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.
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
16.1%
4
22.3%
3
20.5%
2
8%
1
33%

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February 1, 2008

Pros:

I've had 3 treatments for fairly severe acne scarring. The last was 2 1/2 months ago. I'd tried C02 laser & saw minimal improvement. The Fraxel did the job--my skin is so much better! I'd planned to do 4 but don't know if I really need another

Cons:

It's painful but certainly bearable, and I was very red for a day or two, but it's well worth the results.

Find a dermatologist who specializes in Fraxel (my doctor only does Fraxel at the practice she shares with another dermatologist). After you've had your treatments, I recommend going in for occasional hydroxy peels, which tighten the pores and help prevent further breakouts. I am in my mid-50's and have struggled with this all my life. It is awesome!
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January 28, 2008

Pros:

it works! cost 100 more with meds. i have had 3 treatments and i dont think i will need anymore. maybe once a year if i am lucky! just for up keep of my skin but my skin looks great! 32 years old love it

Cons:

my md puts on numbing cream before and i had the med because i had a driver and i didnt feel any pain except for about 30 min after while i was leaving

i have had three treatments and i could see it worked right away with the frist treatment. 2nd even more. i have just finished my 3rd treatment and this time i got a cold sore. the frist 2 i did not. i took meds to prevent it each time. with my experience i was swollen for about 3 days red 5 to 7. i had no peeling because i used biafine thru the frist 4 to 5 days thats the trick. so if i peeled you could not tell. my face stayed smooth. i hurt for about 30 min after i used cold packs on my face. but my face was red for about a week and i didnt use makeup after treatment i cant imagine that it was all about the biafine and sunscreen for me!
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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 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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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