Alexandrite laser after Efucal?

Question

Hi. Last year I was treated with the Alexandrite laser on portions of my skin that were a bit brown from sun damage and it worked well. About a week ago, at the direction of another dermatologist, I applied Efucal to an actinic keratosis on my nose and a pre-actinic keratosis near my cheekbone. I got almost no reaction at all and the brown spots are unchanged. How soon can I undergo an Alex treatment of the same cheekbone area? Thank you!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question. It’s great to hear that the Alexandrite laser treatment was effective for you last year in addressing sun damage.

Regarding your recent use of Efudex for actinic keratosis, it is important to allow your skin ample time to heal before proceeding with another Alexandrite laser treatment. Efudex can cause redness, irritation, and peeling, and it's crucial that these reactions fully resolve to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the laser treatment.

Typically, I recommend waiting until the treated areas have returned to their normal appearance without any lingering irritation or inflammation. This healing process can vary from person to person but usually takes a few weeks.

I advise scheduling an appointment so that I can examine the current condition of your skin. This will allow me to provide personalized guidance on the appropriate timing for your next laser session and to ensure that your skin is ready for the treatment.

Warm regards,

Alexandrite laser after Efucal?

Answers (1)