Can I microneedle after after a Fraxel treatment?
Doctor Answers 6
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
Web reference: https://www.spamedica.com
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
Learn more: https://www.spamedica.com
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.
Web reference: http://www.ocdermatology.com/cosmetic-dermatology/other-treatments/micro-needling/
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.
Learn more: http://www.ocdermatology.com/cosmetic-dermatology/other-treatments/micro-needling/
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Microneedling, done inappropriately, can cause hyperpigmentation.
Dr H Karamanoukian
#RealSelf100 Member
Web reference: http://www.veinsveinsveins.com/196/cosmetic-dermatology/ematrix/
Microneedling, done inappropriately, can cause hyperpigmentation.
Dr H Karamanoukian
#RealSelf100 Member
Learn more: http://www.veinsveinsveins.com/196/cosmetic-dermatology/ematrix/
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
Web reference: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/fraxel-dual-laser
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
Learn more: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/fraxel-dual-laser
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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