FRAXEL LASER - DOES IT CAUSE DNA DAMAGE?

[pobbleblonk]

I have recently had fraxel refine treatment done on two scars. I have just been reading about a lady who had treatment done and then 1-2 years later her face is a mess (http://www.realself.com/review/do-not-do-fraxel-ruined-face-burns. ) I am really scared now. Does fraxel cause damage that may not show tell sometime later. Or is her case rare. Same with IPL is this safe?

[Mayaanthen8]

I have had fraxel, and I have had expensive procedures like peels, and have purchased the most expensive creams from famous dermatologists. However, while the worked alittle, I found better results by using the Made From Earth Sea Kelp Mask 2 times per week. Thats it - just 2 TIMES PER WEEK. I use the mask at night before bed and It evened out my skin tone, and fixed some hyper pigmentation damage. definitely recommend it over Fraxel, and its alot cheaper and way better for your skin.

[tgetg]

I have a lot of facial hair, but it's light enough not to have been a problem until I had the Fraxel treatments done in 2011.
I have whiteheads everywhere there is a hair follicle.
And a white waxy substance oozing out of my pores.
My skin is waxy looking, it doesn't look like real skin, more like a mask.
I also enjoy lots of outdoor activities that have aggravated my skin in ways I never experienced before.
Wearing sun screen makes me break out with bacterial infections, so I quit using it.
Having just realized this mess of a face is a result of the Fraxel treatments, I'm going to consult with my new dermatologist to see if he has any suggestions. Try to keep smiling, it could always be worse

[judypants]

I had the same sad experience you did.  1 year after my eyes became saggy and wrinkles increased as if it had been 10 years. Mortified my doctor would dare.

sorry to hear about your expereince, yet happy i'm not alone and crazy.
Jude

[JULIE20111999]

Hi,
  I hope you find help. My heart and prayers goes out to you.

[shearlymad]

I would advise you against Fraxel laser treatments. I had three treatments months apart for some acne scarring. The last one in 2008. In the beginning I really felt my skin looked great and was pleased. They told me that my skin would continue to improve. After the last treatment I was told that I should have yearly treatments to keep my skin looking good. I was a bit annoyed as this was the first I heard of yearly maintenance. I was under the impression that after three treatments I was done. Well, I figured if it works then I would try to save for it. Anyway, I would say after almost 2 years I started to develop brown areas on my skin and especially my upper lip (a mustache!). I also developed white areas. This would be hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. My skin's texture has changed for the worse. Almost like orange peel in some areas. Broken blood vessels and bigger pores, etc. Since I had moved an hour away after my last treatment, I have seen 2 dermatologists in my area. I have been given 2 different bleaching creams and retin A. There is minimal improvement and the least bit of sun makes everything worse. I wear the highest sunscreen outside, drive with my visor down, cannot enjoy the outdoors! I am depressed about this whole experience. I was once very attractive. The last dermatologist advised me to see a cosmetic surgeon. If I could I would sue the doctor and makers of Fraxel but since your problems do not begin until after the statute of limitations ends, you cannot do a thing. I have decided to contact the doctor who did the Fraxel and make that hour drive each way. I want them to fix my face! Anyone else who reas this, please, please consider other options. You will regret Fraxel!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from Fraxel laser treatment. Other side effects include itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, bronzed skin appearance, hyperpigmentation and scarring.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[29sillygirl]

I can't comment on fraxel treatment.  I do have experience with IPL.  When I could afford it, had several treatments on face and chest.  My skin looked better than it ever had.

I suffer from rosacea (the acne subcategory), so technician cleared up the redness, and broken blood vessels...which I didn't know I had until she told me.  It is common for sufferers of rosacea to have these.  

The only problem with IPL is that you may need periodic treatments to keep skin looking good.  Frankly cancer and chemo did much more damage to my skin than IPL ever could have.   I'd be scheduling appts now if I could afford!