I'm considering getting Fraxel on my face. At one clinic I was told that I should get a TCA peel 30% at least 20 peels each a week apart before doing Fraxel or I will not fully benefit from the treatment. Should I get it on my neck as well? I was informed that since I'm olive-skinned, I may end up getting dark. I'm confused and need some clarification. All I need is eliminating fine wrinkles, spider veins, some discoloration and getting a dewy, glowy complexion. Thank you for your time.
October 20, 2009
Answer: Fraxel Laser and TCA Peels Hi Meeting Point, That was meant to be 2 peels, not 20, correct? You can get excellent results with Fraxel repair without having TCA peels. If your physician recommends two TCA peels for optimal results, like chicken soup, it can't hurt. To minimize your chances of hyperpigmentation, wear sun block, wide brimmed hats, and avoid sun exposure religiously. Enjoy your rejuvenated skin. Dr. P
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2009
Answer: Fraxel Laser and TCA Peels Hi Meeting Point, That was meant to be 2 peels, not 20, correct? You can get excellent results with Fraxel repair without having TCA peels. If your physician recommends two TCA peels for optimal results, like chicken soup, it can't hurt. To minimize your chances of hyperpigmentation, wear sun block, wide brimmed hats, and avoid sun exposure religiously. Enjoy your rejuvenated skin. Dr. P
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2009
Answer: TCA not needed with Fraxel A. Fraxel and TCA peels: I cannot see the need for that many TCA peels prior to a series of fraxel laser treatments. Sometimes I do combine other laser treatments with Fraxel in order to enhance results. Some examples of lasers used in combination with Fraxel are: Vbeam pulsed dye or Gentle YAG 1064 for bood vessels or redness GentleLase long pulse alexandrite or a q-switched alexandrite laser (ex: alex trivantage) to treat pigmented spots - freckles, melasma Smoothbeam non-ablative laser for depressed scars Additionally, I commonly use 90% TCA to the base of ice pick type acne scars (CROSS technique) immediately prior to Fraxel to help with these difficult to treat deep scars. B. Darkness after Fraxel: Even with olive skin, the risk of darkness or what is called medically PIH - post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - is very rare even after moderately aggressive Fraxel treatments. If you aer concerned about PIH or have experienced darkening after skin wounding previously, then discuss with your physician adjusting the settings of Fraxel laser to minimize the risk of PIH. PIH is also very treatable if it does occur.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2009
Answer: TCA not needed with Fraxel A. Fraxel and TCA peels: I cannot see the need for that many TCA peels prior to a series of fraxel laser treatments. Sometimes I do combine other laser treatments with Fraxel in order to enhance results. Some examples of lasers used in combination with Fraxel are: Vbeam pulsed dye or Gentle YAG 1064 for bood vessels or redness GentleLase long pulse alexandrite or a q-switched alexandrite laser (ex: alex trivantage) to treat pigmented spots - freckles, melasma Smoothbeam non-ablative laser for depressed scars Additionally, I commonly use 90% TCA to the base of ice pick type acne scars (CROSS technique) immediately prior to Fraxel to help with these difficult to treat deep scars. B. Darkness after Fraxel: Even with olive skin, the risk of darkness or what is called medically PIH - post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - is very rare even after moderately aggressive Fraxel treatments. If you aer concerned about PIH or have experienced darkening after skin wounding previously, then discuss with your physician adjusting the settings of Fraxel laser to minimize the risk of PIH. PIH is also very treatable if it does occur.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful