Ablative Fractional Lasers
Reviews
2.8
111 Reviews
Ablative Fractional Lasers
Good or Excellent Response
44%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
82%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Ablative Fractional Lasers
Side Effects
Medium-High
Ablative Fractional Lasers
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Read All About Ablative Fractional Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
16.1%
4
22.3%
3
20.5%
2
8%
1
33%

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December 15, 2007

Pros:

90% better

Cons:

none.

Coolaser for ance scars and acne. The best acne and acne scar treatment I have ever done...and I spend a lot on other so called treatments and remedies. 100% recommended
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December 14, 2007

Pros:

Really works; I tried Coolaser after having done everything ( including other lasers) Coolaser really really worked...I have no more scars. I do not get acne anymore either.

Cons:

it is a bit pricy but well worth it.

DO not do any other treatment...trust me I have paid over 20, 000 dollars over the years and got NO result,...Until I tried coolaser I know it sounds like an infomercial but I want to scream this from the top of the world to everyone. Just do it , and get rid of the acne and the acne scars for life while you are young...here is their website: [link removed]
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

Skin looked worse afterwards with more scarring on cheeks that wasn't there before. Downtime was 10 days with intense swelling for 3 days.

It has been 3 weeks since first treatment and once swelling completely healed my face looks much worse than before. I have orange peel skin everywhere and new poc marks on my cheeks that were smooth before. I did it for pigmentation from the sun and now I have little scars everywhere. I am outraged and wonder that they went too high but of course they deny and are unaccountable. I went to a dermatologist also and he has become defensive and in denial.
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November 3, 2007

Pros:

Helped my acne scarring. Fine lines better much gone. SKin kinda glows and looks alittle tighter.

Cons:

I break out in cold sores once or twice a yr., I was not warned that this procedure contains acid materials that will cause cold sores to break out. With some kind of warning, I would have taken acyclovin before hand. Peeled ALOT for 4-7 days.

I'm 44 yrs. old women that hated my acne scars on my chin for the last 25 years. I've only done once treatment and I can honestly say I do see an improvement. Two 2 weeks ago I went in for my first treatment. They offered meds but I needed to show that I had a driver to take me home. So, I told them no meds and slipped a vicodin on my way to the clinic. I live very close. The drive home was not unsafe. The treatment made me feel as though my face was on fire for 24 hrs.and then the peeling started! I did the treatment on a Friday afternoon and went into work on Monday..I pretty much look like a freak all week-peeling ALOT! My co-workers never said a thing. I kept this a secret but I bet they noticed! ugh! I was so self-conscience! PLUS I had a horrible cold sore to add! Today is exactly 2 weeks and I'm still a little red. My scars seem a tiny bit smoother. I have a 8X mirror that seems to be brutaly honest. My skin is kinda tight & glowy and my fine lines seem GO
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September 6, 2007

Pros:

I just had a Profaxtional and a laser peel done. I am not sure of the results yet, I just fond this site. I am pretty much freeking out.

Cons:

I look like a monster..I don't know if I made the right decision, of course it is too late to
regret.

I was hoping this treatment help me to eliminate my acne and rosacea. At the time of the treatment I had little information about the laser peel , I just hope to heel enough to go back to work.
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September 2, 2007

Pros:

Made my skin smoother, helped with sun damage, and fine lines

Cons:

I looked like a monster for about 3 or 4 days! It also hurt very bad at time of procedure

I am really confused! I know I live in small town Iowa, and I expect to pay a little less for these types of things, but come on! I am from Newport Beach Calif. so you can imagine how much I was expecting to pay for my deep erbrium laser resurfacing. To my complete surprise, it was only $300.00!!! The place I went to in Burlington Ia. was fantastic! They are up to date on everything and I was treated like a queen! Why is everyone else getting riped off? Think about it before you decide to spend thousands for the same thing I had done. I am due for my second of three treatments this month. Even though it hurts more than I thought, it was worth it. The results were extra good when I used PCA Skin phaze 16 cream after. Any questions you can email me at caligrl1113@[link removed]
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September 2, 2007

Pros:

I had the Active Fx laser done in Feb. I recieved the treatment free. My derm was testing the laser to see if she wanted to but it. Its been 6 months and as time goes by I see more and more improvement.

Cons:

It hurts really bad afterwards!

Definitely worth it!
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

It seems to have certain advantages over the older lasers, you're not left with an open wound, etc. I have had 4 so far (actually just had the 4th done 3 days ago still looks really red) I have tree to go, the results are progressive so it will take

Cons:

The cost, redness after treatment.

U have to pick the best treatment for your skin, not eveyone will have a wonderful outcome...I know it sucks, but it is true
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May 12, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Very expensive, long downtime, no lasting results, redness.

I've had Erbium laser resurfacing 3 times for pitted acne scarring around my lower face and before this 10 micro-dermabrasion treatments with no results at all. In fact i would say that the scarring in some areas is actually worse than before. The first laser consultation the doctor advised i would see a 50 - 60% improvement and actually had zero. I have also got slight melasma caused from going into the sun a few weeks after resurfacing. I wouldn't really recommend this treatment to anyone as I didn't even see improvment on the smallest and flattest scars let alone the deeper ones. Over $5000 dollars wasted and a bunch of false hopes from the Cosmetic surgeons. I have been advised from the surgeon that did my face that the Fraxel laser could possibly help however after seeing some of the posts submitted here, it doesn't appear to do anything either. I will try Scultra injections next to fill out the scars and lessen the apperance as nothing else seems to work.
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February 13, 2007

Pros:

see some in provment

Cons:

had to take a week off of work

FEB. 3 2007 I had co2 lazer treatment. dont know what kind he said it was a 6000 dollar treatment i payed 2500. was in formed 1 of these treatment to remove scaring. had high expections. little inprovement. now was informend it will look alot better not gone want to do a second treatment i wished doctors would have to state only the facts. sever redness and burning
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website