Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
Reviews
3.0
139 Reviews
Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
Good or Excellent Response
46%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Non-ablative 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 Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
12.9%
4
22.3%
3
30.2%
2
17.3%
1
17.3%

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February 14, 2009

Pros:

Not sure yet

Cons:

A little redness and swelling

So....I just had my 4th Fraxel treatment and I am a little red and swollen but nothing like others have described. Makes me think that maybe it is not working?? I have had very slight improvement so far but my doctor is encouraging me to do at least 6 treatments. Should I be more red, swollen and flakey?? My doctor uses the Fraxel II machine and the level is 45. She said that is pretty intense. Any thoughts? Funny that I want to be more red, swollen and flakey...I think it is more reasurrance that it is working. I will keep you all posted on my progress! Thanks everybody for sharing!
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February 4, 2009

Pros:

Like the fact that it is non-ablative.

Cons:

If you think fraxel is bad, try a C02 recovery.
All laser treatments are so overpriced! Painful too!

HAD TO MENTION- fraxel truly truly takes time. A year AFTER my second fraxel, I've noticed that the cheek scarring appears less severe. My face has more of a face shape, instead of a plump thick mass of scar tissue. It just takes time. BECAUSE I see results, I am going in for a third. I'm not looking forward to the procedure or cost, but I want to look like the normal pretty girl I am, so here I go again.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

less noticeable scars, have had 8 but still not where
I want to be...after the first 5 derm kept offering more for half price....gonna go back in a month or so once i save up more money

Cons:

have had 8 at very high levels...smth was set at 75 my last one and still have pretty noticeable scars-but mine were very severe to start out with

I would research all the possible treatments before jumping in to this if you have severe acne scarring. I have paid for a lot of treatments and am still doing it and do not have smooth skin yet. I wish I had researched more treatments out there that are more invasive but riskier....at least then I might have gotten the results I wanted. I would recommend for mild to moderate acne scarring though.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

Hardly any downtime

I had the treatment done yesterday evening. It was very painful but so far worth it. I have severe acne scars and at this point I think this is the best thing out there, I woke up this morning very swollen wih 1 eye almost shut. I dont feel any pain or itchines. My skin feels smoother already but I know its because I'm still swollen. I'll have to keep you updated on my progress. I paid $2,150.00 for 3 treatments.I would defenitely recommend it.
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September 11, 2008

Pros:

well i had several issues such as acne scaring, seb derm, rosacea going into the treatments. i did 3 treatments with both the pulse dye laser and fraxel. the chronic irritation to my skin has definetly subsided and overall texture has improved.

Cons:

unfortunately i was reviewing some pictures of myself that were taken outdoors with plenty of sunlight and guess what i noticed when i zoomed it on the photos?...holes in my face that "were not" there before i had laser treatment.

it has been 6 months since my intial treatment and i was satisfied overall until i saw these recent photos. i was skeptical about getting laser done because the technology is relatively new and most doc's, and other practioners had mentioned any negativitiy about the results. this concerned me but i still went through with it out of desperation. i don't what to say. i mean most people probably don't even notice these tiny holes but my god, i wish they would have said this was a potential side effect.
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June 25, 2008

Pros:

Smaller pores for about 3 months.

Cons:

Doesn't last.

I had 4 Pixel laser treatments this year. After my last treatment my face looked great for about 3 months. My face now looks like it did before the treatments. Everything went back to looking bad again. It suppose to improve over time, but mine is doing the opposite. I will be calling my doctor soon.
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June 24, 2008

Pros:

slight improvement

Cons:

hurts. cost. not dramatic difference with only one treatment

I will repeat the treatment. There was some improvement. Hoping for more with successive visits.
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June 17, 2008

Pros:

Not sure yet - just had it done today.

Cons:

Expensive but if it works, worth it.

I bought a series of 3 in which I got my hands and earlobes done for free. It cost me about $3100 for three and I also purchased oxygenation treatments after each one. Did not realize that I would hurt so much but am hoping for good results. Have a great doc and based on the pain, I should have great results (lol). The doctor gave me avene spray, a liquid cleanser and bio2 cosmoceuticals balm. My husband left for Munich this afternoon so I can concentrate on healing.
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May 23, 2008

Pros:

Smoother skin appearance, less depression in acne scars

Cons:

cant be seen for a day or 2, expensive

Had IPL and pixel laser 5 times now. The rolling scars are less indented because of the pixel but I dont think the IPL did much for the red spots. My skin is still scarred and down the road I would want to get another kind of treatment as technology advances but it does look somewhat better.
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Not much pain during treatment (only a prickly sensation I found as she was treating my cheeks it hurt more on the outer areas, but not too badly).

Cons:

I think it is quite expensive, i only had cheeks done and for 3 treatments it's cost me £900.

DAY 1 : I've just had Fraxel laser (Reliant technology) done today at a very reputable firm. The lady was friendly and I did not feel much pain during the procedure. After the treatment she put sunblock SPF 30 on my face and told me not to go in sun without it as my face will darken...it was sunny outside and I had to wait for my dopey friend to get back to the car, I stood in shade after being in the sun for a few minutes...hopefully I was protected and no damage was done. My swelled up slightly with the gel to numb my skin...but this is normal - the gel was on for 1hr 15 mins. After procedure my face was redish and swollen slightly and I have 3 darker patches under my eye on the cheek and the others around my chin area where I had eczema (i'm hoping this will make no diff as I did used to have discoloured skin here).it's 5 hrs after treatment and swelling has gone down a lot. Will keep this updated.
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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