EXTREMELY broken out and red 7 days post treatment. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I got Fraxel 1550 done 6 days ago and my skin is breaking out TERRIBLY. The first few days my face was swollen, red, and began to flake. The past two days my skin has began getting more irritated. It looks the worst that it ever has!!! Deep red bumps are covering my jawline and chin. I have only the post treatment kit to treat my face. I am on spirolactone for hormonal acne and my medspa lady did treat my skin pretty aggressively. Is this a normal and should I be (more worried) than I already am?

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

This can sometimes happen. I find that people with more acne prone skin will have this response to fraxel treatments. I recommend non-occlusive aftercare to help prevent clogged pores, better to use a hyaluoronic acid based moisturizer to hydrate (avoid aquaphor or ointments/heavy creams), and I will often prescribe topical clindamycin for patients that I know are high risk of getting break outs (sometimes even an oral antibiotic).Best, Dr P

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

This can happen after Fraxel especially in patients who are prone to acne.  I recommend that you follow up with your dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon so they can give you antibiotics as well as topical medications to treat the redness and severe breakout. Best of luck!
 - Jacqueline T. Cheng

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I highly recommend following up with an expert for a formal evaluation and after care. In my practice, 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. Regardless, you should see an expert as soon as possible to properly diagnose the issues you're experiencing. Best of luck, Dr. Emer

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

There are medications or procedures to help calm down the skin. It may have been triggered by an existing skin condition. Please contact a qualified provider or a board-certified physician with extensive experience in these procedures.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

See your supervising dermatologist or plastics. Normal protocols of placing you on anti-inflammatory abs as well as swabs etc.. the basic principles of post op laser care and complications.  I do not have the settings, nor your background history. This maybe a flare up of acne, or acne ROSACEA. Once again very basic treatment by a dermatologist.

EXTREMELY broken out and red 7 days post treatment. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Fraxel Laser

Answer: Fraxel Laser

Answer: See your supervising dermatologist or plastics.

Answer: See your supervising dermatologist or plastics.

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EXTREMELY broken out and red 7 days post treatment. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Fraxel Laser

Answer: Fraxel Laser

Answer: See your supervising dermatologist or plastics.

Answer: See your supervising dermatologist or plastics.

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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.