Palomar Fraxel Laser side effects
I had the Palomar Fraxel 1540 done exactly two weeks ago for hyperpigmentation. Photofacials have worked well for me, but I was assured this would be better. The pain was intense, but I expected that. What's upsetting, so upsetting, is that 2 weeks later, my face looks worse than before I started. It hasn't peeled, and the spots have just gotten darker; I've even gotten comments on it. Rather than having smoother skin, there are these fine little bumps - like milia - that turn into acne. Do you think it's too soon to tell? Is there anything that can be done to correct it?
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unregistered guest
4 Oct 2007
The same thing happened to me. Fraxel has ruined the texture of my skin. And I have milia and ingrown hairs that are horrible its been four months I only had one treatment and I am so dissapointed. My skin looks ten years older and It seems like it melted the restylane I had done before. two scars that had gone away years ago have come back and are worse than when they were new. I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience. Is it milia or burns? Does the laser affect fillers in your skin? I was told it wouldn't but seems like it did.....
unregistered guest
4 Oct 2007
My skin is itchy and rashy, maybe the milia you speak of? Anyway it definately loks worse rather than better so far. Its been 10 days. I was told the fraxel laser WOULD desroy fillers but not botox because fillers are just under the skin which fraxel can rech but botox is in the muscle which it does not penetrate. Seems logical to me. Even so, the fraxel did not destroy all the filler I had for nasolabial lines. I realize techniques effect people differently and one never knows in what way she will react, but for the high price of this procedure, I probably will not have more than this one treatment.
13 posts
15 Feb 2008
I'm sorry you all had a bad experiance with Fraxel. I had Fraxel 1 week ago today and I did experiance some of the affects you mentioned but I also prepared my self. I doubled up on vitam E, used SkinMedica (my Dr. said it would help heal and moisterize) and used ice packs every hour for 15min the day after. I did notice minimal break out and the age/sun spots did darken for the first week but as I washed my face I noticed it was flaking off little by little. I just orded the Sensative Skin cleanser that SkinMedica offers because I want to be sure and take care of my skin post Fraxel.
52 posts
18 Feb 2008
Please check - Palomar fraxel laser is not a Fraxel laser. They are different lasers completely. Palomar is not a Fraxel laser. It is just a fractionated laser hand piece that stamps in a pixellated form.
unregistered guest
19 Feb 2008
I'm scheduled to go in to the med spa on Monday morning for 1 session with the palomar 1540 fractional handpiece. They've assured me that 1 session will sufficiently provide me with a little tightening. I really have very nice porcelain skin with no discoloration and am just looking for some slight tightening. All of these comments are making me especially nervous.... Should I cancel my appointment and just use the money for something different? Has anyone had good results with 1 session with the palomar 1640?
unregistered guest
28 Feb 2008
you all are making me nervous! I just had my second palomar session today, on my face and chest. years of antibiotics have reddened my skin. I see a little improvement, had no pain and am supposed to go back for a few more sessions. Should I not go? After the redness is under control I am supposed to start the tightening phase. Would you guys update your posts so I know how satisfied you ended up? Thanks so much.
unregistered guest
28 Feb 2008
I am a Palomar-certified cosmetic laser technician. Three to five treatments with the 1540 are recommended for optimum results and layering of the collagen production in the skin. If you don't experience some reddening and swelling, you are not getting an effective treatment. You can expect itching and "flaking" as the surface layer of dead cells sloughs off. Everyone does experience different pain levels and length of recovery, but if you have had two sessions already with no problems, you should be fine. I have had very satisfied clients with their results.
1 post
5 May 2008
I am so mad!! I had a fraxel laser done 2 months ago at a Beverly Hills plastic surgeons office. My skin has a print all over it from the laser. Like a fabric. It looks 10 years older and now covered in dark spots. I will not go for apt. #2.
1 post
6 May 2008
Hello, I have been having the Fraxel laser treatments, I have had 3 so far, It is somewhat painful, my face is swelled for 3 or 4 days, and red, after the redness does leave gradually. my face is tight feeling, and some wrinkles improving, they said it would show results in 3 months, it has been 2 months. It burns alot as each section of your face is done, but by the time I get home, the burning is over. my face gets itchy, but I am to have 6 treatments in all. the cost is 1,700 total. we are in the Army in Germany, so I get my treatments here. so would love to hear the results of others after 6 treatments. and how much swelling, redness and pain. people who fear the pain, remember "no pain, no gain" and it is only for an hour. I have never taken pain medication before but next treatment I will take an asprin.
1446 posts
7 May 2008
Hi Eleanor, So that's where our tax dollars are going! You are going to cause an enlistment surge if you publicize 6 Fraxel re: store treatments at that price! I hope that your physician is using a Zimmer cold air blower during your treatments. Also numbing cream that is 7% Tetracaine/ 23% Lidocaine should be left on for at least one hour before the treatment. Xanax and Vicodin don't hurt either. I have a few patients who have had 6 or more treatments and they are all doing well and happy with their results. Keep up the good work and most heart felt thanks for your service in the defense of the United States of America. G-d bless you and be well. Dr. P