Acne.org Products
Good or Excellent Response
46%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Moderate Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Side Effects
Low-Medium
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.
Used Non-ablative Fractional Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 24, 2007
Cons:
benefit (or lack thereof) does not justify the huge price tag
I had 4 treatments last year, prior to the upgrade in techonology to the Fraxel II. $4,000 later, I had no improvment at all in my scarring. There was very mild improvement in my skin firmness and some fine lines, but this was gradual after treatment. I was very discouraged, as others with my type of scarring (rolling) seem to do better with Fraxel than I did. Prior to the Fraxel, I had had 5 treatments of a combo of Erbium YAG and Smoothbeam,which also did nothing. I just met with a new laser Dr, who says the Fraxel II might actually work for me. Needless to say, I'm skeptical. After close to $10,000 of treatment that did not work, it's hard to commit to another round with another laser, though maybe new Dr will make the difference. NOTE TO THIS WEBSITE: THIS TREATMENT (FRAXEL) SHOULD BE UNDER THE CATEGORY OF SCARRING TREATMENTS, NOT ACNE TREATMENTS.
May 23, 2007
Pros:
The healing time; Redness disappears in less than a week, doesnt tear into the skin like other lasers.
Cons:
I had very little improvement/smoothness in the appearance of my acne scars; Definitely not $2K worth; The first week after the procedure I had little brown-black dots all over my face (fraxel pattern) or as my husband called it 'the beard'
Please do not get your hopes up with procesure. Do not get this done if you have any color to your skin. Before I had acne scars, now I have acne scars with blotches:( It left my face discolored, despite using the bleaching cream prescribed. I guess for now, all I can do is wait for something better to come along.
March 15, 2007
I had my first fraxel treatment four weeks ago. It didn't hurt. I was swollen for three days. I was red for four days then pink for two. I peeled but not excessively. I went in on a Friday. I was back at work on the Monday. I didn't bother with make up at all and didn't feel self concious about it. I guess it's a little like mild sunburn. My second treatment is tomorrow. I was told improvement would be visable from the 3rd or 4th treatment. then for a further 6 months afterwards. Although of course, you still cannot help but keep an eye on progress even after the first one. I have noticed a subtle change, but no-one else has. Scars are softer but still there, my cheeks have more colour (i'm very fair). I'm not sure what to expect after my second one tomorrow but will post the results when the redness goes down and i can see a true indication.
October 29, 2006
Pros:
I think Fraxil is wonerful.I have had three so far and am scheduled for my fourth at the end of the month. My skin looks great, wrinkles signifigantly reduced, and pores minimized. I cant say enough about Fraxil
Cons:
The pain, and three to four days down time. Take meds prescribed by the doc before and you will be fine.
I love Fraxil. It has worked wonders!!
December 2, 2016
Bad results and didn't meet my expectations
I've had fraxel laser five days ago, the results didn't meet my expectations, this is a light peel and my skin didn't go red at all. The consultant wants me to spend more money to have more treatments when i'm struggling financially. I could've achieved better results at home with tca peel. This is like 5%tca peel. I'm not pleased with the results and think consultants delibrately do this so you have more sessions. I wish i could get a refund and go somewhere else.
January 29, 2009
Pros:
i did notice a slight difference. but could be from my face being swollen. any improvement is good.
Cons:
it is expensive for how many treatments they recommend for best results. .
I am very vain and ill try anything to improve my skin, i.e. appearance. so if you have the money go for it. Honestly it doesn't work as well as Doctors claim it does so don't expect miracles..
June 25, 2008
Pros:
It actually works!!!
Cons:
patience is virtue!!!
after completing my 5 series of treatments i was utterly disappointed... there was only a slight improvement.... it's been almost 3 mths since my last treatment... n guess what it actually works.... not 100% but about 60-70%... so bottom line is dont be disappointed and just quit if u do not see any result after your 1st or 2nd treatment... even after your last one... it's totally worth it!
p.s: pls continue taking care of ur skin even after u completed ur treatments. wear sunscreen and avoid the sun!!!! eat vitamins!!
May 25, 2008
Pros:
I saw immediate results using the Fraxel laser. I noticed about a 30% reduction in my acne scarring after the first treatment.
Cons:
The procedure itself was slightly painful. A few days after, my skin was red and dry. It's also quite expensive.
The Fraxel laser is amazing! I have moderate ice pick scarring on my cheeks that have not responded well to previous treatments. After the first treatment, I saw a dramatic reduction in my scars. I have only had one treatment, but have paid for five.
April 26, 2008
Pros:
leveled up acne scars to about 40%
Cons:
little improvements!
no effects on hyperpigmentation ! (contrary to what was claimed by the reliant (the manufacturer) & by my MD)
NO sun exposure at all times!!!
I had just recently completed my 5th fraxel treatment. My scars were considered to be moderate and some were pretty shallow.I must say I'm somehow disapointed with the results. They did leveled up a little bit but considering the time i've invested (about 5 months since it's a series of treatment) .... it's not worth it!I would have gotten the same results doing series of chemical peels. but then again i was told the results varied. some people whose conditions were worse than I was did get better result.At least my acne scars did improved a little bit unlike some people in the reviews who had gotten worse after the treatment. My advice is to avoid sun at all times, exercise regularly, drink at least 8 glasses of water, lots of vitamins and eat salmon. Btw I followed Dr Perricone diet. Despite bad reviews and controversies on his theories, I think he's a genius. After all we are what we eat!
June 29, 2007
Pros:
Really evened out my skin tone and minimized post acne redness. Made a significant difference in my scaring. I feel human again and don't have to constantly make excuses for my skin:)
Cons:
You are swolen and red for many days after treatment...don't believe the "no down time"...you won't feel sick but you won't want to go anywhere...I call that down time. You need 4-5 treatments minimum and at $950 a pop it really adds up.
I had 5 fraxel laser treatments and can say that I am very glad I did. The fraxel really helped with discoloration and my scars are significantly smaller. They also say I will have up to a year of further healing so I am hoping for even better results. My skin is definitely not perfect, but the difference the fraxel made is quite remarkable. Everyone is commenting on how good my skin looks... My doctor was very aggressive with the treatment. For anyone who is considering this procedure for scarring, I would ask the md the levels they will put you at. My doctor had me at the max levels okayed by the FDA. I know this is why I've had such a positive result. My sister did the same procedure with someone else who was not as agressive and she is not happy with her results at all. My doctor says that it is the depth and density that make a difference. Bottom Line: don't bother unless your doctor is willing to go deep!
Pros:
minimal down time.