Can I microneedle after after a Fraxel treatment?

Microneedling is a great safer treatment for Mediterranean and other darker skin types, to laser. Even eMatrix or any heat producing laser or light source can cause hyper pigmentation in some patients.When you have your microneedling performed ask the doctor or nurse if they can apply hydroquinine or another brightening agent immediately after your microneedling as this will allow greater absorption of the product.And make sure to ALWAYS wear sunscreens and a hat when outdoors, or your pigmentation will return.

Yes, microneedling is a safe treatment that can be performed after Fraxel laser treatments.  It can be used with lightening medications to prevent hyperpigmentation and sun protection should always be used.  Treatment with a cosmetic dermatologist who understands both skin function and microneedling is important.

Yes, Micro needling would be safe to do on your skin to help with the acne scars. I would recommend going to a board certified dermatologist who is experienced in the procedure. Additionally, there are peels and various prescription creams that a dermatologist can recommend to help with the post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. 

eMatrix is great as it is sublative RF energy, meaning that the epidermis is spared. We have this technology in our Wiliamsville office which is 1.5 hours away from where you live. Microneedling, done inappropriately, can cause hyperpigmentation. Dr H Karamanoukian#RealSelf100 Member

If you are of Mediterranean descent then Fraxel can leave you hyper pigmented which is why I prefer the eMatrix for acne scars with your skin type.  The hyperpigmentation can be fixed with chemical peels and bleaching creams.  Microneedling would be safe to use for your scars and you should consider it with PRP as well.  Best, Dr. Green

Dear JimD,

Thank you for your clinical post and
sorry to hear of your complication.
Hyperpigmentation in dark or Mediterranean skin after a fractional
thermal laser treatment such as Fraxel is one of the known complications. Hyperpigmentation on top of underlying
melasma can be exacerbated by this type of treatment even though the acne
scarring may have been moderately improved.
At this point you should see a certified specialist either dermatologist
or plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this and a wide range of lasers
and technologies to help. Microneedling will
likely be low risk, but may be of modest to minimal value in improving both the
acne scars and the hyperpigmentation.

Without pictures it’s difficult to
tell, but in general these circumstances over the past 20 years I have found
that a 6 week course of bleaching agent to stabilize the pigment forming cells
and the use of the precise laser particularly nowadays the picosecond laser,
either the PicoSure or PicoWay to mechanically disrupt the increased pigment
with the least risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The use of this picosecond type device will
fade your pigmentation and then I would use fractional radio frequency energy
rather than laser energy such as the eMatrix, the INTRAcel, the EndyMed, the
Intensif or the Fractora to improve your acne scars. Fractional radio frequency energy
particularly silicone coated needles or electrode base eMatrix technology has
the lowest risk of causing abnormal pigmentation in darker skin.

Other safe techniques include bulk
heating radio frequency energy devices such as the Forma, Pelleve and Venus
Freeze and traditional and gentle intense pulsed light sources depending on the
appearance and reactivity of your melasma may also help blend in colour.

Seeking out a physician and centre
with lots of technology and experience in treating pigment and darker skin is
important.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto