Nicki
Canada
“No difference...will cause hyperpigmentation”
Fraxel Laser: NOT worth it
Cost: $4,000
Pain: Uncomfortable
Pain: Uncomfortable
Fraxel Laser satisfaction: Poor
I was told fraxel will get rid of melasma and so tried the four treatments. Hated the experience...blah! Got hyperpigmentation after the first two treatments but then doc prescribed hydrocortizone alone for the first week following treatment followed by a topical cream without Retin A to use until the next treament.
This time my skin did not hyperpigment as much and healed quickly...returned to original color (even brighter) within 2-3 weeks. However, it has been 2.5 months since my last (4th) treatment, the glow is gone, the pigment/melasma is still there - basically no difference from when I first started. Save your money and find a good foundation instead.
Sep 21, 2007Comments and replies (12)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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4 posts
25 Apr 2008
fraxel so not worth it! i've had 6 treatments and to start with i only had acne scars, NOW, not only do i have the scars i have hyperpigmentation!!!!!!!!!!! i'm so upset! my derm now wants to do a chemical peel! so disappointed!!!!!! save your $$$$
unregistered guest
28 Apr 2008
Hi aracely and Nicki, Were you treated with Fraxel by Reliant, or another fractionated technology? Were you treated by a physician? What were the treatment settings? Thanks. Dr. P
1 post
21 Sep 2008
I had Fraxel Re:Pair in early August and followed post-care instructions exactly. Used heavy sunscreen, hat and avoided outside as much as possible. Acne scars (reason for treatment_now show little reduction and my face is COMPLETELY covered in hyperpigmentation. Esp chin/upper neck has stripes. I'm 34 and it actually made me look OLDER. I avoid mirrors and am so depressed. Dr prescribed Tri-Luma and said ok for breastfeeding but my Internet research contradicted that so I weaned baby cold turkey. Painful and hard too. Is there anything that can be done to get my skin back to where it was? I'm caucasion, VERY fair skinned, lots moles, but don't tan that much w/ green eyes and Dr said was surprised this happened.
2 posts
26 Feb 2009
I am so thankful to find there are other people experiencing what I have gone through!!! In 2006 I went in for lazer hair removal and ended up with PIH. The hyperpigmentation is above my lip so now I look like I have a brown shaded mustache instead of hair there! I should have kept waxing!! In 2007 I went to a different derm and he decided to do a large test spot of the fraxel lazer on my cheek to see if he could lighten the hyperpigmentation on my upper lip. Now I have two huge geometric patterns of hyperpigmentation on my face that is only getting worse with time not better!! I have spent thousands of dollars on topical things to lighten and correct the problem nothing works!!! Help!
1 post
10 Apr 2009
I had Fraxel a few years ago. Didn't notice any great improvements in my fine lines (which is what I was after) but I felt I was overly burned. I had the checkerboard marks all over my neck. It took a long time to heal. I forgot about it until this year when I suddenly got hyperpigmentation on my neck. I also now have what looks like white scar lines. I couldn't figure out where I got the scars but just realized they are in the pattern of the fraxel checkerboards. I now have dark neck with what looks like many white slash mark scars on my neck and chest. I just realized what this was. My last derm wanted to do Fraxel on me to get rid of the hyperpigmentation.
465 posts
10 Apr 2009
I have all these same issues...Look at my before afters..... Please post a review with pics.They don't have to show your entire face just an example.... So many are posting positive reviews a day or so after treatment..If you are months or years out please post your review..I to thought It was fine right after treament... And you MUST CONTACT THE FDA it takes 5 minutes to do a report...you can watch our story on CBS3 facing the pain.. http://cbs3.com/video/?cid=220
465 posts
10 Apr 2009
momof2fraxel Please cotact me..I have been emailing with a lot of women and we are all trying to find the best way to get our faces fixed... You are in Charlotsville they did some research at UVA regarding stem cell fat grafting maybe you can research that aspect and talk to the doctors...We are sharing information to find the best treatments without causing further damage... You can email me by clicking on my name and clicking contact awalk it will send me an email... Best wishes
465 posts
14 Apr 2009
Email me walker942 (at) cox (dot) net
unregistered guest
19 Jul 2009
I have bad sun damage that also includes a fair amount of hyperpigmentation (kinda hormonal) - I was just research fraxel and ran across these comments - changed my mind - will just use over the counter remedies and more sunscreen - so sorry you all have had such a bad experience but am thankful that you were honest enough to post -
4 posts
20 Oct 2009
i have had some lightening with natural lemon juice. i also do a weekly 'scrub' of oats (quaker oats), mixed with brown suger and milk. don't do this more than 1xweek. it does a pretty good job of exfoliating. on other days i apply lemon juice or lime juice, whatever i have in the fridge, and leave it on my skin over night or under makeup! this has worked sooooo much better than the triluma. just be cautious, if your skin is sentive it feels like it burns when you apply the lemon or lime juice on your skin. i have tried lots of expensive meds, and can honestly say the juice has worked 10 times better!