Are there any risks associated with Fraxel for the face?

Question

I am 37 and very fair skinned. I have a lot of pink/red scarring from pimples I've had over the past couple of years and I have bad wrinkes under my eyes that I would like to fix. I am considering having fraxel and have been told that one session should greatly reduce the scarring and also the wrinkles- is this correct? Are there any risks? My skin is quite sensitive/delicate. Thank you!

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Fraxel treatments on the face do carry some risks. Risks, although minimal, include skin discoloration, redness, swelling, blistering, and scarring. An ablative laser treatment poses more severe risks than a non-ablative laser treatment. However, when you have a Fraxel laser treatment performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon experienced with the procedure, you will have substantially decreased risks. To learn more about the risks and benefits of a Fraxel laser treatment, schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Good luck! 
- Jacqueline T. Cheng

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Fraxel Repair is ablative, which means the laser energy removes the top layer of your skin. In patients with darker skin this process may cause some hyperpigmentation. In those cases, and others, Fraxel Restore &mdash; a nonablative laser &mdash; is a better choice. Fraxel does an amazing job at restoring the skin, including smoothing out acne scars and eye wrinkles. However, there are several treatments available for acne scarring, including other lasers, microneedling, and even dermal fillers. Usually a combination approach produces the best results. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who can show you what kinds of improvements to expect with Fraxel.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation and after care. We use a specific protocol of exfoliation, hydration, and moisturizing along with protection after laser treatments. PDT therapy can calm any inflammation. I always combine lasers with microneedling/prp to get more of an outcome. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Ablative laser resurfacing can cause  skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.  Non-ablative fractional  might help improve hypopigmentation.and scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing poses a slight risk of scarring.  Please make sure you see an experienced physician for a consultation to go over your medical history.  Fraxel is a great treatment when done by an experienced person. Best of luck

Ronald D. Blatt, MD, FACOG · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Ablative laser resurfacing can cause  skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.  Non-ablative fractional  might help improve hypopigmentation.and scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing poses a slight risk of scarring.  Please make sure you see an experienced physician for a consultation to go over your medical history.  Fraxel is a great treatment when done by an experienced person.
Best of luck

Are there any risks associated with Fraxel for the face?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ablative laser resurfacing can cause skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.

Answer: Ablative laser resurfacing can cause skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.

Answer: Fraxel complication

Answer: Fraxel complication

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Are there any risks associated with Fraxel for the face?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ablative laser resurfacing can cause skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.

Answer: Ablative laser resurfacing can cause skin to become darker than normal or lighter than normal.

Answer: Fraxel complication

Answer: Fraxel complication

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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.