Ablative Non-fractional Lasers
Reviews
2.3
33 Reviews
Ablative Non-fractional Lasers
Good or Excellent Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
97%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Ablative Non-fractional Lasers
Side Effects
High
Ablative Non-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 Non-fractional Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
3%
4
18.2%
3
21.2%
2
18.2%
1
39.4%

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March 23, 2007

Pros:

Overall, skin looks fresher, BUT--I could have gotten that with good facials.

Cons:

I just had "deep" laser skin resurfacing done exactly one week ago, today for some acne scarring I had...the procedure was EXTREMELY painful and you know what? My acne scars are STILL visible...

I didn't expect my acne scars to fully disappear, but after all that pain, not to mention the $$, I expected to at least see a dramatic reduction...and it looks like the same d***m scars are around and I'm feeling really frustrated and helpless as to what to do.
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March 22, 2007

Cons:

Down Time and cost

I had laser resurfacing with the erbrium laser about nine years ago and I was very disappointed with the results. The cost was $4,500 and I saw very little improvement in my acne scarring. I don't recommend it to anyone who wishes to improve moderate acne scarring with pitting. There was also a week of down time and the day after the laser resurfacing my face swelled up like a balloon and it was very uncomfortable the first few days. My face was still as red as a tomato when I returned to work- a week later!
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October 29, 2006

Pros:

Permanent improvement, unlike superficial treatments. Relatively safe if done by a god surgeon.

Cons:

Post-surgery redness and itchiness. Can't leave the house for about two weeks. First week after surgery will suck, period.

CO2 Laser resurfacing worked well for me. I had severe acne as a teen. When my skin cleared after accutane, I was left with bad scarring and pitting. I had two CO2 treatments. My first treatment cleared up about 60% of the scarring, pitting. My second treatment cleared up about 25% more. I paid about $6,500.00 total and feel like an 85% improvement from where I was was money well spent. You can camoflauge (sp?) the redness with makeup after two weeks. I have no idea what men could do other than look like a tomoato. So, I guess the treatment is more suited to women. I was red (without makeup) for a good three months. Then I was pink for another two. That said, there's really nothing else you can do to get a permanent improvement. For me, it was a life-saver. I feel bad for the people for whom it did not work.
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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