26
Feb
Fraxel Restore Procedure New OrleansĀ
Would Fraxel laser remove the white spots I am getting on my arms and legs and shoulders? What kind of procedure would improve these white spots where there appears to be no more pigment left? I seem to have just as many freckles as I have white spots now that I’m 40. Are these white spots considered age spots too?
Fraxel Dual is an option to improve irregular pigmentation of the face and body, but I need to make a few points. First, if the depigmentation is from sun exposure or from old acne scars, the Dual helps by lightening the surrounding sun damaged areas with INCREASED pigmentation so the skin blends better. Unfortunately, once pigment is destroyed by sun or trauma, there is no reliable way to get it back. Lastly, you need to be sure to see a board certified dermatologist in order to get a correct diagnosis of the pigment loss. Sun damage is not the only cause of irregular pigmentation. It could be the result of something as innocuous as tinea versicolor, or as potentially serious as vitiligo. Accurate diagnosis should always precede treatment courses.
How long does Fraxel last? I realize it may depend upon the laser, skin type, age, sun exposure. Is this something I need to do annually?
That is an excellent question. It is very important to be on a maintenance skin care program after fraxel to maintain the benefits longer. Daily sunscreen, all year round is key. Evening retinoids, bleaching agents and growth or other peptides will all prolong your benefit. Most compliant patients feel they need another Fraxel in 2-3 years.
I have a lot of brown spots on my face as well as acne scars from years ago. I have an Asian and white heritage. Is there a safe option for me? I have a friend with similar skin who now has a white hue to her skin after getting some kind of laser.
My guess is that your friend had a rather aggressive resurfacing with a carbon dioxide laser. Delayed loss of pigment was a rather common complication. It was less noticeable in white patients, but Asian and Hispanic patients often suffered with the irregular pigmentation.
I recommend Fraxel Dual for your situation. The 1550 nm wavelength helps the texture and scars and the 1927 nm wavelength improves the blotchy pigmentation. Patients typically need 2 sessions of both (that is why it is called Dual) to give best results for mild acne scars and more severe pigmentation. More treatments at a more aggressive setting of just the 1550nm laser may be needed if the scars are severe. I have been using the Fraxel now for almost 5 years and have been pleased with the results as well as the safety for ethnic patients.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. – Connect on Instagram
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Womenās Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
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šØš®š§šššš¢šØš§ ā Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- šš¢š„š¦š ššš«š ššš„š, šš šš¢š¬š¢šØš§šš«š² and šššššš«š¬š”š¢š© šš°šš«š from the ššØš¦šš§āš¬ ššš«š¦šššØš„šØš š¢š ššØšš¢ššš² ā Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.