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.

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January 20, 2014
DOT Co2 Laser:
I have had a total of three Co2 DOT lasers performed by a well-known dermatologist in Washington State. I had all three done within ten months, basically three months apart. Some background on my skin: I had SEVERE and I do mean severe acne from a horrible reaction to Accutane in August of 2008. It was so bad that I had to be home-schooled by a tutor for the first half of my sophomore year because on my first day of school, people thought I was diseased. Yes, it was that bad. The acne however, cleared up - but as you know, sever acne usually leads to severe scarring (which is worse.) Some how, my scars were not traditional acne scars - they did not indent, but they were a dark-red color, mixed with raised scarring and hypopigmented scars. It is/ was a mess. I was left with shallow-indented scars which were reduced by the three laser treatments, however, my hypopigmented scars and redness were never reduced. Now I'm sure you're thinking that these red scars I mentioned were just post-inflammatory and that they went away. WRONG. They have not gone away. I will tell you what has somewhat helped with my hyperpigmentation/ white scars: Hyperpigmentation - not washing my face. Not using retin-a. Not using moisturizer. Not using exfoliants. ONLY using sunscreen. Hypopigmentation - Rubbing ginger root on those areas. BTW - this review is probably choppy and terrible because I'm wayyy tipsy right now. But if you have any questions, please ask :) WE CAN BEAT THESE SCARS/ ACNE, PEOPLE. XOXO Steven
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December 11, 2009

Pros:

Not too painful, downtime about 5 days

Cons:

Hard to tell if there was any improvement

I have acne scars on my cheeks. Mostly rolliing, but a couple deeper ones. I had 5 treatments with IPL and Pixel. Afterwards my skill peeled and was red for a few days. I think the first few months after were better than it is now, over a year later. But still, since I am still looking into other treatments, I wouldnt rave about this method. It's one of those situations where I cannot tell how good it worked. Maybe it would look worse now if I hadn't gotten it, but I'll never know. I am still self-conscious about the scars, so I guess that is the bottom line. But the IPL did lighten some red marks that I had. It was also the more expensive of the two. $250 for the pixel, $500 for the IPL each session.
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October 29, 2009

Pros:

not so many pros but more cons than pros

Cons:

Expensive lotsa downtime

Anyone in sydney who suffers from acne scars dont go and get laser resurfacing see the Sheibner Centre, they have treatments with less downtime and better results. and no chance of getting more scars, I got profractional done left small scars where the lasers shot, spent lotsa time at home follow post treatment exactly and not that much of a result i got more better results at the Sheibner centre 1time than preofractional 3times wish i had found out about dr scheibner before
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June 21, 2009

Pros:

Skin now looks smoother but not totally free from scar

Cons:

1-2 weeks downtime.

After 5 treatments, I have yet to see any kind of good results. Skin texture looks pretty much the same..i am unhappy about the downtime...If you are considering taking this procedure be sure you have read and research a lot of information because you don't want to pay for expensive procedure ng minimal result... you can probably try see more here.... [link removed]
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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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July 10, 2008

Pros:

None!!!

Cons:

cystic acne all over face even the places where i never broke out before.

My face ended up with more scars than I went in with because of all the cystic acne I got from the treatment.It took years for my face to scar up they way it was and it took the doctor only a couple of weeks to make it worse.I feel like my life is over.
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

Shallow rolling scars somewhat improved but still present. Overall complexion looks nice and even minus superficial scarring.

Cons:

Face swelled up very bad after "aggressive" treatments. Took about two weeks to fully recover.

It's a lot of money for sort of results. It's been about six to eight months since I had my last of three treatments and my skin does continue to improve but I have also been treating it with mild at-home 12.5% TCA peels (which are amazing for the price)!!! My skin is improving slowly and steadily however and I am confident that after a few more chemical peels my scarring will be erased. Lasers are a good start but from what I have seen and heard they need to be followed with other treatments such as chemical peels. My scarring when I started was rated mild by my dermatologist.
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Not much, might work but it will take few procedures

Cons:

Expensive, your face gonna look horrible for couple weeks (Forget the work or going out) and gonna be red for few months, almost no improvement

I got my skin resurfaced with an Active FX laser about a year ago. I thought that it will heal in 10 days, but it took way longer. There's almost no improvement in my skin and I wouldn't risk to do that again just because that it takes soooo long to heal and I don't want to have a red face again for few months. And it's very painful.
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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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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