Will full ablative correct skin texture or make it worse? (Photos)

Question

How do you correct damage caused by fractional laser? My skin texture is now ten times worse than it was before I had 5 sessions of fractional laser. I had laser for the onset of small lines which are still there however now with a horrible enhanced waxy appearance. My skin has fully recovered as well being over 6 months. I have tried microneedling as well as topical creams with no success. I have been recommended profhilo and full ablative, will full ablative correct it or make it worse?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I’m sorry you haven’t seen positive results with your fractional laser treatments. Full ablative procedures can indeed have a dramatic effect on your skin texture and tone. However, the process does require some significant downtime afterward. 
If you choose to move forward with the ablative treatment, make sure the dermatologist you work with is both board certified and very experienced in this procedure. Ablative laser treatments have more risks associated with them than fractional lasers. You want to make sure your doctor has the expertise to perform a procedure that is both safe and successful for you. Rest assured that results are very long lasting after this treatment.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Full field resurfacing will drastically improve wrinkles and the texture of the skin and even improve the appearance of pores. However, make sure you see someone with extensive experience. The full field resurfacing is a major procedure. I highly recommend the Erbium laser over the CO2 due to the fact that your results will be the same, buy your healing time and risk of complications are less with the Erbium.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation and after care. We use a specific protocol of exfoliation, hydration, and moisturizing along with protection after laser treatments. PDT therapy can calm any inflammation. I always combine lasers with microneedling/prp to get more of an outcome. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Josie L. Tenore, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr Jason Pozner who is a great doc and laser specialist! 
We would need to see your before photos and let us know which fractional laser was used. From the photos you sent, it looks like you either have mild rosacea or even a fungal infection that would need to be treated prior to performing any other treatments. 
Resurfacing will definitely smooth out the skin, and I also like the Sciton Erbium laser as the settings can be changed depending on the results we are trying to accomplish for each area of the face. 
I hope this helps.

Will full ablative correct skin texture or make it worse? (Photos)

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Answer: Improving Skin after Fraxel--add microneedling, prp, skin care, PDT therapy

Answer: Improving Skin after Fraxel--add microneedling, prp, skin care, PDT therapy

Answer: Ablative Resurfacing

Answer: Ablative Resurfacing

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Will full ablative correct skin texture or make it worse? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Improving Skin after Fraxel--add microneedling, prp, skin care, PDT therapy

Answer: Improving Skin after Fraxel--add microneedling, prp, skin care, PDT therapy

Answer: Ablative Resurfacing

Answer: Ablative Resurfacing

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