If you have a history of skin cancer is it not recommended to get Fraxel treatments? (photo)

Question

I just had my first Fraxel treatment at 43. I did it to get rid of dark spots and fine lines. I have a family history of skin cancer, was this a mistake? Should I not continue? It didn't come up at my consultation and a family member made a comment after I had the treatment. Also, I want to know if you can suggest a skin care product line I can purchase from the pharmacy. La Roche-Posay? What type of products should I purchase other than sunscreen?

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Laser resurfacing treatments shouldn’t be avoided due to ahistory of skin cancer in the family. If anything, the opposite is true.Fraxel® physically removes the surface skin cells that are most exposed toaccumulated sun damage, and therefore more likely to become cancerous overtime. Laser resurfacing physically removes these damaged cells, resulting inmore even skin pigmentation, fewer wrinkles and increased collagen production forskin that not only looks better, but is actually healthier.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

You should have a complete skin exam
performed in order to evaluate if you may have a skin cancer. With a family
history of skin cancer you are at higher risk for developing a skin cancer
although this does not mean it was a mistake to have fraxel laser performed. I
would recommend that you make an appointment for a consultation with your dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Angela Bowers, MD · Answer

Fraxel has been studied for treatment of actinic keratosis which is a pre-cancerous skin growth.  It is fantastic that you have done Fraxel and interested in skincare and sunscreen.  I am a big proponent of SkinMedica products, in particular their retinol product at night and TNS Essential Serum in the morning along with a sunscreen that has zinc oxide in it.  I have a link to a sunscreen sheet on my website that may be helpful.  Oil Olay probably my favorite over the counter line but you will not get the benefit of a physician strength line.  Heliocare pills can also help prevent sunburns as an adjunct to sunscreen use.  I have some information about this as well.  Good luck!

If you have a history of skin cancer is it not recommended to get Fraxel treatments? (photo)

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If you have a history of skin cancer is it not recommended to get Fraxel treatments? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.