.. If its bad ask your doc if you can use Desonide Lotion a prescription but safest for face and use the Coffe berry night during day or after your course... Using a steriod cream to long can cause facial veins redness....If prone,,, I would limit use of it and try coffe berry to see if it helps my new Derm told me to use during the day...LOVE IT I think TNS Recovery serum would speed healing of fraxel... It cuts healing after a peel in half and would be great with fraxel because the growth factors would be absorbed more.... I don't know why every doctor doesn't suggest or sell this with Fraxel....It has everything needed to cut healing in half.... If I use TNS I can use Retina A every night without irritation.... Without it only every other or third day...Amazing stuff... Better than all the other Growth factor creams...Concentrated....Expensive but totally worth it after a treatment like this...... I put my face over mild steam and rub it in then put the auqapher on let sit for while then Lightly blot with a paper towel to get the stickiest of the auqapher off so hair doesn't stick.... Tri-luma is something you should use only temporarily and only spot treating... It works better than anything else but has a steriod that could thin skin with prolonged use.... Spot treat only.... Hope these can help someone other than me..Ive used many high end products and these work well for me...... Don't forget to take mega Vit C and a B complex to spead healing..They sell Emergen-c in little powder packets you can add to 16ounce water...Tangerine is yummy Rasberry so-so amazing how much of a difference Vit C makes..
465 posts
5 Apr 2009
crb101169 I have read your posts you are experiencing some of the same effects Christine and I had..
How they are still saying no risk tlike tradtional lasers is beyond me.. You MUST file a report with the FDA it takes 5 minutes..
unregistered guest
4 Jun 2009
I had Total FX a couple of weeks ago and am having the same problem with uneven pigmentation. It is a real problem, and one the dermatologist did not prepare me for. Apparently I can do IPL in a few weeks to try to even out my skin tones, but to pay so much for these results is disheartening to say the least. The dermatologist I used is a very respected physician, but so far I am unhappy with the results. I look worse, not better at this point, but maybe things will improve.
465 posts
5 Jun 2009
Do not do IPL after A fractionated procedure!! Many people have had serious reactions... Your skin is comprimised for a year or longer and still healing below... Results are too unpredictable... I would try micro derm... And if it persist Obigi... The most important thing you can do is keep it moist even thru a break out...The dead skin below needs to be able to escape,,, hard to do thru dry surface...