Hypopigmentation after 6 Fraxel Treatments: Was this caused by Fraxel? (photos)

Question

I wanted to reach out because I have noticed a trail of white dots along my forehead and down my hairline since receiving 6 fraxel treatments. I've never noticed these spots prior to laser treatments and I'm not sure how this happened? When confronting the Dr. (not dermatologist), she said it's not actually hypopigmentation, but rather my true skin tone since the fraxel targeted/removed the hyperpigmentation . I'm very worried about the damage to my skin and wanted to get a second opinion.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Hypopigmented spots are an uncommon but possible side effect
after various skin laser treatments. However, it is unlikely from the Fraxel
Restore, and there are other causes that could have contributed to this
condition. Because of that, it is
difficult to say whether or not the laser specifically caused these spots. I would recommend being examined by a board
certified dermatologist. Depending on
the type of pigment alteration there are other treatment options that you might
explore.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Multiple treatments with Fraxel Repair would be more likely to cause hypopigmentation than treatments with the Fraxel Restore Laser even though hypopigmentation could rarely occur with almost any skin laser treatment depending on the settings used and the type of treatment that is performed.  Check with a dermatologist for an expert opinion.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

Hypomelanotic macules (white skin spots) can be solely due to sun damage, as is most likely the case from your photo.  In fact, many people have them on arms, legs and upper chest, where they have had the most sun damage.  It is hard to know how your treatment did or didn't affect your sun damage without knowing exactly which Fraxel treatment you had, though if it was repeated six times it sounds like it was a pretty gentle one.  Too much sun within six months of a Fraxel treatment would also put you at risk of this kind of pigment problem.  If the Fraxel helped your fine wrinkles but you still have discoloration or if you accidentally got too much sun after Fraxel and regained some discoloration, then I recommend either Fraxel 1927 treatment or a few IPL treatments.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Fraxel is a great laser for sun damage, hyperpimentation, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. It would be very helpful to post a before photo so that I could see your pigmentation. Do you know what settings you had done.  I would consult with a board certified dermatologist for an evaluation.

Hypopigmentation after 6 Fraxel Treatments: Was this caused by Fraxel? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel and hypopigmentation

Answer: Fraxel and hypopigmentation

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Hypopigmentation after 6 Fraxel Treatments: Was this caused by Fraxel? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel and hypopigmentation

Answer: Fraxel and hypopigmentation

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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