I am considering having the Fraxel laser 6 months after I'm done with my Accutane treatment, but I'm beginning to get scared by various internet posts claiming that in the long term, your skin will look worse. Have there been studies that verify its long term damage? Are lasers really not all they're cracked up to be? I'm very concerned about aging but I'd hate to sabotage myself. There are so many different claims out there I'm getting lost in it.
March 16, 2015
Answer: Fraxel and long term skin damage You should go to a physician very experienced in ALL aspects of skin care (board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist) and laser use. Much of the damage that occurs with laser usage is due to inexperience or with physicians who have little experience in the proper evaluation and treatment of skin problems and the use of various lasers. The laser manufacturers will sell the laser to any physician who has the money and regardless of their background training, qualifications, or board certification. That is why you must do your homework. Remember the old saying: "If all you have is a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail". If the only "tool" that a physician has is a laser then he will try to fit that to all of your skin problems regardless of the best treatment alternative. An experienced physician will examine your skin, determine your goals and expectations, discuss with you all alternatives (ranging from topical skin care, to microdermabrasions, to full dermabrasions, to chemical or laser peels of varying depths, to laser ablation - full or fractional, to surgery!). He/she should explain to you all of the pros and cons of each as well as the potential risks and complications of each. He will then assist you to determine what would be best for you under your circumstances (skin problems along with goals and expectations). He will also discuss the limitations of any procedure and the long term consequences as well. Do your homework, become informed and do not hesitate to ask questions. If there is still concern, get a second opinion.
Helpful
March 16, 2015
Answer: Fraxel and long term skin damage You should go to a physician very experienced in ALL aspects of skin care (board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist) and laser use. Much of the damage that occurs with laser usage is due to inexperience or with physicians who have little experience in the proper evaluation and treatment of skin problems and the use of various lasers. The laser manufacturers will sell the laser to any physician who has the money and regardless of their background training, qualifications, or board certification. That is why you must do your homework. Remember the old saying: "If all you have is a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail". If the only "tool" that a physician has is a laser then he will try to fit that to all of your skin problems regardless of the best treatment alternative. An experienced physician will examine your skin, determine your goals and expectations, discuss with you all alternatives (ranging from topical skin care, to microdermabrasions, to full dermabrasions, to chemical or laser peels of varying depths, to laser ablation - full or fractional, to surgery!). He/she should explain to you all of the pros and cons of each as well as the potential risks and complications of each. He will then assist you to determine what would be best for you under your circumstances (skin problems along with goals and expectations). He will also discuss the limitations of any procedure and the long term consequences as well. Do your homework, become informed and do not hesitate to ask questions. If there is still concern, get a second opinion.
Helpful
