With my Asian skin, when would be the best time to do a series of Fraxel Restore treatments?

Dr. Irwin
March 20, 2012
What is the best time to have the first treatment for Fraxel 1550 Restore? I have an appointment to do my first treatment in late March but I am going on vacation to the Caribbeans in late May. I am Asian and am worried that going into the sun too much will lead to hyperpigmentation. Also, since the treatments are spaced out 4-8 weeks, the rest of my treatments will be in the summer time.

I hear your concern and share it.  You didn’t mention where you live but since you mention summer, I’m thinking you live in a more four season climate.  People who live in colder northern climates tend to be outdoors a lot more in the summer.  Did you discuss the Caribbean trip with your Dermatologist?  Did he or she have a plan for managing your increased risk of hyperpigmention on the trip?  If you have melasma, remember Fraxel could make melasma worse, even without sun.

The bottom line for me is that if you are working with an expert in this area, he/she will know all about your lifestyle and your plans for a sunny vacation.  There are so many variables to consider.  Are you planning to be on a boat and snorkle all day or read by the pool under an umbrella?  Are you training for a marathon this summer or indoors all the time with a demanding job?   You get the idea.  Link to more Fraxel info.  

 Your Dermatologist who is doing the laser needs to know all these things.   If you are an outdoor, very active person, my vote would be to do the series in the fall.  But….. please discuss all this with your doctor to make sure you get the best results!   Dr. I

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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