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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Felicia

October 14, 2007

Pros:

skin appears to be more even

Cons:

price and swelling

I just had the Fraxel done yesterday and my face is very swollen. I may have the extreme case of swelling. I'm hoping by a few more days before I begin work, the swelling will subside. Overall, I see a heathly and more even glow. I cannot tell how the scars have disapated just yet until the swelling goes down. I would like to see what it will look like after the 2nd session.

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Anon

October 6, 2007

Pros:

Probably overall most effective laser treatment.
Safer than Co2. Minimal downtime.
Can target specific areas of face (just cheeks for example)

Cons:

Multiple procedures needed.
Somewhat painful.

Expect: Smoothing/leveling, evening of skin tone, reduction in hyperpigmentation (brown spots) Don't expect: Miracles. Severe scars will likely require surgical procedures before fraxel treatments. Best for: Light/moderate scars, ice-picks, wrinkles, pigment/tone problems. (My) use: 4, spread out 3-4 weeks. I also alternate with VitaPeel (best chem peel!) in between treatments to manage breakouts, and v-beam for redness. After your 4th, wait a few months to evaluate results as further improvement will be seen. I'm in my 2nd series of 4 (number 7) and will stop at 8 and take a break again. All scars show improvement with best results on light and moderate scars. Deeper scars, though still noticeable, are far less prominent due both to leveling/smoothing of the skin and removal of pigmentation. Note: Initially after a treatment you'll see fantastic results - unfortunately this is temporary and is due to the swelling. So don't be mad once your scars

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Stacy

October 1, 2007

Pros:

Reduces scarring

Cons:

expensive and painful

I have had 3 sessions so far and have been very pleased with the results. I had depressed scars on my chin from hormonal, cystic breakouts. I have to add again even through reviewer (also from atlanta, maybe same dr) make sure your doctor is using the latest, second version of the Fraxel and leave numbing cream on for the full hour - major difference in comfort level. Will need more than one treatment. My dr charges $3900 for 4 sessions and does not have an option for fewer treatments.

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Grace59

September 26, 2007

Pros:

minor improvement of some scarring

Cons:

expensive, very painful, left me with some discoloration followed by a major breakout of a small blister-like rash across cheeks and chin

I have a great dermatologist who was very excited about my trying the Fraxel. After three treatments and $3100 later, I was left with one side of my face darker than the other, skin that is breaking out unless I am on an antibiotic and using a topical cream every night. The first two treatments were tolerable, the the third one was the killer. I am 55 years old and haven't had any breakouts in years. As a result, my doctor gave me two photo - rejuvenation treatments at no cost. I'm very sorry I tried Fraxel. I am pretty much back to where I was before I had the treatments, but out a lot of money. The swelling you experience after each treatment is almost psychologically cruel - your face looks great, (red, but scarring is gone) only to have it all come back when the swelling goes down. Don't get your hopes up.

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Kristen

September 24, 2007

Pros:

No downtime, slight "glow" that looked nice. Skin looks plump (for now).

Cons:

Price, some pain during treatment - leave the cream on a FULL HOUR

Have been following blogs here during my research, so thought I'd return the favor. First treatment was 3 days ago...skin is in peeling mode, but tone looks very good, swelling is gone, peeling is managable with lots of moisturizer. Still waiting for peeling to stop so I can see if any improvement took place. I am scheduled for a total of (4) treatments, so not expecting huge improvement from the first one. But so far, I am pleased. Will provide update after 2nd treatment. Make sure your Dr. has the NEWEST Fraxel model laser (it doesn't require blue dye on face).

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Jessica

September 15, 2007

Pros:

4-5 days followinf procedure, noticed that my skin was smoother and softer

Cons:

minimal improvement after three treatments. The price-- Jesus!for 2800, I expected a significant improvement.

I would recommend doing this in the winter, as your skin needs to be as pale as possible to optimize laser effects as well as minimize the difference in face-body coloring you will have following treatment. I have superficial pink-red scars and medium tan Caucasian coloring; I did not find this to be very effective, esp. not for the price. Six months later, I have undergone two MD chemical peels and am much more satisfied with the results, at about 1/4 of the price. I would suggest exploring other options, considering the ridiculous price tag.

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Grace63

September 6, 2007

Pros:

Just had my 4th treatment two weeks ago! Skin looks better, pigment looks better, overall my skin looks maybe-I'd say 60% better than before.

Cons:

Red & puffy the first day, bronze the 2nd day, but tolerable after that...although it feels dry and kind of itchy, but the office gave me products that would help reduce downtime. Drinking plenty of water helps reduce puffiness I've found.

in my case to remove pigment: Number of treatments: 5 to my face -They explained that each time about 20% the skin is treated, leaving 80% to help rebuild that 20% and so that you don't 'look' like you've been put through a serious treatment. Cost: $1,000 each (but I bought a package for $3,800) Pain Level: numbed at office for 1 hour before and it wasn't that bad, felt like a sunburn that night though & dry itchy the following few days. Since I have brown spots I've been using a prescription bleaching cream everyday, up to the day of treatment, and then I wait 5 days and start using it again. They explained that this would help fade the dark spots and it's been working nicely. Microderms and chemical peels only treat the surface, as I've tried those for years. Photofacial is not recommended for my olive complexion, but Fraxel is safe for Hispanic and Asian skin types from what I read. Use a super light face lotion to help dryness, but you want it to flake off.

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Wally

August 30, 2007

Pros:

Have had 2 treatments with Fraxel II. So far, just skin tone improved. The pain is minor with numbing gel.

Cons:

Ridiculously overpriced at 1000 to 1250 per session. Should be 1/2 or less to provide value equal to results.

The treatments have been at 50mj / level 7 and 65mj / level 9 respectively. 14 passes, with extra passes over deeply scarred areas. This is fairly aggressive treatment. After the peeling, skin is red, then pink for 2 weeks. The skin is delicate and scratching or rubbing with towel can leave abrasions / marks. Skin bronzes and looks like a fake tan, doesn't match rest of body. Have to use skin bleaching to counteract bronzing, but the bleach turns skins irritated red in areas. In the morning, the results are similar to a freshly washed face after a nice shower. skin appears tighter and glowing at times and then later in the day, it turns darker again and looks unnatural and scars seem to stand out more than usual. I don't tell anyone that I had fraxel done. I want to see if anyone can see a difference without any prompting from me. So far, not a word from anyone. I have 3 more to go. and the results are supposes to be noticeable after the 3rd. As of now, fraxel does not impress me.

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CaliGirl

August 3, 2007

Pros:

Seeing my scars on my cheek slowly dissapearing.I love it! 2 more 2 go!

Cons:

Still having minor breakouts after treatment on my chin area that has created slight scarring.

So far had a total of 3 treatments and from what the doc has said u start to see real results after about the 3rd treatment, but I disagree because iv see them since the beginning, and again results are going to vary each time but ur results will be dependent on how high of a frequency ur doc willing to go. I always tell my doc to go as high as she can because i know and she knows thats how we will achieve the best results. Though u might be a little extra swollen the next day, the pain is worth the results!

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Gatorgal

July 26, 2007

Pros:

So far my skin seems to have subtly softened in its appearance. The scars are not as harsh in natural lighting. The laser itself was tolerable (but both times I took a Vicodin).

Cons:

After this second Fraxel, I broke out with tiny white heads on the chin area. I am hoping that will not cuase further scaring.

My scars are superficial, and I have not seen as much improvement as I hoped. I thought the results would show up quick, since the scars are not deep, but its been so subtle. I would say the price is not worth it, unless you can work out a deal with your Doctor. I was used as a model and my total cost was 300 per treatment (for my lower face). You might also try the V-beam or several microdermabrasions. A suggestion if you are going to do Fraxel and are a female, schedule it a few weeks after your period (less chance of having a nasty breakout from the trauma of the laser to the skin). Also you might try Burdock, a natural herb that helps to cleanse the blood, and aid in healthy skin.

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