Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Question

I had three fraxel treatments done starting february, march, and april - all went well - but last month i noticed spots on the sides of my cheeks - now i am reading about pigmentation which was never mentioned by my doctor - is this a common side effect and do these spots usually go away or they for ever?  They were never there before fraxel.  What could cause this?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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.

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

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.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

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.

Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD · Answer

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.

Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

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Answer: Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Answer: Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Answer: Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve.

Answer: Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve.

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Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Answers (7)

Answer: Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Answer: Fraxel Pigmentation Side Effects

Answer: Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve.

Answer: Brown Patches May Develop After Fraxel, but always resolve.

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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.