Acne.org Products
Good or Excellent Response
44%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Moderate Response
82%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Side Effects
Medium-High
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.
Used Ablative Fractional Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 28, 2009
Cons:
downtime of more than 7 days
definitely worth it! but be sure to do more than 2 treatments for more visible results and have a friend standby while the doctor does the fraxel passes so your friend can point to the doctor more acne scars to get your money's worth. day 1-2: - redness
day 3 - redness turns brownish
day 4-9 - peeling
February 23, 2011
Pros:
I cant say
Cons:
I cant say
hi everyone, I am posting this comment here because most you havent done this particular treatment Fraxel REPAIR and are rating it based on older laser treatments or rumours. I know there is a girl who had a bad experience with Fraxel Repair and has posted pictures of hers after the sutrgery because she did not make any charges agaibnst the doctor or the technician who performed the treatment we will never find out what was the cause of her face getting burned. IT could be bad maintenance of the machine, inexperienced technician or just a bad accident. However the bottom line is do not rate this treatment based on what you Think or Believe. It is easy for people to say don;t risk your skin in getting this treatment but when people describe your face as bird sh*t you would try everything you can. Again dont rate this treatment if you havent gotten it. Also, this is not Fraxel RESTORE this is FRAXEL REPAIR. If you are here reading reviews for Fraxel Repair then look at how much people here paid for it Fraxel Repair generally costs around $2500 - $4000 per treatment and from everyone who has actually gotten it, it seems to be the only thing that works for severe acne scarring. I have tried Fraxel Restore and it doesnt work at all, I am dark skinned Man and am planning to get Fraxel REPAIR done. I will let you guys know how it turns out. AGAIN, don't judge this treatment based on other lasers they are not the same. You only confuse people.
September 20, 2010
Pros:
-A great solution with results seen even after ONE treatment!
-Visibly reduces the look and feel of acne scars and leaves your skin looking more vibrant and smoother.
-The procedure takes 30-45 minutes for the face and the downtime is minimal.
-You'll see results after one treatment and one week depending on how bad your scarring is.
-Even reduced the size of some of the pores on my face.
Cons:
-Very costly, especially because I'm in an area where they charge more than other states due to the average income range.
-The wait for numbing cream is approximately 2.5 hours. Be ready to spend some time there so bring a magazine or take a nap.
-Feels like a sunburn after the procedure, so make sure to keep your face hydrated with moisturizer lotion and be prepared for some flaking!
I suffered from heavy acne as a teenager. I used Proactiv which did nothing and also I picked at my acne which probably resulted in the scarring I have now. Eventually I went on Doxyciline and traditional creams prescribed by a dermatologist but the damage was done. While the scarring is light, it is noticeable around my cheeks, nose and lower forehead (in which I also have big pores and oily skin). I paid for a treatment of four procedures which is heavy ($3900 with a free hydrating peel & some travel exfoliating kit), but I've always been a little self-conscious about my scarring and wanted to get something done. The laser is virtually painless, especially if you have a a good pain tolerance and the doctor gets to you right at the peak of the numbing cream. Getting a tattoo feels worst. My doctor was very attentive and took her time. She did do several passes in certain areas as designated by the laser guide (which I read a little about) so I do not know why one of the reviewer's treatments took 5 minutes. Afterwards, my face was red for approximately a week...however, it did get better as each day went by. About three days after the procedure my skin was flaking off like a sunburn and by one week after the procedure it was done and I noticed a difference already. I'm so happy I'm getting this done as the results are amazing!
February 10, 2015
Laser will Destroy your life
Please don't go to laser whatever the issues. I've done lasers & it ruined my face completely: super large pores, lines, wrinkles, scars, pot holes, ice pick holes will suddenly appear out of no where. my skin aged 10 years & now i look like I am an old man with wrinkled face!!! I believe all doctors know the side effects but lie to patients because of $$$. please do not trust them. I am warning you there is no turning back!!! I am so depressed that I often contemplate suicide coz my face is in a mess & i look very very ugly. If u want to be like me go ahead & do lasers!!!!
January 29, 2012
Pros:
- Smoother Skin
- Eliminated superficial scarring on cheeks
- Even skin tone
- Two day downtime + one vanity day
- My marionette lines are gone
Cons:
When you take off the Vaseline ready to see your GORGEOUS skin you just paid a fortune for... you find whiteheads all over your nose, cheeks and chin. -I thought my life was over.
If I read these reviews before I had my Pro-Fractional laser operation - I don't think I ever would have gone through with it... It is not THAT BAD you guys. It all depends on what the doctor is working with. I am a 21 year old female who has had a history of persistently light-moderate acne - depending on what time of the month it is. I had a problem with some superficial dents on my cheeks and really just wanted my skin to look like a 12 year olds. If I had baby skin and a few pimples I could live with that. Procedure was PAINLESS ok.. PAINLESS!!!! My doctor performed at 11% and 200 microns with Licodine numbing cream before hand and the procedure lasted about 10-15min. It was uncomfortable around my eyes and chin but I would not say it was painful - more irritating than anything and I have NO tolerance to pain. If i get a papercut I will cry all day from my low pain tolerance and neurosis. I did not bleed - I had about 10 dots of blood that you could not notice unless you were right up to my face. 48 hours later I washed my face and was mortified by my breakout and uneven skin texture/tone but the next morning it was 40% better with 70% of the new breakouts gone. This is a procedure you really have to wait on - be realistic. They are not burning off everything in sight - they are creating 1000's of microscopic pinholes in your skin. You wanted fast healing? Well your going to have to wait for the results. In three weeks I am getting another one done at 300 microns. I definitely think everyone should stop reading all these negative comments and think for themselves. My choice was a very fast one, I had read about the laser, and in 48 hours I was at the dermatologists. Best choice I have made for my skin in a long time
April 26, 2011
Pros:
All illusions in the beginning. Swelling masked the damage I would notice months/years later.
Board certified "expert" who developed, researched on this laser, in a practice that self proclaimed to be "the best".
Cons:
Permanent streaks, scars, hypo and hyperpigmentation, loss of fat/facial volume, changes in the contours of your face, thinned skin (which is most disturbing because there is nothing you can do about that last one and its the most aging effect of them all).
Going to the "best" meant nothing for me and other patients of the same practice/doctors. These are permanent consequences. This is more risky than effective. I have more damage than when I went in and I would trade those mild acne scars in a second to prevent the devastation this laser caused. It was the only face/skin "procedure" I'd ever done or will do again. Once (on moderate settings) was enough to destroy my skin's elasticity, integrity, volume, color, texture, health and luminosity, etc. Be careful of reviews that rave about this when they are only a few weeks/months out. When they are 1-2 years post-procedure, then their reviews have more validity. Try deep fillers to spread out and stretch your skin if you have acne scars before trying lasers. This is what they'll recommend when the laser does not work anyway. And fillers done correctly ARE effective at reducing the look of acne scars. They'll create volume under the skin and smooth out the surface similar to if you were to pull your skin in opposite directions to stretch the skin. Lasers can and frequently do have permanent consequences. Temporary benefits are not worth the risks.
March 23, 2011
Pros:
Significantly reduced my scars and evened out skin/ pores. Deep indentation improve by 50%
I had realistic expectations, I was told to be patient and positive.its not an overnight miracle laser beam.
Cons:
Downtime and expect swelling for at least 3 to 4 days. So if you are going for this procedure do take time off and follow your doctors post op advice. Mine was to clean the scabs with given liquid and to ice the swelling. nothing else.
I had one session of fraxel repair plus CO2 laser on deeper indented areas.I read alot of reviews and did my research for a few months before deciding on this.So Do your research and choose a doctor who has proven results and that you are confident with. I did and it made all the difference. I thought id share my review as ive benefited so much reading reviews. some built my confidence and some reviews really scared me. I feel when it comes to our face and we have practically tried everything we are desperate for hope (i was) that we become so weary and careful its almost a phobia when we hear neg reviews on laser. i justkept in mind every case is diff and everyone responds differently to any treatment. thats what prompted me do my research for an experienced doctor i trusted. So heres my share of fraxel! im asian and I have fair skin , was on accutane for 5 months and a year and 2 months later i did fraxel to rid the acne scars from the cystic acne i had. During procedure
1) Numbing cream for an hour. I also had anesthethics injected on the areas that were to be treated with CO2 , these were the indented areas. started with fraxel all over my face and then C02 for the deeper areas. everyones pain threshold is diff and I read alot reviews rating it from 2 to 3/5 and i think my rating too is the same. its bearable and i kept my mind positive cos what is more painful is living my life so self conscious lookin at the pavement to avoid glances with prominent scars. Post fraxel treatment : 1) always stay positive
2)stay hydrated
3)stock up on some soup cause when you are swollen and your skin is tight on the first 2-3 days,stretching your mouth wide open is not as comfortable for me personally.
4) Gently Ice your swelled areas with an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
5) Take a couple of days off work. I took a total of 10 days to be able to go out scab free. Results
I am still red on certain areas , iv
December 22, 2011
Pros:
It works.
Cons:
It is painful, expensive, scary and you can't leave home for at least 3 days.
I am quite surprised to see that so many people have negative experiences with this. I have done this 3 times now. I have acne scars but no fresh acne. About 3 years ago, I did one round of FCO followed by a lighter round about 2 months later to further stimulate the collagen growth. I definitely saw improvements over the next few months/years. Smaller scars has disappeared while the larger/deeper ones looked shallower. I did not realise how much my skin had improved until I saw my "before" photos from 3 years ago. That was enough for me to go ahead and do it again a 3rd time. So far, it has been 1.5 weeks since I had my 3rd round. The effect it has had on my remaining scars was above my expectations. I am still a little pink from it but the healing seems to be complete. With a bit of light makeup, it is almost as though I have never had any scars. The first time around, I did my research based on the procedure itself (how it works, what to expect, how to take care, etc) but not so much on reviews and feedback. I have only just seen these reviews so it is a little surprising. If I had seen this earlier, I might never have dared to attempt the procedure. I guess the effect really depends on your skin type, the care taken by the dermatologist and also the after-care. All I can say is make sure you have a qualified and creditable dermatologist to carry out the procedure. If you happen to have extremely sensitive skin, you may want to reconsider going through with it as it may not be suitable for your skin. If you are still having active acne, you may want to ask for oral antibiotics to suppress it as the laser treatment stimulates the skin and may cause fresh breakouts. From days 1 - 5, it is quite normal to see "additional" scars, redness, peeling, crusting (you name it!). I will admit that it is really scary. I call it the "toast bread" look. But it is only temporary. It will get better when your skin heals. I think it is def
October 22, 2009
Pros:
Overall skin tone is better.
Cons:
At least a week downtime -4 weeks after 2 treatments scars are still visible but better.
My complexion is olive (Hispanic), so finding someone who has experience with people of color is essential. Pain is tolerable but everyone's threshold for pain differs. I'm not unhappy but anxious to see final results. My third treatment is scheduled for tomorrow 10/22/09 and for me the worst part is being stuck at home for 3 to 5 days. I'm not ashamed to say I do have to use a make up (purchased at local drug store) to hide discoloration for at least a week.. I'll keep you updated. I do not want to use this treatment 4/5 times. I'm done!! The verdict is still out.
September 8, 2009
Pros:
The emotional anticipation of a beautiful face
Cons:
Pain of treatment, down time, cleansing routine, cost, hyperpigmentation, still have scars!
I love my doctor, but the Fraxel Repair was not for me. It was the first one in the Midwest, and I thought what the heck; I've tried everything else. I got greedy and had my eyes and neck done too. Big mistake. My eyes look worse with wrinkels, and scars under my eyes and I still have a demarcation line on my nexk after a year an a half. This was a one time shot, and the pain was enourmous. I have severe acne scars, and most are still there and now I'm dealing with hyperpigmentation too. The down time was close to two weeks washing with water and vinegar every 2 hours. The swelling lasted a couple of months. If your thinking about the Fraxel laser I would start with one of the other 2 lasers as the Repair did more damage to me than help.
Pros:
clearer skin,more glow, even skin tone, less acne. scars lesser. i feel more beautiful now!