Using AHAs Before Fraxel Restore - Did I Cause Damage?

Question

I wasn't told by my clinician to cease using AHAs on my face before fraxel restore treatment (& only found this out after ). My face went incredibly puffy for the first 4 days and then peeled on day 2. I was told the redness and flaking skin would resolve on day 4 but it is now day 11 and i am still pink and have a dry, bumpy texture around my naso-labial area and chin similar to the sandpaper effect following treatment. I am worried my skin is permanently damaged. She used the highest setting.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Even with highest settings, it is doubtful, although not impossible, to have a permanent negative effect with Fraxel Restore in terms of textural change.  See your doctor soon for an evaluation.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

We can never predict the exact recovery period for every patient...unfortunately. Most patients, regardless of AHA usage before treatment, are red/pink for about a week.  The sandpaper-like texture that you are referring to is not uncommon in patients.  It can last a few weeks after treatment and resolves on its own. You may experience another round of mild peeling and flaking while it resolves.  AHA can make skin more sensitive for treatment but shouldn't have any long term adverse effects on skin.  As with any procedure, if you are concerned about your progress you should contact the office where you had the treatment done and return for a follow up visit.

Jordana S. Gilman, MD · Answer

Fraxel re:store is a non-ablative laser, meaning it does not destroy the skin that it treats.  That is why there is a very low risk of side effects, and almost no risk of permanent damage.  Using AHAs makes your skin more sensitive.  If you did not stop the AHAs before your Fraxel treatment you would expect to have the same after effects as people who haven't used AHAs but yours would last longer.  Almost everyone gets swelling and redness that may last 2-4 days and peeling that can last a week.  For you it would be more intense and could last longer.  Also, the higher the settings the more redness and peeling you will see.  But if you are worried talk to your physician who can evaluate how your skin is healing and advise you on what to do and how to take care of it in the future.

Using AHAs Before Fraxel Restore - Did I Cause Damage?

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Using AHAs Before Fraxel Restore - Did I Cause Damage?

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.