Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Fraxel laser How long do I need to wait after Accutane treatment before I can have my scars treated.Posted in Lasers, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, Acne Scars, Acne, 2011 on Dec 08, 2011 | Permalink I got off of Accutane in June. I have some acne scars and would like to use the Fraxel laser. How long do I have to wait? I don't want there to be any complications.
The short answer is this that if you are thinking full face traditional ablative CO2 resurfacing, then you need to wait a full year. If you are considering the Fraxel or the How risky is Fraxel laser for Asian skin?Posted in Fraxel laser, Asian skin, 2011 on Dec 04, 2011 | Permalink Dr. Irwin,
How experienced are you with treating Asian skin with Fraxel? How were the results? I have read that there are some issues with post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, which I am most concerned about.
Thank you
This is a good question. The best data on this comes from Dr. Henry Chan who is based in Hong Kong. One of his papers published in Lasers Surg Med 2007;39:381-5 titled "The prevalence... more What is the most effective interval between Fraxel laser treatment?Posted in Melasma, Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2011 on Nov 13, 2011 | Permalink What's the most effective intervals between fraxel laser treatments?? tnx
The answer to this really depends on your goals and your timeline. If you have a wedding in 3 months it might change your planning. In general though, 4-8 weeks is optimal. You'll see... more What is the most effective interval between Fraxel laser treatments?Posted in Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2011 on Nov 04, 2011 | Permalink What's the most effective intervals between Fraxel laser treatments??
The answer to this depends a little on what your goals are? Are you treating acne scars, wrinkles, texture problems, or sun damage for example? And most studies were a series of two... more What can I do about small scars on the face after a procedure?Posted in Fraxel laser, 2011 on Sep 21, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
I have been reading your articles and blogs for several months now. I have a question: I had facial warts removal surgery by electrotrautory ( think that's what it's called) 8 months ago and it left me with some depressed scarring on the face. And I'd like to know what can I do to remove these scars? Appreciate you could answer my question, many thanks!!!!! Ellie
Ellie - you didn't give me your age, but in general the Fraxel (a fractionated erbium laser) works well for small, depressed scars. It's used frequently to treat smaller, depreseed... more
A re-answer to a question about fine lines.Posted in Wrinkles, Fraxel laser, 2011 on Jul 08, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr Irwin,
Below is my post to you and your answer, but I didn't mean nasolabial folds or marionette lines. I meant horizontal and vertical lines that are fine lines. The fillers won't work for these lines and I cant use Retin-a or AHA's due to the shiny waxy look I get from using them. My skin is not sagging or lax and I don't have wrinkles. So is there anything that would work for these lines? Thanks in advance!
I am confused about which procedure would work for moderate facial lines. I am a 46 year old caucasian female. I don't have loose, sagging skin or wrinkles. The lines are mostly around my mouth but to the sides not above my lips. I do not smoke. AHA's and retin a cause an unnatural shinny waxy look on my skin so I prefer not to use them. What procedure would work for this issue? Thanks so much.
Since you don't have sagging (laxity) or wrinkles, these lines to the sides of the mouth are usually from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial fold) or the mouth to the chin (mesolabial or marionette), are best treated with a filller like Juvederm or Restylane. Both would work well. On average maintenance for this in your age range would be about twice a year. Dr. I
Okay - I know this is hard to describe sometimes so I'm think you mean on the cheeks themselves - that fine, sometimes crisscrossed wrinkling. You might want to look into the Fraxel... more I have multiple acne scars on my chest and back. What can I do?Posted in Scars, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, Acne Scars, Acne, 2011 on May 25, 2011 | Permalink Hi,
I have body acne and over the years the number of breakouts has diminished but has left a lot of scars which of them are mostly skin discoloration. I am dark skinned. I have tried varies things like micro crystal dermabrasion, topical cremes and glycol peels. I was not sure about the peel first but then I have tried most of the stuff out there and risked it and it left a couple of very dark spots which hasn't faded even a little bit after 2 months. I am starting to feel that the only option would be expensive laser treatments. I would really appreciate if you could offer me some advice. Thanks.
I really agree with your conclusion on this. With most acne scarring, it is deep enough that superficial treatments like microdermabrasion, creams and glycolic peels won't help much. ... more
What is better for antiaging-Thermage or Fraxel?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Lasers, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on May 22, 2011 | Permalink What is the best anti aging for face & neck ... thermage or fraxel. I'd like to prevent or improve sagging and wrinkles. My eyelids are bad and I'm starting to get wrinkles over my lips. I've been using Botox & restylane but am thinking after reading your article that Sculptra may be better.
This depends on many factors like your age, the amount of sagging you have, severity of wrinkles, and your facial contours, etc. As a general guideline, if you are under 45ish and you... more
Is it ok to use the dual fraxel laser for melasma and brown spotsPosted in Melasma, Fraxel laser, Brown Spots, 2011 on Mar 12, 2011 | Permalink Is it ok to use the dual fraxel laser for melasma and brown spots
Okay - so this is a much more complicated question than you think which is why you need a good dermatologist to work with you. Here are the things I would want to know.
What is the difference between a chemical peel and a laser treatment for fine lines and wrinkles?Posted in Wrinkles, Peels, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Feb 16, 2011 | Permalink What is difference in improvement between a chemical peel and a laser treatment? Do they both work to treat wrinkles and fine lines?
This is a good question because I think many are puzzled by this also. I'd like to give you the broad differences and then links to two places in the site for more information. Since you... more How many Fraxels are enough?Posted in Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Jan 24, 2011 | Permalink I've been having a series of Fraxel treatments on my face for both pigmentation and to improve skin texture. One practioner has told me that I can only have 5 treatments in the first year and then once every year following that Another provider has told me that I can continue to have as many treatments as I choose provided there is at least 4 weeks apart. Can you share your opinion on the number of fraxel that is most beneficial. Thank you.
I think that depends on how much improvement you are seeing with each treatment. If the Fraxel settings are good you should be getting about 15-20% coverage with each treatment so at... more What would you recommend as a first step to enlarged pores on the cheeks?Posted in Lasers, Large Pores and Texture, Large pores, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Jan 22, 2011 | Permalink What would you recommend as a first step to enlarged pores on the cheeks. I am 48.
Thanks
Deanna
Hi Deanna. If they aren't too large, I would recommend Fraxel (the original - not the Fraxel CO2). You will probably need to do a series of at least 3 to see a real difference. If they... more
What would be good to treat early eyelid wrinkles? I'm in my 30s.Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Fraxel laser, Eyelid Treatments, 2011 on Jan 18, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
I'm interested in doing Thermage around the eyes. I'm in my late 30s and have good skin although very thin around the eyes. When not animated (resting state) the skin under my eyes looks fine. However, when I smile and the skin under my eyes is pushed up, it gets a bit bunchy and crepey looking. Is there anything I can do to improve that? I do a little Botox for my crows feet which completely helps minimize my crows feet. I also had a lower lid blephoraplasty with fat repositioning over a year ago so there is no extraneous skin or fat in this area now. Do you think Thermage around the eyes would help? I know I might not see the results for 4 to 6 months. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
This is a good question since you are in your 30s still. If the problem is more that there's a little loose skin, then eyelid Thermage is a good choice at your age. If the problem is more... more
Is using Retin A too much for the skin after Fraxel?Posted in Skin Care Products, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Oct 17, 2010 | Permalink I have had several successful Fraxel ( Restore) treatments and now have a light treatment once a year for maintance. I hear that Retin A is wonderful for the skin. My question is.. Is Retin A too much after Fraxel? I am 57 and have good skin. I wanted to know if the kind of Fraxel treatments that I have is enough for my skin? Thanks
No, it's not too much. It would be a great way to help maintain the benefits you got. Just be sure you are really sun protecting. I often advise stopping it a week or two before a sunny... more Chloasma/melasma - are lasers safe especially on darker skin types?Posted in Peels, Melasma, IPL, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 11, 2010 | Permalink Hello Dr Irwin,
I have very lage dark brown spots on each cheek which appeared in 1999. They have been diagnosed as chloasma. I consulted three dermatologists between 2000 and 2005, two of whom advised me that laser or peeling techniques were not recommended for Asian skin types , I have Indo-European origins. Therefore I have only used depigmenting creams which had no effect and in fact the spots have increased in size in recent years.
My question is: have laser techniques advanced since 2005 and are there any now which would provide a good result on my skin type?
Thank you So first, I'm assuming you've had these spots looked at in the past year by a dermatologist to make sure they are not skin cancer! Then, this is a tough question and not all dermatologists... more I'm having difficulty finding a good cosmetic dermatologist where I live.Posted in Skin Care, MedSpa, Lasers, IPL, Fraxel laser, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Sep 26, 2010 | Permalink I am trying to find a cosmetic dermatologist in Vancouver, BC. I have discovered in my research that most of the clinics have technicians doing the laser procedures rather than the dermatologist. In addition, many of the anti-aging clinics are headed by medical doctors that have "a special interest in cosmetic procedures." Is this the norm?
Thanks,Lisa
Okay so good questions! I'll try to clarify. Many good dermatologists or plastic surgeons will delegate procedures. I don't have a problem with this as long as the laser provider has a... more At 37, would an eyelid Thermage be the best for my eye area?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Fraxel laser, Eyelid Treatments, 2010 on Sep 21, 2010 | Permalink HI Dr. I- I am 37 and really considering thermage for the eyes. I would like to tighten the area. I currently do Botox for the crows feet and bunny lines. They really make a nice difference but I am not completly satisfied. I think I am losing the volume under my eyes and around my mouth. I have high cheek bones which helps but I really notice the change :( I follow your skincare regimine and I have good skin overall but it's become significantly thinner and combined with my other issues I am wondering what you would recommend? Thank in advanced for your time.
At 37, it depends on what's bothering you the most. Eyelid Thermage tends to be best if there is a just little "hooding" or slightly lax skin. Eyelid Fraxel tends to be better if the... more
What is the best treatment for vertical lines over the lips?Posted in Lips, Fraxel laser, Fillers, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2010 on Sep 17, 2010 | Permalink What is the best treatment for vertical lines over the lips?
I wish there was one "slam/dunk" treatment for vertical upper lip lines. They can be 80-90% corrected but it takes a little time, money and patience. There really is no one treatment... more What are the best laser options for light/olive/Hispanic skin with minor discolorations and a few broken capillaries?Posted in Lasers, IPL, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Sep 14, 2010 | Permalink Dear Dr. Irwin,
What are the best laser options for light/olive/Hispanic skin with minor discolorations and a few broken capillaries?
You are wise to be a bit careful! If you can do it in the winter and not be tan at all, you might do well with an IPL (photorejuvenation). BUT......... you must go to an expert... more
Which treatment should I have next?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sun Damage, Skin Care, Sculptra, Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
In what order would one consider the following treatments in your clinic:
*Thermage
*Fraxel or recommended laser tx.
*Sculptra
I'm 51 and have had Botox, Restylane, and some Laser treatments over the past 4 years with good results. I'm considering these other treatments down the line, so to speak!!
Thanks!!
Your question brings up two good issues: customization and maintenance. First, the answer to your question really depends on your particular skin. I think it would be bad medicine to... more Can I get good results with the Fraxel without the downtime?Posted in Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Aug 20, 2010 | Permalink I recently had two profraxional laser treatments done and am seeing some improvements in tone and texture, however the downtime was extreme. For 6 days I had red blood marks all over my face. I would like to continue my treatments but am not able to take time off. What kind of results should I expect with Fraxel? And is there a reason profraxional should be recommended over Fraxel?
Thanks,
Dave
There are now A LOT of copy cat laser systems in existence who use the words fractional or some like that in their titles or their marketing. Everyone please pay a lot of attention to... more What can I do about scars on the lips?Posted in Scars, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Aug 05, 2010 | Permalink Hi doctor
First of all, please doctor I hope you answer me via my e-mail because I don't want my problem to be seen publicly, I sent my first message to you without telling you that (the e-mail thing) by mistake.
I have 2 scars on my lips since 10 years ago. The scars occured after removing warts electrically. One on my upper left side lip and the other on the right side bottom lips and they are all hypertrophic. I had consulted with a plastic surgeon and he said that fraxel laser could help to makr the scars shrink
I am so afraid because the lips are so sensitive .
Does fraxel cauuse any ,more hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation in my case? and does it work well to blur the scars edges because they are so reaised which get me embarassed
I will be so grateful to see your openion .
regards,
Confidentiality is important! We would never publish your email address or a last name. Unfortunately, I really can't answer emails individually. Hopefully this will help. When you... more Is it possible to scar with the Fraxel Restore laser?Posted in Scars, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Jul 27, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin- I have been on the internet reading some reviews regarding Fraxel Restore. I wasn't aware that you can actually scar from this treatment. I never considered Repair because I thought that would be of a possible side effect of the more aggressive treatment. Have you seen this happening to patients before. I have had several treatments of Restore and once a year I have a very mild one when I go back to maintain. My skin looks great.
On the face, assuming the treatment is done correctly, it would be extremely unusual to develop scarring from Fraxel treatments. I'm also assuming you are not prone to keloids! You've... more Can I have a Thermage and Fraxel treatment on the same day?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Jul 22, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1) Can I have a Thermage and Fraxel treatment on the same day? If not what is the recommended wait time between the two treatments?
I know that there are excellent offices who do this but it's a lot to take on in one day. The Thermage should be done first, in my opinion. I would recommend waiting at least 2-3 days... more
Would fractionated carbon dioxide laser be helpful for me with acne scars?Posted in Scars, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, Acne Scars, 2010 on Jun 03, 2010 | Permalink
Re: Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser
I was most interested in your article on this laser. I have acne-related scars including depressions in my skin. Also, I had some hypertrophic scars excised, which resulted in deeper depressions. To date I have done 5 treatments of Fraxel at ever increasing strengths. I have just had 2 treatments 3 weeks apart at Fraxel's highest level (i.e. level 12). Yet I STILL have the aforementioned scars. They have faded a bit, but they're still there and quite noticeable. Do you think the Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser would be a good option for me. If the answer is yes, do you know of a dermatologist located in NYC who has the necessary expertise w/ this laser? Thanks for your help, Simone
It's a bit difficult without being able to see you or knowing your age. But, yes, usually the fractionated CO2 is more effective than the Fraxel Restore for acne scarring. If you are 30... more Are there any non surgical treatments for stretchmarks on the abdomen that work?Posted in Stretch marks, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2010 on May 23, 2010 | Permalink Hello Dr. Irwin...
Thankfully my question isn't about treatments for my face. However I figured you may still be very well able to answer it. My skin problem is all over my abdomen. (stretchmarks) My stomach is for the most part-flat, so I really wouldn't need a "Tummy -tuck" but is there anything I can do besides surgery to remove these unsightly marks?
Signed,
Hopeful
Well - first of all, let me tell you what doesn't work so you won't waste your money! Don't bother with body Thermage for stretchmarks. It's even questionable in my mind whether body... more
What is the best treatment for under eye crinkles?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Lasers, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fraxel laser, Eyelid Treatments, Eye Creams, Crows Feet, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2010 on May 06, 2010 | Permalink What is the best treatment for the under eye crinkles? Is it thermage or fillers or retin a or something else? Thanks, Bonnie
This is such a complicated question because it depends on sooooo many factors. I'll try to make a long story short! But, please see the section on eyes on this site. If you just have a... more Is it okay to have a Fraxel Restore treatment 2 days after Thermage?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Fraxel laser on Apr 29, 2010 | Permalink I am having Thermage soon and would like to have a mild Fraxel treatment 2 days later. Is that enough time to wait?
That should be fine. You might have a little more swelling after the second treatment than usual. Dr.... more
Combining treatments - what works best?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fraxel laser on Apr 29, 2010 | Permalink You discuss how long to wait after an injection to have Thermage or Fraxel, but is there any problem with having Thermage or Fraxel first and then an injection like Sculptra or Juvederm later? How long do you have to wait?
This is a hot topic right now because there is a synergistic aspect to combining various treatments well. The problem is that there are virtually no studies at all on combining treatments... more
Will a laser work for loose skin on the abdomen?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Pregnancy, Lasers, IPL, Fraxel laser, Body Treatments, African american skin on Mar 21, 2010 | Permalink I had a baby almost three years ago. I was fortunate that I was able to loose the weight and escape stretch mark free(She weigh 10 pounds). I am 5'4 and weigh 130 pounds. I workout regularly so I'm in pretty good shape. I am thinking of trying a laser for my belly button area. The skin has lost the elesticity and that area looks so different from the rest of my abdominal area. I know you are against this type of thing incase of major weight loss but I wonder if you think that it would make a difference in my case? I have consulted with 2 doctors and of course, both said yes that it would make a significant difference. I still don't know if I trust the response. If you think it would is there a particular one you recommend? I so appreciate your honesty and straight-fowardness. Thank you again and again. Good for you for getting back into shape!! It's hard, isn't it. Well........it depends on which type of laser and how loose the skin is. If it's more like a stretch mark around your... more Can Fraxel be used successfully on the body, including stretch marks?Posted in Stretch marks, Fraxel laser on Mar 16, 2010 | Permalink Can Fraxel be used to treat stretch mark on the legs? Have you seen it done and is it successful? Can fraxel build collagen in other areas of the body. Good questions. Yes, anywhere Fraxel is used it builds collagen but the real issue is - does it make a visible difference that we all can see, rather than a microscopic difference. ... more If you have to travel a good distance for Fraxel, is there a way to make it even more effective?Posted in Latisse, Fraxel laser, Eyelashes and Eyebrows, Carbon Dioxide Lasers on Mar 02, 2010 | Permalink Hi,
I live in alaska so cant come in every 4wks for a repeat of the faxel lazer so can you go a little deeper on just one treatment and how much does it cost.?? John turner turnerjcj2000@yahoo.com John - Basically Fraxel works best done in a series of 3-5 depending on your situation. It's possible to do a more aggressive treatment but, if you can really only get one treatment, you... more Does the Fraxel laser help melasma?Posted in Melasma, Fraxel laser, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Oct 29, 2009 | Permalink
my face don't have much melasma but after I try fraxel lazer my face show more melasma. I want to ask if fraxel lazer do make melasma worse thank you This is a good question! Despite prior small studies indicating that the Fraxel laser might improve melasma, that has not always been true. Unfortunately, the Fraxel laser like all other... more
Fraxel Laser and SarcoidPosted in Fraxel laser on Oct 16, 2009 | Permalink Have you ever used the fraxel laser on a sarcoidosis patient? I'm going to assume that you're asking the question because you have sarcoid lesions in a visible area??? I haven't used the Fraxel on sarcoid lesions and my concern would be that it would... more
Fraxel for the eye areaPosted in Fraxel laser, Eyelid Treatments on Sep 26, 2009 | Permalink How effective is fraxel lazer for tightening and what are the adverse side effects. I used thermage in the orbital area 6 months ago without noticeable results. A waist of money and I am very disappointed with the results. It's too bad you didn't see much with the Thermage eyelid treatment. It's very operator dependent. It's hard to know if you were just unlucky or didn't get a good treatment. Fraxel is... more Fraxel ResultsPosted in Lasers, Fraxel laser on Jul 27, 2009 | Permalink
Dear Dr. Irwin,
Does fractional laser causes long term side effects (ie. redness, lines, pigmentation after a certain period of time) or does it provides permanent results (glowing skin, wrinkle free etc)?
Thanking you in advance for your advice. On the side effects issue, generally there are no long term problems. Certainly there can be some temporary redness, dryness, pigmentary changes, etc for a few days to, in some cases, even... more |
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