I am having a series of six Fraxel treatments to remove acne scars. I had my second Fraxel treatment a week ago. Five days after the treatment, I developed a terrible case of acne around my chin, the area where the treatment went the deepest. I have several very red pimples and one "cystic" type pimple in the area, and I am afraid that this breakout will leave new scars, to replace the old ones that I am trying to get rid of!
My question is, it is normal for acne breakouts to occur after Fraxel? Why do they occur? And what can I do to prevent them? Before the treatments I had not had any acne breakouts for 9 months. I did have a very mild breakout after my first treatment, but nothing like this. For the last year I have been using a 30% glycolic serum, a light moisturizer, and a glycolic/salicylic acid cleanser at night and Pro-Active in the mornings. I discontinued use of these products after my first treatment because I found them too harsh.
After this treatment I used Aquaphor on my face, as directed, for three days until the bronzed skin peeled off. I then used a moisturizer containing dimethicone and the DDF organic sunscreen on my face. Four nights after the treatment I used a prescription Retin A/Hydroquinone cream on my face (this was the night before the breakout started). I was given antibiotics to take after this treatment and took one Monodox 100mg pill every day for the week following the treatments.
Deb
Submitted by Deb on February 27, 2008 - 5:39pm. Viewed 269 times
7/7/08
I had a very aggressive fraxel laser treatment done on my face a week ago. 4 - 5 days after my treatment, I started breaking out... more & more each day. :( I did this to reduce my acne scarring & hyperpigmentation of my skin... it has turned into my worst nightmare. :( Prior to having this done... my skin was basically clear... aside from an occasional breakout. Above & under my mouth & my chin area are out of control with cystic acne... probably 25 at least, varing in size. I soooo wish I could turn back the hands of time & not had this procedure done. I called my dermatologist, & he was shocked... never had a patient respond so negatively to fraxel. $650 for a horrific breakout... sigh.
7/8/08
I have seen some significant acne breakouts following CO2 Fraxel Re:pair especially in oily skin or previous significant acne prone patients. This seems to be related to using heavy emollients post treatment. If it feels greasy or heavy going on the skin you probably need to avoid it if you show evidence of breaking out. Some of the lighter skin repair treatments by Obaji, Aveene, Glytone, and SkinCeuticals have stood up well with my post Re:pair patients. Acne breakouts need to be treated as you normally would and my patients have tolerated routine acne care well.