Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

BFraxel lasers can cause post treatment redness, itching,
dryness, and ironically, hyperpigmentation. Early post-laser care is
vital. I would use a curated combination of Covalent peels, light fractional
laser, and topical creams to treat the skin after a Vipeel. Start with
Elevase to help with dryness of the skin. Melarase creams are ideal to
combat pigmentation. 
AM: Melaclenz, Melapads, and Melarase AMPM: Melaclenz, Melapads, and Melarase PMBest, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur with any trauma on some skin. It can be caused by acne, a burn from a curling iron, a sunburn, a waxing, laser hair removal, chemical peels and other treatments, and even a laser designed to improve facial darkening, Fraxel! Sunblock is important and your doctor may prescribe lightening creams and even chemical peels.

Pigmentation seen after fraxel treatment can be 1) secondary to inflammation, so called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, most commonly seen in medium toned and darker toned skin types; 2) a return of melasma, the pigmented 'mask' traditionally seen with pregnancy and birth control pills, but occuring without those also; or 3) new brown spots arising with ultraviolet exposure in the spring.Given your noticing the pigment only after your final treatment in April, not before, I suspect it was due to Spring sun exposure without adequate sun protection which can cause new lentigines ('age spots') or a recurrence of melasma.I recommend that you return to your treating physician and review your photographs from before and after treatment.  You may find that all that is needed is a better sun protection regimen and perhaps some topical anti-pigment products.I hope this helps answer your question.  Best wishes.

Depending on your skin type, hyperpigmentation after Fraxel can occur if you are not careful about staying out of the sun or if you are using any products containing alcohol or retinol within the first week after your treatment. It is difficult to comment without pictures. You can use a hydroquinone based lightening cream at night to help fade the new spots. Typically hyperpigmentation after laser procedures is not permanent.

Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve. After fraxel, as with chemical peels, dermabrasion,etc, the skin remains with some redness and mild swelling for a few days. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure for two weeks after Fraxel in order to reduce the chance of developing brown patches. With these precautions, brown spots uncommonly develop after Fraxel. If however they do occur, they always fade with proper use of bleaching creams and sun protection.