Second Fraxel repair. Is it safe to have the procedure again or could I have complications due to skin thinning with age?

Question

I am a 60 year old female who had fraxel repair between 6-7 years ago. The result was excellent. I am looking to get it done again for lines around my mouth and lower cheeks and a couple of age spots. I am of irish descent and very fair skinned with freckiling.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Fraxel Re:Pair may be too strong a laser, considering your fair skin. Both Dual and Re:Store might be better choices for you. Rather than degrading thin skin, Fraxel actually helps build it up by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which makes the skin stronger and more resilient. Therefore, not only does Fraxel work on the outside of your skin by removing fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations, it also strengthens it from the inside. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can offer you a choice of lasers and other treatments to help you looking young and refreshed.

Alexis Parker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Mary521, thank you for your question.  
The Fraxel Repair is a fractional CO2 laser that reduces wrinkles and sun damage and builds collagen, so it is perfectly safe to repeat after 6-7 years in most patients.  You are a great candidate for the procedure with your fair skin.  Fraxel is safe on darker skin types when used by an experienced provider, but the risk of increased pigment is increased.  
Because the Fraxel is a fractional laser, you may want to have your doctor pretreat the age spots immediately before the Fraxel with a laser that will remove 100% of the spots. Then you will not have additional downtime.  
 I would further suggest that you have your doctor inject a filler, like Restylane Silk, Refyne or Volbella around the mouth to address the fine lines with another modality approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your Fraxel Repair.  .

Second Fraxel repair. Is it safe to have the procedure again or could I have complications due to skin thinning with age?

Answers (2)

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Second Fraxel repair. Is it safe to have the procedure again or could I have complications due to skin thinning with age?

Answers (2)

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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.