Non-ablative Fractional Lasers
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Side Effects

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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11.9%
4
23%
3
30.4%
2
17%
1
17.8%

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May 22, 2009

Pros:

Had first treatment yesterday for my severe nodulocystic acne scars. Performed by a dermatologist with a Fraxel Laser representative in the room for consultation, plus two nurses. Used EMLA cream first, then doctor injected topical numbing medicine

Cons:

Uncomfortable, but tolerable. Do not know yet about effectiveness.

Dermatologist said she used high setting because my acne scars are so deep and thick. She made ten passes along each major scar. Cooling air wand almost as much of a distraction as a help. Prior to procedure, doctor had me take prescription anti-anxiety medicine to calm me and perhaps make me a bit sleepy, but it didn't seem to help, even after she upped the dose. Next day I did experience bits of fuzzy memory loss from drug. Today I'm repeatedly applying soothing moisturizing cream to dry red cheeks and forehead. Not painful, though, and minimal swelling except for a bit of swelling right under one eye. Will update review as procedures continue. Affordability was free because it was done by the military since acne scars were a result of years of prednisone treatment.
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May 20, 2009

Pros:

evened out skin tone, scars appear lighter, not as deep.

Cons:

painful and expensive

there is no miracle cure for scarring. The Dr. told me I would see about 50-70% improvement. I think that is what I got. Go to a good Dr. with a lot of experience. Mine was great. I had 3 treatments and may do a couple more. They build upon each other so you must be patient. You are not going to have 1 or 2 treatments, come home, look in the mirror and all the scars are gone. They do say the collegen will continue to rebuild 6 months after the treatment. It is painful but when you think of the results, it's worth it.
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May 14, 2009

Pros:

Some improvement in texture of skin.

Cons:

I did mainly for ice pick acne type scars. I did 6 treatments and saw minimal improvement.

Would not do again for my type acne scars.
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April 25, 2009

Pros:

I am amazed. I've had four done and some of my scars are completely gone, while the others are severely diminished. It helps, though, that I took lots of vitamins, ate well, and did yoga breathing during the recovery time.

Cons:

Expensive for the average person. Painful during procedure.

It worked. The scars are either gone or minimized and best of all, it seems to have stopped the cystic acne by healing the sebaceous glands. My skin simply functions better now. It truly feels like a rejuvenation rather than a mere cosmetic fix. Considering the money I have spent on all sorts of acne treatments, getting a fraxel treatment every other year or so for maintenance seems do-able. I had none of the negative effects that others have written about. No crusting and I was socially presentable within two days. Much may depend on the doctor and the type of fraxel done.
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

smother skin loads more confidence

Cons:

a little red for a few days and it is a bit painfull but no pain no gain

haveing tried many different treatments for slight acne scaring including 2 exoderm peels and 1 cool touch laser .I have to say this treatment is by far the best i have tried with results i could have only dreamed of i have had 5 fraxel restore treatments spaced 4 weeks apart did not see much inprovement after 2-3 treatments but treatments 4-5 i really could see a big inprovement it has really changed my life and i feel so confident with the way my skin looks now with everybody telling me how good i look
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March 23, 2009

Pros:

The skin felt a little smoother but no visible changes after the first treatment.

Cons:

painful but can be tolerated...the thing i find the most annoying is the brown crusty layer left on my face after the trearment

swollen for 1.5 days - red for 1 day...brown for a long time. My face does not shed dry skin easily - i feel like i have a mask of brown crust on my face which won't come off. I cannot scrub my face as it is not recommended - i hope this goes away soon...its been 5 days since my 2nd fraxel treatment. would i recommend it? that's really undecided... any help on getting rid of the crust wud be appreciated!
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March 20, 2009

Pros:

skin looks great for at least two weeks, but that's because its still swollen. I have had at least six fraxels done for acne scarring over the last year, but scars are still present. There is little improvement, but very minimal. I expected MORE.

Cons:

Skin looks great the first two weeks and after that, it goes back to the way it was before you completed........

I have read so many reviews on the website and seems that I have not been one of those fortunate ones to see immediate results after the third or fourth. Or, may be that my scars (which are on my cheeks) are too deep?? But, I do have one more fraxel treatment next month.....which will probably be my last one......
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

My pores are signifacantly smaller and my skin is less oily. Acne scars are still visible but less severe.

Cons:

The procedure was extremely painful at higher energies. However, the pain only lasts during the procedure. Numbing cream and pain killers are a must!

After 5 treatments with microdermabrasions in between, I am satisfied with the result. I don't have baby smooth skin but that is an unrealistic expectation. I may follow up with some deep chemical peels for remaining scars.
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March 12, 2009

Pros:

Fraxel lasers have a low down time compared to some proceedures.

Cons:

Expensive if you have severe scarring. You will most likely need more than 1 treatment.

I've had 3 treatments so far. I've seen mostly improvements with the skin tone. I wasnt as concerned with that as much as the deep pitted scarring. I've seen a 20% improvement so far. I'm going to keep trying since I'm still hopeful. The proceedure itself can be a bit painful, but will be worth it if it works.
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March 1, 2009

Pros:

it works somehow for me.

Cons:

it depends on the doctor. but you have to get to know the Doctor by putting your skin in his hands

I have my second fraxel just yesterday. I have to wait like three months to start seeing the results. I have a great surgeon that helped me with my shallow and deep indent scars. He did first a fat transfer(2003), then subsicion(2004). He saved my face. My face was like disfigured before I met him. He helped me look better. But with the Fraxel; the Doctor I have in New Jersey was really good at it. So, one Doctor was better in working with the deep scars and indents (acne scars) and the other one was better with the laser. Fraxel has improved my skin a lot, but the scars don't dissapeared, they just get a little smoother. I prefer to go my country to get my skin smoother.
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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