30 replies to this topic

[Emhfali]

the company the company...the company is making money with people's naivety

[Prettywords]

Anyone know anyone good in the PA/NJ area for subcision BESIDES Dr. Rappaport?

[InsightfulAnalyst99]

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

[Jrevor]

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Thanks for this post. My acne scarring is severe too, and im interested in undergoing this procedure. Is there any before/after picture that you could share with us?

[Greg098]

greg06, on 17 March 2009 - 05:06 PM, said:

Bad advice. Subcision is a method to avoid. If you are thinking of trying "subcision" please have an injectable filler instead. You will get the benefit of "needling" the scar tissue with guaranteed safe cosmetic results. Please do not mess up your face by doing a risky method such as subsicion. The only sure-fired way to deal with acne scarring is topical retinoids, antioxidant creams/peels, nonablative lasers, and darmal fillers (juvederm and restylane are OK). Please don't do something you will regret later. Dermatologic surgery has advanced a lot in the past few years and combining the lasers with other good skin treatements (antioxidant creams/dermal fillers), you can produce good results over time. If you still have acne, then take accutane. If you continue to get acne it will not only make your current scars possibly worse (if you get a lesion in the same area), but it can also cause additional scarring or tempt you to pick at your skin..risking additional scarring. Despite what most dermatologists will tell you, I've never had a bad reaction with taking accutane while having laser therapy. Most dermatologists have never had acne so they go by what the "textbook says" or their medical school professors say. Yes in a way, we are still in the dark ages since so many physicians are uninformed about the specific trials acne and scarring patients have to go through. In fact, I've responded better to accutane treatment after getting lasers and never break out anymore! Not even once! Also consider doing microdermabrasion in addition to the other treatments. There is new research that says filler can help promote collagen buildup around where the filler is injected. Also moving the scar to the surface can help the laser and other topicals work better at fading the scar. A lot of scars have a discoloration component whether you know it or not and it can take time for the lasers to even out the skin texture/tone. Remember: your skin has a slow and steady response to absorbing the laser light. But the transformation is inevitable as your pigments AND/OR skin cells have already absorbed the laser light. In summary, if you want cosmetic results to hold you over please have a dermal filler not subcision or excision or any of that dangerous stuff. =)

Not true. You need more then one session of subcision to see results. I am up to my 5th session and my results are amazing. I guess it works for some and others it doesn't.

[DRaGZ]

Greg098, on 17 January 2012 - 11:25 PM, said:

Not true. You need more then one session of subcision to see results. I am up to my 5th session and my results are amazing. I guess it works for some and others it doesn't.

This is wise advice for EVERY treatment and EVERY patient. I wish more people would take heed.

[Jrevor]

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

[InsightfulAnalyst99]

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

[Jrevor]

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 06:24 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

Sorry, i meant restore ) (the study was also about restore)

In the daylight, my scarring resembles the first guy's scars, , on this page http://www.cdc-clini...nated_co2_laser (but extended all across the face , the forehead and the nose). It seems that fractional ablative co2 gave him excellent results.

Was your skin like that? and could you improve it with restore? (even though restore is NOT ablative)

Edited by Jrevor, 19 January 2012 - 07:16 PM.

[InsightfulAnalyst99]

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 06:24 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

Sorry, i meant restore ) (the study was also about restore)

In the daylight, my scarring resembles the first guy's scars, , on this page http://www.cdc-clini...nated_co2_laser (but extended all across the face , the forehead and the nose). It seems that fractional ablative co2 gave him excellent results.

Was your skin like that? and could you improve it with restore? (even though restore is NOT ablative)

That guy has alot of very deep scars, at least in the first row of pictures. I only had 1 or 2 deeper scars but smaller in circumference and not as deep as his. If I had to choose, I would say that my scars look more like this (http://www.acne.org/...ick-example.jpg). And under certain situations... like if I were to rub my face and the blood rushed to my skin, my scars would stand out more due to the permanent subtle redness of the scar tissue.

If I were you, I would be careful with that website you provided. Hopefully you're not planning to go there. Some of the pictures look very touched up... eg there's a red tint in some of the pictures like they're wearing makeup. Also, their results look alot better than my results when zoomed up that close... so beware. I personally avoid "skin centers", "laser treatment centers" etc.

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 06:24 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

Sorry, i meant restore ) (the study was also about restore)

In the daylight, my scarring resembles the first guy's scars, , on this page http://www.cdc-clini...nated_co2_laser (but extended all across the face , the forehead and the nose). It seems that fractional ablative co2 gave him excellent results.

Was your skin like that? and could you improve it with restore? (even though restore is NOT ablative)

That guy has alot of very deep scars, at least in the first row of pictures. I only had 1 or 2 deeper scars but smaller in circumference and not as deep as his. If I had to choose, I would say that my scars look more like this (http://www.acne.org/...ick-example.jpg). And under certain situations... like if I were to rub my face and the blood rushed to my skin, my scars would stand out more due to the permanent subtle redness of the scar tissue.

If I were you, I would be careful with that website you provided. Hopefully you're not planning to go there. Some of the pictures look very touched up... eg there's a red tint in some of the pictures like they're wearing makeup. Also, their results look alot better than my results when zoomed up that close... so beware. I personally avoid "skin centers", "laser treatment centers" etc.

If you have alot of very deep narrow scars like the first guy, you should research TCA Cross method, but you need to be EXTREMELY careful. I did TCA Cross on 2 of my deeper narrow scars and those scars nearly disappeared. But I've also accidentally literally burned a hole when I tried TCA CROSS to treat another scar... so be careful. Luckily, the burned hole has healed up about 95% so it's barely noticeable now. But generally speaking, TCA Cross could do more harm than good... so you should talk to a doctor instead rather than attempt on your own.

[Jrevor]

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 07:51 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 06:24 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

Sorry, i meant restore ) (the study was also about restore)

In the daylight, my scarring resembles the first guy's scars, , on this page http://www.cdc-clini...nated_co2_laser (but extended all across the face , the forehead and the nose). It seems that fractional ablative co2 gave him excellent results.

Was your skin like that? and could you improve it with restore? (even though restore is NOT ablative)

That guy has alot of very deep scars, at least in the first row of pictures. I only had 1 or 2 deeper scars but smaller in circumference and not as deep as his. If I had to choose, I would say that my scars look more like this (http://www.acne.org/...ick-example.jpg). And under certain situations... like if I were to rub my face and the blood rushed to my skin, my scars would stand out more due to the permanent subtle redness of the scar tissue.

If I were you, I would be careful with that website you provided. Hopefully you're not planning to go there. Some of the pictures look very touched up... eg there's a red tint in some of the pictures like they're wearing makeup. Also, their results look alot better than my results when zoomed up that close... so beware. I personally avoid "skin centers", "laser treatment centers" etc.

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 19 January 2012 - 06:24 PM, said:

Jrevor, on 19 January 2012 - 08:02 AM, said:

InsightfulAnalyst99, on 20 September 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:

Not sure if this topic is still active but I would like to share my results after 5 treatments of Fraxel Restore at the highest settings. The 5th treatment was 8 months ago. I am asian and I would say that I have medium asian skin color (not too light and not too dark but more light than dark)

I would say that I have various scars ranging from moderate to deep acne scars, the most noticeable scars are around my cheeks. Most are probably boxcar scars, but there are probably a few icepick scars. I don't know why other people say that Fraxel Restore is useless because I absolutely definitely see a noticeable improvement and I would absolutely recommend it. Hard to quantify % of improvement, but arguably, I would say at least a 50% improvement. However, improvement is not measured by scar size only. You also want to minimize people from noticing your scars and in that sense, I would say that it raises the % to 65% general improvement.

Perhaps it is the concept of diminishing returns... if your acne scars were very mild, then you will probably not benefit much from fraxel restore. If you are expecting Fraxel to give you perfectly smooth skin, then you will really be disappointed. For me, the scars were one problem but the permanent redness from the scars was another problem that compounded the problem and made the scars more noticeable. Fraxel Restore helped with both. Redness has been greatly reduced so my scars blend in more with my natural skin color and the size of the scars have definitely gotten smaller. I know because I've looked at my scars so much in the mirror for so many years that I know when I see smaller scars.

I can still see the scars and I am far from having smooth skin.. but there has been a definite and noticeable improvement. I got Fraxel done from an American Board certified plastic surgeon. I can't be sure 'that' made a difference but I believe that plastic surgeons know more of how to minimize scars and how to minimize complications and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I paid $1200 for 3 treatments and then $450 for each of the remaining 2 treatments.

Indeed, thanks for your comment. Your comment confirms my belief that there fraxel repair actually works. Otherwise, studies like http://www.skinthera...006/11.9/2.html wouldn't even be valid

Hi Jrevor. I did take pictures but I don't think they came out that nice since I was taking pictures of myself. I've gotten a total of 6 fraxels done and there's a noticeable difference. Like I said in the post, Fraxel Restore will minimize your scars and make your scars better but it won't ever remove them completely. You mentioned Fraxel Repair; that's totally different from Fraxel Restore. Repair will vaporize skin and there are significantly more risks involved and alot more downtime. I only got Restore and not Repair -- but I'm glad that I got Restore instead of Repair.

Sorry, i meant restore ) (the study was also about restore)

In the daylight, my scarring resembles the first guy's scars, , on this page http://www.cdc-clini...nated_co2_laser (but extended all across the face , the forehead and the nose). It seems that fractional ablative co2 gave him excellent results.

Was your skin like that? and could you improve it with restore? (even though restore is NOT ablative)

That guy has alot of very deep scars, at least in the first row of pictures. I only had 1 or 2 deeper scars but smaller in circumference and not as deep as his. If I had to choose, I would say that my scars look more like this (http://www.acne.org/...ick-example.jpg). And under certain situations... like if I were to rub my face and the blood rushed to my skin, my scars would stand out more due to the permanent subtle redness of the scar tissue.

If I were you, I would be careful with that website you provided. Hopefully you're not planning to go there. Some of the pictures look very touched up... eg there's a red tint in some of the pictures like they're wearing makeup. Also, their results look alot better than my results when zoomed up that close... so beware. I personally avoid "skin centers", "laser treatment centers" etc.

If you have alot of very deep narrow scars like the first guy, you should research TCA Cross method, but you need to be EXTREMELY careful. I did TCA Cross on 2 of my deeper narrow scars and those scars nearly disappeared. But I've also accidentally literally burned a hole when I tried TCA CROSS to treat another scar... so be careful. Luckily, the burned hole has healed up about 95% so it's barely noticeable now. But generally speaking, TCA Cross could do more harm than good... so you should talk to a doctor instead rather than attempt on your own.

Yeah, i was also extremely surprised with this guy's results. Don't worry, as I'm not going to that particular clinic (it's in australia, I'm on UK). Still, my mind wants to believe it's possible to get that degree of improvement,. I don't want to lose my faith, it's what gets my through the day.