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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23%
3
30.4%
2
17%
1
17.8%

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February 14, 2010

Pros:

Yesterday I finished my first Fraxel Restore treatment and it was no big deal. The laser stings more on the forehead area, but even that was more than tolerable. Though my face is still red I'm excited to see progress even after just one treatment. The Dr. said I might see an 80% improvement after I finish the series of 4 treatments, but if this is what I get after one treatment I'm very encouraged.

Cons:

Choosing the right place to have the procedure done is very pesonal. After visiting several places I picked a dermatologist who was honest and encouraging.
"Choose carefully young Skywalker"
Yeah, it's expensive, but if I get this kind of improvement after just one treatment then it's worth every penny.
Waited an hour before the procedure as they numbed my face. Seemed like forever.

Acne scars are debilitating. I'm finally glad there is a treatment that offers me a chance to put the scars of my youth behind me. I know I'll have some work to do build my self confidence, but having a face I can like will sure help me achieve that end.
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

It's been about 30 hours since I received my first Fraxel treatment, the non-ablative procedure. The pain level was very low, but I had a local infiltrating anesthetic in addition to the numbing cream. The recovery is not bad at all, and the redness and swelling did not prevent me from going out in public.

Cons:

I had a long wait (almost 2 hours) in the waiting room, so I got rather anxious. Then the numbing and injections took another 3/4 hour. Applying ice packs every hour after the treatment interfered with my activities, but it helped a lot with the redness and swelling.

I had an experienced and excellent dermatologist. I have minor adult acne, and scarring for moderate to severe acne I had as a teenager. I had 6 passes for this first treatment. On a pain scale of 1-10 (with 10 being extreme pain, and 1 being barely no pain), the pain level was about a 1 for the first 2 passes and about a 2 for the next 4. Piece of cake. The most irritating thing for me was the puffy face that I had for a few hours, with the peak of it coming between 10 and 18 hours after the treatment. But right now (30 hours after the procedure), the swelling is minimal, and I don't have the puffy feeling. The redness is not bad either. The downtime is basically a non-issue. I will be back in 4 weeks for Treatment #2. I don't see much downside to this procedure, and I am confident that I will see results. I recommend you get injections in addition to the numbing cream for the non-ablative procedure.
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December 6, 2009

Pros:

reduced visibility of acne scarring, self confidence bulider, even tone of skin.

Cons:

price, redness, pain, getting your doctor to raise the laser setting, comming to grips with the fact that results take time to see while you are shoveling out thousands of dollars that you really could be using to do something else with.

three weeks after my first fraxel treatment, I noticed a 30% reduction in my acne scarring. I just had my second treatment today and I am awaiting to see results. It will be about three weeks before i will see the results but I will keep everyone informed. I had my first treatment at a level 6 at 40mj. My second was at level 7 at 40mj. I could still talk as i was being fraxeled so I am going to request a level 9 at 50mj for my third session.
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December 6, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

High cost, painful treatment, unpleasant recovery, did not improve my pores or scars, and left little pin-prick sized holes all over my face

After 3 courses of Accutane over a decade ago, I had 2 Fraxel restore treatments at the highest intensity. One month after the second treatment, I notice tiny pits all over my skin where the lasers were, which gives it a bumpy texture. My pores have shrunk minimally, but my scars almost seem deeper after the treatments. I've noticed that my skin heals much more slowly after the Accutane treatments. My guess is that because of the drugs I've taken in the past, my skin does not respond to Fraxel laser trauma by healing itself. It just gets further damaged. I'm going to visit my doctor before having a third treatment, because I read someone else's review stating that Fraxel after multiple Accutane courses also left them with damage.
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November 5, 2009

Pros:

didn't really hurt with numbing cream, little down time

Cons:

price, swelling for two days

I only had one treatment and see about a 20% improvement. At 800 a treatment, I think I might do one more. I wish the results were greater....
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

Almost no improvement

Cons:

Treatment is very painful
and expensive @ $700 per

Had (3) Fraxel II treatments over the course of 3 months to address rolling acne scars. After the first treatment I was really excited because I'd thought that all of my scars had disappeared over night, but after 3 days when all of the swelling had gone down I realized that all the improvement was just due to swelling. I went back for 2 more treatments expecting improvement and getting none. From reading messages on this board it seems that perhaps Fraxel alone is not the right treatment for rolling scars and maybe I should have tried subcision first. The place I went to did not even mention subcision. I will try that next.
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October 3, 2009

Pros:

NONE was worse after

Cons:

NONE

My doctor was a board certified w/good rep. He was very professional when i first went in but when he saw the results he changed. Practically threw me out of the office. Before surgery he said he could take care of any problems that came [link removed]plete turnaround after.So many doctors didn't want to touch me.Sent me to other doctors.Found out he used the highest level on me & wreck my skin. I've had fraxel 2 x's, about 5 ipl, perfecta 2x's & affirm at least 4x's& still getting more. Had to get a filler for some that were too deep.Still don't go out without 1 or 2 hrs of prep time & so much anxiety every day looking at it. I found a silicone patch that seems to smooth them out a bit.Old marks were nothing compared to the problems I have now. The new doctor said he wouldn't try co2 or any laser to take off my top layer now. Skin is too thin now, has 2 b built up from underneth. At least I got my money back from complaining so much but spending so much more fixing.
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August 30, 2009

Pros:

After my third treatment I really have started to notice the difference in my acne scarring. It has gotten noticably better. My face is still swollen from my most recent treatment and I can't wait to see the results this time.

Cons:

It is very expensive. I am on my 5th treatment now. The first 4 did not hurt but now that my Dr. has increased to a higher setting it was a bit painful and stung for a few hours afterwards. Still totally worth the results, the pros outweigh any cons.

This really works. Even though most websites talk of treatments lasting only for 6 or 7 times, my doctor has advised me I can get it done as many times as I would like. The only bad part is that it is so expensive. $900 each treatment. But I would pay whatever it costed to have the results I am seeing. Make sure your doctor is using a high enough setting if you are using fraxel for acne scars to get the best results. My doctor used the 3rd highest setting at my last treatment. It's only a days worth of discomfort, for a lifetime worth of results. I am very thankful I found out about Fraxel.
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August 20, 2009

Pros:

I have done four fraxel restore treatments at the Los Feliz Medspa on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. As per the MD's instructions this is a process and major results are seen between the 3rd-5th treatments. After the 3rd treatment I noticed significant im

Cons:

some pain during procedure; I took some advanced strength Tylenol and that helped me tolerate a higher level of spread and depth of the laser. A few days of pinkness, swelling; if you use the ice packs the swelling is greatly reduced.

My skin is much smoother and continues to improve in collagen as per the scientifically proven results. My pores and acne scars are lessened considerably, ~ a good 60 % improvement. I have not had any permanent negative reactions or skin changes. The minimal down time after each procedure and then improvements. I follow ALL directions, wear hats, wear Mexoryl sunblock by La-roche Posay. I have had wonderful results, but it did take until after the 3rd treatment to see big changes. I prefer to do these procedures when the Sun is furthest from my location. Since I'm in L.A., I steer clear of these procedures during mid- Spring through Summer, only to do them starting in November- March. After the 4th procedure my skin made another leap in smoothness, pore size, the bumps and pits from acne scaring are lessened. I'm eager to do my 5th come November and see what results will surface. Skin care budget is in lasers now rather than expensive skin creams. I'm using Sh
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

I have worked in a laser clinic since 1993. I have seen remarkable result from CO2 resurfacing for acne scars and some good results from Fraxel lasers

Cons:

There is down time from two to ten days depending upon which laser is used but we have never had anyone that did not get any result.

Depending upon which laser you use will determine your end result. CO2 is still considered to be the "gold standard" for acne scar revision. Fraxel laser (4 to 6 txs) will give you result but it is only about 50 to 80 percent of what you can acheive with one CO2 treatment. The result is very dependent upon the experience of the Doctor or Laser tech. Please research your clinic.
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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