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What is Effect of Fraxel on Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

I am 58 with history of adolescent and young adult acne. I have many enlarged hardened sebaceous glands below corners of mouth and on cheek. They are between the wrinkled creases. They aren't raised up much, but they can be felt and are definitely visible under the surface when I stretch the skin over. Would Fraxel make these go away, or will it make them show more so should I have the sebaceous hyperplasia treated first?

Doctor Answers 4

Fraxel laser improves the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasiae

July 23rd, 2011
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Fraxel laser improves the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasiae, but does not eliminate them. Electrodessication of each individual lesion, performed conservatively, in one or two sessions may yield superior results.

Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD


Miami Dermatologic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 20 reviews

Sebaceous Hyperplasia and Fraxel

October 16th, 2009
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I have not noticed sebaceous hyperplasia becoming more obvious after Fraxel. It may not eradicate them to your satisfaction, but it does often shrink them. They do continue to grow over your lifetime so don’t think of the treatment as a cure.

Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com

Ronald Shelton, MD

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Fraxel repair and Sebaceous Hyperplasia

October 5th, 2009
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Hi UCB,

I have treated two patients with sebaceous hyperplasia with Fraxel repair, a fractionated CO2 laser, with excellent results.  Look at images 8,9, and 10 in the below Web reference link.

Discuss your options with your treating physician.

Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Web reference: http://www.drpersky.com/treatment-popup-gallery.html?title=Fraxel%20Laser&prefix=fraxel&start=1&total=10

Michael A. Persky, MD

Michael A. Persky, MD
Encino Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 34 reviews

Fraxel not very effective for sebaceous hyperplasia

October 5th, 2009
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The Fraxel repair and restore may make the sebaceous hyperplasia slightly smaller, but I would recommend treating them with a hyfrecator, the smoothbeam laser, or a CO2 laser.  These work much better and can be done at the same time as a fraxel resurfacing.  Take care, Dr. Groff

William Groff, DO

William Groff, DO
San Diego Dermatologist
4.8 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.