Ablative Fractional Lasers
Results
Side Effects

Ablative fractional lasers shine an intense beam of light at the skin in a dot-matrix (imagine tiny polka dots) pattern. The light completely...

Ablative fractional lasers shine an intense beam of light at the skin in a dot-matrix (imagine tiny polka dots) pattern. The light completely removes (ablates) the epidermis in this dot-matrix pattern, leaving some of the skin intact. It also stimulates the underlying dermis to produce more collagen and elastin over time. Ablative fractional lasers attempt to approximate the efficacy of ablative lasers while not completely removing the entire surface of the skin, thus reducing side effects.

This procedure is normally repeated 3 times in 1-month intervals, and you should see gradual results with each session. And after your last session, your skin should continue to improve.

 [more]
2.8
107
Read All About Ablative Fractional Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
16.8%
4
22.4%
3
20.6%
2
8.4%
1
31.8%

Used Ablative Fractional Lasers? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
February 19, 2009

Pros:

my treatment was for fine lines(from sun worshipping) and I couldn't believe how great the finally results were although I noticed improvement immediately (after a week)but my face got better as time went on..i love it love it love it!!!! 44yrs. old

Cons:

looking like a sun-burned chipmonk on steroids(puffy cheeks and eyes) but thank God that was only for a few days

even though its concidered expensive, I think in the long run, I probably saved money becus I was spending a fortune on expensive cosmetics and so called miracle creams for fine line. This was a sure deal for me and I got three other people loving it.I do it once a year for a fresh up. I used alot of ice on the face the first two days, benadryl for swelling and itchiness and vitamin c and e daily for healing. Sleep w/ your head elevated the first 2 nights for it really does help w/ the swelling. One of my four treatments was intense and I did blister, crack, to put it bluntly I looked God-aweful scary so if you get a very intence treatm't you may want a back up "perscription" ointment. It works like a miracle only wish I knew that at the time. But of course discuss this w/ ur Doctor. Best of luck to all :)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 17, 2009

Pros:

nothing!! PEARL CUTERA

Cons:

I'm on day #5 and my skin is rough and red STILL! I broke out all over my cheeks ( i never broke out there). My skin is the worst it has ever been.

I'm only 23 and I think I have ruined my skin :(. If anybody went through the same thing, and can give me some advice that would be great.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 28, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin, smaller pores, people have noticed! :)

Cons:

Swollen for 2-3 days after treatment, red face like a bad sunburn, skin peels and flakes for about 4-5 days...but not really bad like a chemical peel

I LOVE fraxel...and I plan to go back to get my neck done next. I have had 6 treatments on my face for moderate acne scarring. The swelling is worth the end result. Ice packs will definitely help with swelling and I used neosporin for the flakiness...because it got a little raw around my mouth an chin after a few days...I would put the neosporin on at night. It is expensive but worth it.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 7, 2009

Pros:

skin is smoother. furrows gone. pore size minimized. deep pitted acne scars less noticable.

Cons:

i can't really say there are any. compared to the physical and psychological scarring i've lived with my entire life, 2 weeks of redness and scaliness is worth it.thankfully, i did not experience oozing or blistering.

as i approach 50, the skin around my around my mouth,chin and lower cheeks began to sag much to my dismay.because of the severe acne scarring these areas looked worse than they would on a person with smooth skin. i had deep furrows,and pitted skin. i had 4 treatments,and it has taken 10-15 years of my face and the provider only charged me for the area treated, not for the entire face.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 7, 2009

Pros:

.

Cons:

.

I had Fraxel Laser yesterday. My skin looks so red but I can see it was good for my skin. Today when I woke up and during the day I got many acne "very small" but I got many in my face and I would like to know if it is normal or not??? How many days will my face keep red like now??? Thanks
This Was Helpful

Report
January 7, 2009

Pros:

Excellent Results

Cons:

Pain, end of story. I tend to be a little wimpy anyway but I did find the recovery to be a bit painful. It was short lived - about 3 days of pain and then a few weeks of flaky and redness.

I had a moderate to severe amount of acne scars on my face and tried everything & everything would make me break out then continue the cycle. The fraxel laser is by far a blessing. I have had 6 treatments and I am very happy with the result. My MD told me that 3-4 months after your last fraxel is your final result and I have found that to be true I did see improvement sooner but the final result is awesome.They are not totally gone but way better. My face was swollen beyond belief, it cracked,bruised and bled-I was UGLY for a few days after each treatment but it was worth it. USE ICE, it helps so does the RX burn cream called Silvadene.The best cover up for dry and red Bare Essentials mineral foundaton the minerals actually help it feel better. Have a MD do it, you will get a better result. I had a tech do one and I did not get the same result I did with MD.ztyedi@[link removed] if you want to "talk" more.I am happy to share. Dr. Stewart/Denver Dr. DeLatorre/Fort Collins ROCK the fraxel!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 1, 2009

Pros:

the cost of this treatment in my country !

i have just afew acne scars and i wish i didnt do that . it left me with marks after 2 days . and still have a redness in place . but my pores have improved by 80 % . my freind had similar problem and it was really good for him . it depends on your skin and its diffrent for each person . its just a risk i recomend not take it .
This Was Helpful

Report
December 21, 2008

Pros:

Cutera Pearl Laser: Smoother skin, scars less obvious, discoloration

Cons:

The 3 days of downtime, 20 minutes of pain, 90 minutes of face burning

I have moderate/severe acne scarring and had my first pearl treatment 3 weeks and the experience was positive. You should plan to home for 3 - 4 days. I am getting 2nd treatment in February
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 26, 2008

Pros:

Can't find any yet

Cons:

Face swollen and sore
Skin feels irritated and rough
HORRIBLE acne breakout

It is nine days after my first treatment and I am distraught so far at the results. I had it done for minor acne scarring and chicken pox scars. The rest of my skin had been clear since coming off Roaccutane 11 months ago. Anyway, I expected the swelling, redness and dryness but not for this long and I certainy didn't expect the major acne breakout i am going through and for my cheeks to feel rough to touch still. I called my derm at day 7 and she gave me Bactrim to try and calm the breakout. I have a big social weekenc this weekend so I hope things improve by then as I can't even put makeup on at the moment as no matter how much Cetaphil I put on it still feels dry and makeup looks cakey. i have about 11 whiteheads on my chin and lots of red bumps and I can't go out as I don't want to pcick them so that they don't scar but I can't face people looking like this!! HOpefully when this horrible stage passes I still might be happy with the results but I don't see it yet!!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 27, 2008

Pros:

Mild pain, little down time, worth the money.

Cons:

None so far.

I just had my first Fraxel treatment 5 days ago. The first 2 days my face was swollen, and I peeled for 2 days. And after 4 days you couldn't tell that I had anything done. It is a great treatment. I have already began to see results. I had moderate acne scarring. And the results are fantastic. My skin is tighter, softer to the touch, and my scars are starting to fade. Love the Fraxel!!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 5 6 7 8 9 … 11
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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