Dear Dr seckel, I had 4 Fraxel procedures about six months ago. At the direction > of my Dr’s office, I’ve been using hydroquinone since the treatments. > Although in some areas and in some ways my skin does look better, I now > have terrible discoloration on both sides of my face and some on my > forehead. Have you ever heard of this side effect? My Dr’s office insists > that it’s not due to the Fraxel but I believe that it is. I am olive > complected and have relatively sensitive skin. > Thanks for any info! Leslie, San Diego, CA
Dear Leslie,
Studies report that 15% of patients receiving Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation treatments develope pigment on the face after treatment. I would gues that you are right, that the pigment on your face is secondary to the Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation-its called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many people have written me complaining of this. The best treatment right now is hydroquinone 4% cream and a series (4-6) of microdermabrasion treatments for pigment removal.
After those treatments are done if you still need pigment removal then I would use IPL-Intense pulsed light treatments, also called photo facial treatments, to remove the residual pigment on your facial skin.
Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation is an ablative (micro treatment zones are micro ablated zones in my opinion) laser and when ablation is done on olive skin hyperpigmentation can result. You are correct. Let me know how you do.
For more information on pigment removal, laser skin rejuvenation and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
Boston, Massachusetts