Fraxel for surfer girl - a bad idea?

Thank you for your question. If you are unable to stay out of the sun then you may want to consider alternative or less aggressive treatments that will fit in your daily life while giving you the results you desire. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for all your treatment options.

I never suggest direct exposure with sun after laser treatments even if there is a lot of sun screen.  I work in los angeles and do a significant number of laser procedures in patients who are around the sun all the time.  A hat and protection is essential to ensure you do not get any hyperpigmentation or scarring.  Please see a laser expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hi Lizabet.  If you are primarily concerned with dark spots, then a Fraxel is not the best option.  A q-switched laser is a much better option and does not have the same downtime.  An IPL is very likely even going to be superior for just brown spots.  If you are looking for improvement of fine lines, then this is where fractionated resurfacing can help the most.The first question to answer is whether you are getting the right treatment.  After that, if you still decide that you should go forward with fractional resurfacing, we would suggest having the procedure during the winter and taking a couple weeks off from surfing.To see examples of laser treatments for sun damage in orange County, CA, click on the link for before and after pictures. 

Fraxel laser is my favorite laser for reducing pigmentation and giving the skin an overall even complexion and reducing fine lines.  However, I always caution patients about going back in the sun after a laser procedure, especially in the water, where the water can reduce its effectiveness.  I would only consider this treatment if you can a longer window when you would not be in the sun.  Please consult an expert in lasers before considering this treatment.  

The Fraxel laser treatment can improve fine lines, pigmentation and other dyschromia. Patients typically see dramatic visible improvements in skin problems, after the treatment.  You may experience redness of the skin 6-12 weeks after the procedudre.  If the skin is exposed to sunlight during this healing phase, it is possible to develope brown spots (hyperpigmentation).  It is important to follow your post operative care instructions provided by your doctor, to protect you new skin.