2 weeks after Fraxel Restore on neck and face I had sun exposure. Is there any recourse for this? (photo)

Question

I just had my first Fraxel Restore two weeks ago on my neck and face. Unfortunately I had some accidental sun exposure due to sweating and my sun screen coming off. What should I do now? Is there any recourse for this?

William Groff, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sun exposure can be quite damaging after a Fraxel treatment, but there are ways to address it. Supplements like vitamin D and antioxidants might help by supporting skin health, while topical products may be useful in soothing and healing damaged skin. If the damage remains, your doctor may recommend additional treatments. Make sure you are working with a board-certified dermatologist and schedule an in-person follow up for additional recommendations.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Fraxel treatments leave the skin quite vulnerable to sun damage, which is why you are advised to avoid direct sun exposure for two to four weeks. One treatment that may work is high dose vitamin D as prescribed by your doctor that can help decrease the duration of the sunburn and antioxidant supplements, such as Heliocare. I recommend contacting your doctor for a follow-up to see if there are any recommendations for topical products that might provide some benefit. If you do experience any residual damage, a visit with a board-certified dermatologist can determine whether additional treatments might be needed to address it.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Fraxel treatments leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage for the first few weeks after treatment, which is why doctors recommend remaining out of the sun during that time. It is difficult to determine whether you are experiencing some hyperpigmentation after your sun exposure or if this is some temporary “bronzing” from the treatment. It is very possible the skin will be able to heal fine and you should definitely wait, use a lot of sunscreen, growth factors and other skin care recommendations for your darkening. I would follow up with your provider to determine whether there is some post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be treated with topicals. Laser or light treatments once the skin heals fully can be performed to reduce the visible evidence of PIH if necessary.  Most important is to protect your investment with sun avoidance, daily sun screen and an effective post–operative skin care regimen.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do at this point other then stay out of the sun and used sunscreen and an antioxidant. There will be a risk of hyperpigmentation because of the sun exposure. It's important to avoid dedicated sun exposure for 2-4 weeks after any laser treatment.

2 weeks after Fraxel Restore on neck and face I had sun exposure. Is there any recourse for this? (photo)

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Answer: Sun exposure after laser treatment

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2 weeks after Fraxel Restore on neck and face I had sun exposure. Is there any recourse for this? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Sun exposure after laser treatment

Answer: Sun exposure after laser treatment

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