Will Fraxel Laser Treatments Work on my Olive Complexion?

Hi,

Both Fraxel Restore and Fraxel Repair can be safely used on Asian, Mediterranean, Latino, Persian, and other Olive Skin Tones.  The key is appropriate pre and post op clear instructions including a high spf sunscreen and bleaching cream for 2 weeks before your procedure to block the pigment cells from creating extra pigment called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  Also, discuss with your physician how soon you can resume the bleaching creams after your treament.  Some of the most recent studies have shown that topical application of 6-8%hydroquinone, the active bleaching ingredient, immediately after Restore can improve resistant melasma and we have seen this in our Asian patients.

The darker your skin the more likely there will be some temporary pigment darkening.  It is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can last many months.  My patients with olive skin are aware of the potential and are treated before and after their Fraxel with lightening agents, retinols and sunscreens to reduce the risk.