Ablative Fractional Lasers
Reviews
2.8
112 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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July 11, 2008

Pros:

Looks better for a little while.

Cons:

Downtime of about a week and redness persisting for a while longer, but I had about 3 layers done at once. Looks like a bad sunburn and you can't really go outside or even leave the house until it heals Oh, and it hurt like hell to get done!!!

I got this done for some scarring and pigmentation issues left from acne. I have very fair skin, so if any mark is left it's SO noticeable. People were saying my skin looked much better once the redness started to fade from the resurfacing, but unfortunately, the results were not long lasting. I don't know if it was from the stress on my skin or just from the layers coming off so quickly, but it left me with a break out, and skin eventually went back to looking pretty much the same as before. Luckily, I am on Obagi nu-derm which, after using for a few months, greatly reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and fades marks 10x faster when they do pop up. I would say the laser(I used a Er:YAG laser by the way) is probably good for minimal scarring and hyperpigmentation, but not anything too severe unless you get many treatments done, then it may work well. Good luck.
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June 11, 2008

Pros:

almost 98% of my scars were gone, it was like i was given a new face. absolutely loved it

Cons:

Hurt, a lot. Took about a solid week to completely recover. MY face is still a little redder than the rest of my body now. Also, after a few weeks I was breaking out again.

If I could do it every month, I would. I've done 5 treatments. each one was 750. and i got the 5th for free. still makes it far too expensive to keep doing.
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August 16, 2016
fraxel
Fraxel has significantly reduced the depth of my scars. I still have the scars but they are definitely not as noticeable. I had two rounds of Fraxel in the deepest setting and I will recommend it. The first few months its going to be a nightmare. Your face will look terrible and it can bring acne. Right now I am battling with acne I will start on Tretinoin and antiobiotic.
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

I went through two fraxel treatments spaced 4 wks apart for mild acne scarring. It's been over a year since i had the treatments, and the results were disapointing. My skin looked marginally better for the first two weeks.

Cons:

After two weeks, my skin looked about the same- my Dr. told me the second treatment would be much more noticeable- again, looked good for about two weeks. Plan on 4-5 days where you can't leave the house, as your face looks like a crusty scab.

Don't do it! Not worth the time, pain or money to see very very minimal results.
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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
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Can't think of any right now.

Cons:

Had the first fraxel treatment 12 days ago. Face was swollen beyond recognition for 5-6 days, with constant burning sensation. Eyes were nearly shut, and have now developed a film over the right one, along with paraylsis to the left of my mouth.

This is a much more invasive treatment than I was prepared for. The pain was extreme, particularly on the forehead area, and if my results are any indication, there is some danger to be associated with this. I would recommend doing alot of research not only on the treatment itself, but also on the person's training in doing so. I regret this terribly, and currently have no idea whether my current situation is permanent or not.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

My skin is smoother and has better appearance especially the pores. No improvement on acne scars after 1 treatment. You cannot get any sun prior to or after the procedure to prevent "bronzing"

Cons:

I had crazy swelling and trememndous redness day 1 and two. Ice packs and sleep upright a must or your eyes will be really swollen. Took an ativan prior. I was almost presentable in 3 days. Fine shedding of skin was tolerable and small breakouts

I will continue with the procedures although it appears I've paid a much higher cost than most of the folks posting. $1200 per treatment for just my face. I may shop around although I trust this major medical center doc.
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April 25, 2017
Non CO2 laser resurfacing experience
It helps. I did my first course 4 months after acctune, on a mild setting, and did not experience any extra scarring. I am after third course right now, im 20 and a female As someone who did both mild and high settings, there is a huge difference. So for people considering lasers, to avoid scammers doctors who will do mild settings to make you pay more, after a high setting laser your skin is red for at least 4-7 days. You get scabs and peeling off for at least week or two. And on mild setting it didnt hurt as much as on high one! Also, remember that aftercare is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!! SUN EXPOSURE MONTHS AFTER PROCEDURE MAY RUIN YOUR SKIN, you need to wear spf 50 everyday. That is why usually laser procedures should not be done in summer... By the way, breaking out after procedure is completely NORMAL! what is not normal is getting cystic acne For me, it works. No miracles, but its helping to gain my confidence back. Did anyone else have done non co2 laser resurfacing too?? Im interested how did it go for u.
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

I think mircolaser peel helped me a lot because I noticed my ance scars r less a lot after first treatment and healing my skin in four weeks. I just had second treatment last two days ago. I will have to wait to notice it in four weeks. I might won't

Cons:

I know it's experive and I hate swelling, itchy and sore for a few days but its worth it!

I pay the payment about $500 three times for three treatments
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April 19, 2008

Pros:

good for acne pitting

Cons:

expensive and painful despite topical anesthetic

If you have tried everything else for scarring give fraxel a try
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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