I Have Red Hair, Freckles with Deepish Wrinkles on my Forehead. 37 Too Early For Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Question

I don't trust the practitioner I saw. At 37 years old is it too early to begin fractional laserr resurfacing as I heard it makes your skin thinner?I s there a risk of scarring? The practitioner said I'd have open wounds but wouldn't need antibiotics could this be right?

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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser resurfacing is one of many options to correct wrinkles and discolorations. It is a treatment that can improve the health of your skin and does not cause skin damage in the right hands and in the right candidates. There is post op care that is needed and would depend on each provider protocol. Antivirals are generally a norm prior to this aggressive procedure. It is best to discuss your options and be certain to be under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for best results and safest treatment options. I hope this helps!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Fraxel restore and fraxel repair laser are done not uncommonly on young patients for acne scarring. Some physicians do not prescribe antibiotics during resurfacing procedures and some do. The wound of a fraxel repair, CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser is similar to a second degree burn and the Fraxel Restore erbium laser induces microscopic laser beam tracts through the epidermis into the dermis without causing such wounds as the CO2 laser so antibiotics are rarely prescribed. Some prescribe antiviral medication, however, as flare ups of cold sores can occur and this can cause scarring. The risk of scarring is very low but not zero with any resurfacing procedure.

	Whether the resurfacing procedure would help your condition or not can not be determined without evaluating your individual condition. If you don't trust your doctor, you should definitely not have an elective procedure with them. See a second opinion.

Amy Forman Taub, MD · Answer

In this case a consultation would be necessary. Fractional laser resurfacing is an option for treatment but it is a more aggressive approach to treating your concerns. If the line on your forehead is your primary concern, a neurotoxin such as botox may be a better treatment option. If the freckles and brown spots on your skin are the primary concern, IPL or Fraxel Dual are great treatment options which will improve your concerns without as much healing time. Fractional laser resurfacing is also an option but may not be necessary.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

I don't think that 37 is too young for laser resurfacing but if you have horizontal forehead wrinkles Botox or Dysport might be what you need. You need to see someone that you trust and are comfortable with. I always use antibiotics when resurfacing but do think that opinion on that varies. I use Valtrex as well fro possible fever blisters. What I bet you need most is sunscreen. I am a freckled redhead too so understand. Fractional CO2 laser really cuts down on my freckles.

Stuart B. Kincaid, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

In our Practice we have done laser resurfacing on much younger patients for cystic acne, so at 37 years old, no, you are not to young to start. C02 Fractional Laser resurfacing is used precisely just for this reason, deep forehead wrinkling, freckling, brown spots, acne, skin thightening etc..you would need to schedule a consultation but this sounds like a good option for you.

I Have Red Hair, Freckles with Deepish Wrinkles on my Forehead. 37 Too Early For Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

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