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
May 25, 2008
Cons:
The procedure itself was slightly painful. A few days after, my skin was red and dry. It's also quite expensive.
The Fraxel laser is amazing! I have moderate ice pick scarring on my cheeks that have not responded well to previous treatments. After the first treatment, I saw a dramatic reduction in my scars. I have only had one treatment, but have paid for five.
May 23, 2008
Pros:
to the restaurant the day after
Cons:
hope nothing
my girlfriend had first fraxel treatment 6 days ago. 24 hours after all scars were desappeared. After 2-3 days when skin returned to baseline colour, scars were still visible but I see macroscopic improvement.
If results are like first treatment, after 4 planned treatments we hope to have the problem solved
May 1, 2008
Pros:
My third treatment was yesterday. Since I look at my face everyday I haven't noticed a great difference, but my friends all agree it's doing a wonderful job. I am happy with the tone of my skin - no more red spots.
Cons:
Everyone should know this isn't considered a "one time" treatment that will fix up your skin. I paid for 4 treatments. After my last appointment, the results will continue as the treatment heals my skin for several months.
There is no telling how your skin will look after one treatment. 6 months from now, I expect great results as it continues to work deep under the surface of my skin. The swelling and peeling last 4 days. It's worth it.
November 23, 2007
Pros:
I was only down one night.(I'm an esthetician) Left the house next day pink. I Used fraxel. Dr. said it took 4-6 wks to show difference. Said I would need at least 3.
Cons:
Need at least 3 treatments for small scars to fade out. A little pricey, but worth it.
I saw a noticeable difference in both light acne scars and fine lines after just one session.I noticed some delicacy in the skin for a few weeks afterwards.(i.e. don't pinch skin or blood vessels will break!)Getting next treatment in 2 weeks. MY DR. IS EXCELLENT, HE SAID FULL FACE ($5,000)CO2 LASER MAKES ACNE SCARRING LOOK WORSE! He said this because he's done it & it tightened all the skin area around the scars & the scars appeared to look worse. He said fractional lasers (fraxel)are on a lower setting (but still co2)& it is more progressive so it doesn't destroy (yes, destroy!)the epidermis(1st layer) of the skin like traditional co2 did. (by keeping some skin in-tact) Also, fraxel can be used on the neck and the old co2 CAN NOT! That's why some women have permanent darker necks and light faces. I also had the erbium($575).This shows a difference immediately but it's TEMPORARY only.Fractional laser co2 is permanent.If you spent $500 you got about the same as some microdermabrasions!
November 17, 2007
Pros:
My skin feels much more even!, and i i've got my confidence back!
Cons:
a little painful, but worth it!, and a little pricy!, if you get it done on your back leave the dream on for 2 hours!
At first my dermotoligist told me that there was nothing to to for my acne scarring on my back, i was deverstated, and then i discovered fraxel laser!
after my first treatment it went so well i noticed my results after about a week, and i just had my second treatment and i'm already seeing my deep scarring fade! yay! Maybe my skin just reacted well to it, but if anyone that is suffering from living life to the fullest becasue of your acne scarring i recomend getting a cosultation at least! because my scarring was so bad, and i am a young woman, i can now wear my bikini and do my formal in a beautiful backless dress! X
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
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.
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!
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
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.
Pros:
I saw immediate results using the Fraxel laser. I noticed about a 30% reduction in my acne scarring after the first treatment.