I saw a cosmetic dermatologist about melasma and age spots on my cheeks. She gave me Triluma to use for two months and scheduled me for the first of 3 or 4 Fraxel Dual treatments. Can Dual make melasma worse? Is it likely to help? I love the idea of a "fix" but am scared about having laser treatment on my face - I don't want to risk having a worse problem than I do, now. Should I do it?
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Answers (4)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Cigarettes delay wound healing both with surgery and with lasers. Smoking also increases fine lines and sun damage. I don't know how many cigarettes affect this healing but I would definitely try to discontinue your smoking if possible.
I would suggest waiting a few days for your skin to return to its normal color. You want the best possible outcome from your fraxel treatment and there are many ingredients in self tanners that you could possibly have a reaction to. Best to wait.
A combination of lasers may be needed for the best results to treat acne scars. I utilize both the V-Beam and Fraxel in combination to best treat the skin and it is extremely effective. Neither of these lasers typically make pores look worse. Please consult a board certified dermatologist w...