Question
Is it normal for whitish bumps and little blisters to surface after undergoing Fraxel Restore?
Numerous small, whitish bumps appeared approximately twelve hours after I underwent Fraxel Restore Treatment, mainly on my chin and lower cheek area. I was wondering what they are and if I could avoid getting them on my next treatment. These things seem to exfoliate as the days go by, but I fear that they might cause scars.
Answers (3)
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1
September 9, 2008
Whitish bumps after any ablative laser treatment can be several things. The most common are milia. These are retention cysts after injury to the skin and will generally resolve on their own without any scarring other other problems. Whitish bumps can also represent either fungal infection or bacterial infection. In these cases, medical treatment is necessary as scarring can occur. It is best to have the physician who performed your treatment examine your face as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment, if any. If they are milia, there is no way to avoid getting them, but they tend not to be a long term problem.
2
September 9, 2008
White bumps after Fraxel laser treatment are most likely milia
Answer by Mitchell Chasin, MD
The white bumps that may develop after laser treatments, including Fraxel laser, are most likely Milia. Milia are cyst like structures in the surface of the skin which develop due to heating of the skin and/or subsequent use of substances like aquafor or occlusive moisturizers post treatment. This condition normally resolves on its own when these topical products are discontinued.
Blisters, however, are not a normal finding after Fraxel and they suggest too much heat was applied to the surface of the skin during treatment.
3
September 8, 2008
Rash could be several things....
Answer by Virginia Stevens, MD
Certainly laser and other resurfacing modalities can result in a temporary outbreak or small whitish "bumps", sometimes characterized as "milia", which are temporary, and go away after a few weeks to months. Other causes need to be considered, one possibility: a fungus growing in the "raw" skin, especially if you are on antibiotics and not on anti-fungal medications. Another possibility would be certain manifestations of bacterial skin infections.
You should definietly check with your doctor and be seen to determine what the cause of the rash is, so you can be appropriately treated.
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10/27/08
i had my 1st fraxel 4 weeks ago the swelling redness has gone down it was for sundamage on my cheeks left side is ok just a bit bronze but the right side has bought up more sun damage which my doctor said is normal and will go away with next fraxel my only probelm is the lumpy skin on my right cheek will this go down in time?