Dear Dr. Seckel, Hello, I’m a 24 year old college student and I’m interested in Fraxel treatments. I was told I’d be the perfect candidate because I want to get rid of some mild acne scarring, red spots. They are mostly along my cheeks and sides of my face. I’m currently on Sinemet and occasionally use spot treatments of Differin. Should I be getting Fraxel treatments? What are the risks associated with Asian skin. Technically speaking, I’m 1/2 European heritage and 1/2 Asian heritage. I used to tan very easily when I was young, but as I’ve gotten older its harder to for my skin to tan. However, for the past year or two I’ve not tanned and grown out of the tanning phase, I don’t want to look like leather! So is Fraxel for me? Asian College Student, Melbourne, FL.
Dear Student,
Fraxel is a good treatment for acne scarring but I would not recommend Fraxel® or any other ablative(ablate means to surgically remove) laser treatment or laser skin peel for acne scarring if red spots, rosacea, or broken blood vessels are a major pr0blem, especially on Asian skin. The problem is that Fraxel and other ablative lasers actually remove skin during the laser peel in an attempt to smooth the skin but when the skin is removed by a laser the red spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea can become worse. Also, in patients with darker skin such as Asian skin, there is always the risk of hyperpigmentation with fraxel and later hypopigmentation or white patches on the skin, if the treatment goes too deep.
For Asian skin with acne scars and red spots, broken blood vessels, or rosacea I recommend a non-ablative laser skin treatment such as LaserGenesis® by Cutera® or Smoothbeam® by Candella®. If you have active acne, another treatment called Clearlight® by Lumenis® can be helpful. Newer acne scar treatments include the Lux 1540 by Palomar.
It is very important that you see a board certified doctor who is experienced in the use of lasers and laser skin rejuvenation and skin care for advice. This is especially important for people with Asian skin or dark skin, because if hypopigmentation occurs it cannot be corrected.
I hope this helps. For further information on acne scars, and laser skin rejuvenation visit drseckel.com read Save Your Face or contact me.
Boston, Massachusetts