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
April 26, 2008
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!
April 11, 2008
Pros:
Visible improvement of skin texture on my cheeks. Given that I had positive results after just one treatment, I have to believe that this is going to make a difference overall with multiple treatments.
Cons:
Pain, swelling and breakouts. I submitted a review over a month ago in which I was somewhat negative about Fraxel. I'm beginning to think this is actually going to be an effective treatment. Had 2nd session today. Still swollen & in pain
My first treatment was a nightmare. I don't think I was prepared for the pain, swelling and breakouts. I just had my second treatment today and don't feel quite as bad as I did last time -- or perhaps I was just prepared for the worst. I wouldn't have gone back for my second treatment had I not seen a difference. 2 weeks after my last treatment, I received comments that my skin had a "glowy" appearance. I noticed a difference myself. For the first time in years, the skin on my cheeks looks smooth. Not radically different, but noticeable. This time around, I took a Vicodin prior to treatment and had my cold compresses ready. I also have purchased a Zeno (zit zapper) in preparation for the inevitable breakout in about 5 days. It worked wonders last time. Pimples began to go away by the next day after use. I have decided to go through with the 5 Fraxel treatments. My derm is treating my scarring very aggressively. I guess, no pain, no gain. I'll give an update in two week
April 10, 2008
Pros:
Fraxel- 1 week, 1 day
My pores are much smaller and the scars on my cheeks less noticeable.
Cons:
They said "no down time". If you don't mind looking like a clown that may be true. I had it done on a Tuesday and by Friday, I had to call into work ugly.
$1000 per treatment... so it was expensive. It was very painful but quickly forgotten if you have good results. My most immediate concern was the scars on my cheek but my pores being a lot smaller was a nice bonus as well as wrinkles being diminished. The aloe cort cream they gave me did not agree with my skin at all. Aloe vera straight off the plant helped a lot more and stopped the burning.
March 8, 2008
Pros:
Had it yesterday. I am not very red but I am swollen. I could go out if I needed to without feeling self conscious. I think I have reacted better than most compared to other posts I have read.
Cons:
Hurt around the eyes, hairline and jawline. The rest of my face was manageable. I was ready to be done when he was done though. I am starting to have a little breakout around the lip line. Mini postules the size of a pin head.
If it improves your self confidence and makes you feel and look better - do it. I am supposed to go back in one month for 2nd treatment. Also, I used the newest laser and went to a top doc. Do your research and find a great board certified dermatologist. I used the clear numbing gel, 2 pain pills, the cooling fan, anti-biotic for a week and 3 days worth of anti swelling pills.
January 19, 2008
Pros:
CO2: improved skin texture, some reduction of scars
Fraxel: no downtime, smoother skin, small pores
Cons:
CO2:recovery time, persistent redness lasting six months CO2 cost 2,350
Fraxel:need to repeat many times, 3 to four days downtime per treatment fraxel cost 800 ea.
I had CO2 resurfacing in 1998. I have dark hair and eyes with olive complextion. I noticed some lightening around the mouth.I have tighter smoother skin then before. The acne scarring was improved approximately 35%.
Skip ahead to 2007 I have had 4 fraxel treatments so far and I am seeing improved skin texture and reduction in pore size, scar improvement probably 15% to date. I will have 2 more fraxel treatments then decide whether to do CO2 again or the erbium yag laser.
I would recommend researching and finding a board certified plastic surgeon with hospital privledges who specializes in laser procedures. For me the CO2 laser has shown the most improvement. The downtime of 17 days and months of redness was worth it for the best results of the two procedures. I was told I would probably need to repeat the procedure 1 or 2 more times to eliminate most of the scarring.
November 8, 2007
Pros:
Improvment in Skin tone, smoothing/leveling affect on scars.
Cons:
Expensive, painful, and has a lot of risk associated with it if post-op instructions are not strictly followed.
It has been a week since my first Fraxel and I do see an improvement. I have lightly spread subtle scarring on my left cheek, and a moderate cluster of shallow boxcar scarring on my right. I see the most improvement on my right cheek, scars look noticibly smoother and the pigment of the scars now blends in with the rest of my face. I got a good deal on my package of 3 treatments at $1800. My treatment was done at 10mj and will take it to 12mj for the 2nd. After the treatment I experienced what is called bronzing, hard bumps that form under the skin and applied aquaphor that night and by morning it had gone. I apply SPF 30 sunscreen every morning and wash it off at night allowing myself to peel faster as I sleep. Already back to normalcy after a week and only slightly red. I'm white/asian and it's dificult to predict how my skin will react and will stay conservative. I'll opt to try the new Harmony Pixel Laser which has the same affect as the Fraxel with less risk and half the price!
October 23, 2007
Pros:
Relative down time. Face is swollen afterwards which slowly goes away after a few days. No pain after the treatment.
Cons:
Don't even think about getting this without some pain tablets - numbing cream not enough. Not a drastic change for the $$$. Have had 2 tx for deep acne scars - will get 2 more and then evaluate. The doctor recommends 6-8.
There are not a lot of alternatives for ice pick scarring. Fraxel helps some. I think it is worth a try since our pores get larger as we age. I am 49 and have not seen a difference in the small lines around my mouth. The laser is painful when the treatment is around the temples. I would not use Fraxel to reduce signs of aging.My skin color has improved. There is a healthier pink glow now. Acne returns with menopause and Fraxel does not get rid of it. The cost is horrific. I pay $900 per treatment. The doctor didn't offer anything in the way of aftercare. I use Bioxin and apply ice packs. A few days later, I do a face mask. Don't believe what you read about minimal discomfort during the treatment. It feels like someone is pulling the tiny facial hairs out. Ask for a pain pill about 30 minutes before and get an ice pack since your face will feel hot afterwards.
October 20, 2007
Pros:
swollen so it looks like my scars are gone. I know this won't last.
Cons:
It hurt.
I'm a man so my pain tolerence is lower than a woman. I had my first treatment of Fraxel II yesterday. I had a clear cream applied for about 35 minutes. Just before the treatment i had the cooling machine on my left cheek for a couple of minutes (i found this very helpful). The machine was set 10mj and after the last pass it was upto 18mj (four passes). It feels like very hot needles being scraped across your face and is painful. I had no cooling on my left cheek before hand and the doctor had the machine set again at 10mj. This really hurt and he had to take it down to 8mj which still hurt. He then remembered the colling and i managed 13mj on the last pass. It's all upto how much you can take. Doctor said it was normal for the first time especially for men. I know what to expect and make sure i have the cooling so i'm going to see if i can get into the 20's on my second visit in three weeks. I felt light headed after the treatment and my face felt like it had bad sunburn.
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.
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).
Pros:
leveled up acne scars to about 40%