It is appropriate to use retinoids before Fraxel treatments. Discontinuation is recommended for several before, to prevent excess redness, but you still should be fine in 7-10 days. Next time, be off topical retinoids for one week. The use of sunscreen with your redness is critical to prevent pigmentation. You... more
Possible long-term complications from Retin A use before Fraxel Laser?
I have a fair complexion and just went in for my second Fraxel Laser treatment 4 days ago. I use the lowest dose of Retin A every other day, and had my last dose 3 days before my procedure. This time, the redness is more intense and uneven, and I still have edema. Are there any serious long-term complications from use of Retinoic acid before Fraxel Laser?
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95 posts
28 Jan 2009
As a general rule stopping use of retinoids (of which Retin A is one) 3 days before a laser procedures is enough time to prevent untoward effects from the laser. Indeed use of retinoids in conjunction with lasers can lead to increased propensity for complications. The one potentially serious longterm complication would be permanent pigment change ( hypo- or hyper- pigmentation). A rather rare complication and unlikely to be the case with you. If in fact, your physician thinks the Retin A contributed to the your more intense symptoms, they may want to have you stop the Retin A for a longer period prior to your next treatment. However, do bear in mind that this may be due to a larger laser dose used for your second treatment as compared to the first. In which case your symptoms may well be normal.