Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
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Non-ablative lasers are less invasive but also less effective than ablative lasers. Non-ablative fractional lasers shine a focused beam of light at the...

Non-ablative lasers are less invasive but also less effective than ablative lasers. Non-ablative fractional lasers shine a focused beam of light at the skin in a fractional (dot-matrix) pattern, leaving the skin intact, while stimulating collagen and elastin production over time.

This procedure is normally repeated 4 times (3 or more) in 4-week 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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11.9%
4
23%
3
30.4%
2
17%
1
17.8%

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November 23, 2007

Pros:

one day downtime for me

Cons:

need more than one treatment

This is a much better version of the old full faced co2 laser that made acne actually look worse. I saw a noticable difference in one treatment in both wrinkles and scarring. However, it took 4 weeks to see a difference whereas, the temporary erbium was right away. This is well worth the money. For one thing, this is actually a PERMANENT change as my dr. says, whereas the erbium is only TEMPORARY. Dr. says IPL's & erbiums are not much different than getting a series of microdermabrasion (which is much cheaper!) And he offers both lasers!
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

I was only down one night.(I'm an esthetician) Left the house next day pink. I Used fraxel. Dr. said it took 4-6 wks to show difference. Said I would need at least 3.

Cons:

Need at least 3 treatments for small scars to fade out. A little pricey, but worth it.

I saw a noticeable difference in both light acne scars and fine lines after just one session.I noticed some delicacy in the skin for a few weeks afterwards.(i.e. don't pinch skin or blood vessels will break!)Getting next treatment in 2 weeks. MY DR. IS EXCELLENT, HE SAID FULL FACE ($5,000)CO2 LASER MAKES ACNE SCARRING LOOK WORSE! He said this because he's done it & it tightened all the skin area around the scars & the scars appeared to look worse. He said fractional lasers (fraxel)are on a lower setting (but still co2)& it is more progressive so it doesn't destroy (yes, destroy!)the epidermis(1st layer) of the skin like traditional co2 did. (by keeping some skin in-tact) Also, fraxel can be used on the neck and the old co2 CAN NOT! That's why some women have permanent darker necks and light faces. I also had the erbium($575).This shows a difference immediately but it's TEMPORARY only.Fractional laser co2 is permanent.If you spent $500 you got about the same as some microdermabrasions!
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November 21, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Fraxel made my skin far worse. I now have scars on my cheeks where they were once smooth but sun pigmented. My skin looks terrible and ruined. It is depressing.

Fraxel can damage your skin as it did mine. I went in hoping to refresh and improve my sun pigmentation and instead left with pitted uneven skin. This has been a nightmare and I wish there was more honesty around the side effects.
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November 17, 2007

Pros:

My skin feels much more even!, and i i've got my confidence back!

Cons:

a little painful, but worth it!, and a little pricy!, if you get it done on your back leave the dream on for 2 hours!

At first my dermotoligist told me that there was nothing to to for my acne scarring on my back, i was deverstated, and then i discovered fraxel laser! after my first treatment it went so well i noticed my results after about a week, and i just had my second treatment and i'm already seeing my deep scarring fade! yay! Maybe my skin just reacted well to it, but if anyone that is suffering from living life to the fullest becasue of your acne scarring i recomend getting a cosultation at least! because my scarring was so bad, and i am a young woman, i can now wear my bikini and do my formal in a beautiful backless dress! X
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

Softer appearance on some scars.

Cons:

Noticed it created more scarring, painful, costly, a lot of risks associated with it.

What I once thought was an improvement, is now a regret. I've purchased 3 fraxel treatments and had the first fraxel done about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Only one treatment at 10mj and I noticed more scarring. Although some scars seem smoother in appearance, I've noticed small dot scarring in places I've never seen scarring before, it's very apparent in bad lighting. I've told the Dr. what I thought and he said at such low settings it can't cause scarring, only at 25mj's he said there might be a risk, but I know my scars and am certain of what it did and will NOT follow through with any more. I've had 2 erbium treatments prior which did little for my shallow atrophic cheek scars, but improved my skin texture and tone, had many compliments. It didn't make the scarring worse like the Fraxel. Fraxel can even cause pigmentation problems, luckily something I haven't experienced, yet anyway. Be cautious and don't follow thru with anything that doesn't work for you...
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

My scars are almost 95 % over due to Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Cons:

There is 2 days downtime and some times hyperpigmentation occur which resolved using creams and sun block

I tried a lot of creams but nothing works on my scars.I had pitted Acne scars of different varieties like rolling and ice pick.I had five treatments of three weeks interval with Fractional Laser from Dr.Ahmad Chaudhry Lahore Pakistan and satisfied with the results.
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November 8, 2007

Pros:

Improvment in Skin tone, smoothing/leveling affect on scars.

Cons:

Expensive, painful, and has a lot of risk associated with it if post-op instructions are not strictly followed.

It has been a week since my first Fraxel and I do see an improvement. I have lightly spread subtle scarring on my left cheek, and a moderate cluster of shallow boxcar scarring on my right. I see the most improvement on my right cheek, scars look noticibly smoother and the pigment of the scars now blends in with the rest of my face. I got a good deal on my package of 3 treatments at $1800. My treatment was done at 10mj and will take it to 12mj for the 2nd. After the treatment I experienced what is called bronzing, hard bumps that form under the skin and applied aquaphor that night and by morning it had gone. I apply SPF 30 sunscreen every morning and wash it off at night allowing myself to peel faster as I sleep. Already back to normalcy after a week and only slightly red. I'm white/asian and it's dificult to predict how my skin will react and will stay conservative. I'll opt to try the new Harmony Pixel Laser which has the same affect as the Fraxel with less risk and half the price!
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October 23, 2007

Pros:

Relative down time. Face is swollen afterwards which slowly goes away after a few days. No pain after the treatment.

Cons:

Don't even think about getting this without some pain tablets - numbing cream not enough. Not a drastic change for the $$$. Have had 2 tx for deep acne scars - will get 2 more and then evaluate. The doctor recommends 6-8.

There are not a lot of alternatives for ice pick scarring. Fraxel helps some. I think it is worth a try since our pores get larger as we age. I am 49 and have not seen a difference in the small lines around my mouth. The laser is painful when the treatment is around the temples. I would not use Fraxel to reduce signs of aging.My skin color has improved. There is a healthier pink glow now. Acne returns with menopause and Fraxel does not get rid of it. The cost is horrific. I pay $900 per treatment. The doctor didn't offer anything in the way of aftercare. I use Bioxin and apply ice packs. A few days later, I do a face mask. Don't believe what you read about minimal discomfort during the treatment. It feels like someone is pulling the tiny facial hairs out. Ask for a pain pill about 30 minutes before and get an ice pack since your face will feel hot afterwards.
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October 20, 2007

Pros:

swollen so it looks like my scars are gone. I know this won't last.

Cons:

It hurt.

I'm a man so my pain tolerence is lower than a woman. I had my first treatment of Fraxel II yesterday. I had a clear cream applied for about 35 minutes. Just before the treatment i had the cooling machine on my left cheek for a couple of minutes (i found this very helpful). The machine was set 10mj and after the last pass it was upto 18mj (four passes). It feels like very hot needles being scraped across your face and is painful. I had no cooling on my left cheek before hand and the doctor had the machine set again at 10mj. This really hurt and he had to take it down to 8mj which still hurt. He then remembered the colling and i managed 13mj on the last pass. It's all upto how much you can take. Doctor said it was normal for the first time especially for men. I know what to expect and make sure i have the cooling so i'm going to see if i can get into the 20's on my second visit in three weeks. I felt light headed after the treatment and my face felt like it had bad sunburn.
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October 20, 2007

Pros:

smoothed out skin a little

Cons:

expensive, very uncomfortable, sweeling after treatment---waiting to see

cancelled my appt for session 2--will wait and see my results first
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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.
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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