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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Minho Lee

July 18, 2007

Pros:

Immense reduction of oil, smaller pores, smoother and more even skin texture, less noticeable scarring, and also helps to clear up current acne.

Cons:

Extremely expensive, pretty painful.

I had been trying a lot of things because I'm a trainee for the entertainment business, and obviously, that means acne definitely can't be there. One of my friends who did it recommended it and so I tried it, and I have to say, it hurt a lot. But on the same note, it's painful but I'm always excited for my next treatment. It really is worth it, it cleared up the current acne that I had and also made my skin texture much more smoother and did a great deal on the acne scars that I had. But the most noticeable thing is that my face used to be pretty oily, but now, it is completely dry (but moisturized). If you plan on traveling to Seoul, S. Korea anytime, be sure to drop by Kangnam; they have so many dermatologist clinics that offer Fraxel, they're all competing with new specials and prices. *Be sure to remember that on the day of the treatment, you'll be red and won't want to go anywhere other than stay in your home. It's not painful after the treatment though

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mt310

July 14, 2007

Pros:

30% improvement

Cons:

sort of expensive, five fraxel treatments $4,800.

I've had acne since the age 12 and through my teens....I had profound scars on both cheeks...I'm now 29 years old and still continue to break-out....especially underneath my chin and chest....I've used Accutane and minocycline...the medication helped but now that I've stopped I continue to break-out occassionaly. I decide to have five fraxel treatments.....its been about a month since my last treatment and have noticed some improvement especially on my cheeks...you still can notice the scars but they do not look as profound....after I apply make-up my scars are actually less visible. I knew that fraxel was not going to make miracles for me but I can actually say that I'm content with my treatment. The doctor mentioned that it will be about six months to see the final results on my treatment. I will keep you posted.

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Chloe M.

July 8, 2007

Pros:

I noticed a big difference my second treatment. My skin was a lot smoother and scars noticeably reduced.

Cons:

Redness for two days, followed by a acne breakout and cost.

The only thing I have done that has made a significant improvement. Not perfect yet, but much better. I plan to have a third treatment this year (that will make three) and then twice a year after than. My doctor has specials every so often, so I wait until the Fractional laser treatment (improvement to the fraxel) is on sale. Cost is about $600 per treatment.

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Cali Girl

July 4, 2007

Pros:

Skin looks alot better, scars have definatley softened and this is just my second treatment

Cons:

Swollen for at least 3- 4days broke out a little and really red

I ve had a total of 2 treatments so far and the results are evident. I can also completley agree w/ oregon comments on the agressivenes the doctor needs to have on treating the area.I notice the intensity my doctor uses when going over the more severe scarring.And I know thats going to impact the outcome of my results. And so far its looking as though their is a light finally at the end of the tunnel.And Im excited!!!

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Jessica

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!

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John4

May 24, 2007

Pros:

minimal down time.

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.

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TX Chic

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.

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Mimi

May 23, 2007

Pros:

3 days of down time, manageable pain. I have had 5 Fraxel treatments for the ice-pick scars on my cheeks area. The last treatment was 3 weeks ago, I have to say the results is minimal.

Cons:

Costs. Not sure if I would go for the scheduled 6th treatment.

I would be happy with 50% improvement, but not sure if I would get there.

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-S-

May 19, 2007

Pros:

Short down time, pleasing smoothing effect, reduction in scars, evening of pigment, best laser besides the Co2 Yag lasers, but those require significant downtime and a skilled doctor!

Cons:

Painful, needs several treatments, expensive (though here in Canada its cheaper than USA) If you are near Vancouver, BC, look up Arbutus Laser Center.

Recommended: 4-6 spaced out min. time alowed. Wait 10-12 months then do another round. Skin continues to improve for 6+ months. Results: NON-SCARRED AREAS - Dramatically smoothed, pigment evened out, melasma dramatically reduced. Years off your face. SCARS: Varies for TYPE/POSITION of scar. Scars in fattier tissue (e.g. cheeks)and deep pits are hardest to treat. However, the smoothing effect can be dramatic, but never expect 90-100% improvement. Your skin will NEVER go back to how it was in your pre-acne days. But with realistic hopes, you may be pleased with the fraxel. I have light/mild scarring which has been quite improved over 2+ years of treatment now using fraxel, s and v-beam. For people with more severe scarring, expect less overall improvement and more time/treatments to achieve effects. May also want to consider Erbium/CO2YAG lasers. Research your doctor! I also recommend therapy - it helps! And stay out of the sun! And stay out of dimly lit

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MMS

May 3, 2007

Pros:

Almost no down time, look pretty good the next day, has a lot of promise for acne scars. Good alterative to other lasers. No need for perception meds, I think it is great!

Cons:

You can be really red afterwards, but it will dissipate after a few days. The Cost!

Everyone is different, so the results will not be the same for all people. You need to be patience, results are progressive and can take up to six months to see the full affect. If you really want to try it, save up, it is not cheep! I think this can help a lot of people, but you need to find a good doc, and read as much infomation you can get. Best to all. :)

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