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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October 5, 2008

Pros:

Some improvement for superficial rolling scars.

Cons:

No improvement in white raised scars.
No improvement in medium rolling scars.
Little improvement in shallow icepick scars and little improvement in surgical scars. Expensive.

I have tried 6 treatments of Affirm laser. The plastic surgeon told me that it works raised scars as well as depressed, but is turns out that it did nothing to raised scars. Very disappointed.
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August 18, 2008

Pros:

Some pros - smaller pores, rolling scars appear less deep (but in no means are gone)

Cons:

Please do not believe that this laser is risk free! I had my last one (out of 4) done six months ago. Desperately trying to help cystic acne scars on chin. Dr used a deep setting for those and a lesser setting for the rest of my face (more)

to eliminate some traces of hyperpigmentation (melasma). Now, I have a reddish brown mask that is not fading. What's worse is it's not even uniform. Along with the mask are white, blotchy patches. Below my eyes there is now a not-so uniform depressed, u shaped brown line where he started the laser with each pass. Bottom line -- Fraxel II completely ruined the pigment of my face and now I'm forever doomed to wear heavy concealer from the moment I wake up in the morning...ALWAYS. The subtle improvement in acne scarring was absolutely not worth a permanent mask. Nothing is.
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

reduced some shallow scars along Jaw line

Cons:

did nothing for deeper scars on cheeks, infection on cheek, ocular rosacea and now rosacea (did not know about disease until tx)

waste of money, serious long term side effects
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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 3, 2008

Pros:

Works beautifully!

Cons:

Come on people, I would have walked through fire to get rid of my acne scars, so really what are the cons? Itching tight skin,a little swelling that actually fills out my face nicely and I kindof like that-I won't complain about any of it.

Here are tips for getting through fraxel with better results and I promise you this works. This cleared up my after fraxel breakouts and those pin-point bumps in about two days. It makes skin glow and tightens and softens pores and scars. Wash your face with plain baking soda and water. Do not scrub. This will naturally exfoliate the skin as it cleans and balances the ph levels. Next, in a very small bowl put together equal parts of the following: Honey, cinnamon and sea salt, and then just a splash of ORGANIC apple cider vinegar and pure lemon juice. Make a paste and spread it on your face like a mask. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.Rinse face with tepid water and pat dry. Spritz face with Organic Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.Dilute in a little water if it stings.Leave it on the face. Next drink 1 Tbls. Organic ACV in a little water (chase with more water cause its yucky). Do this morn. and night. This works from the inside out. See "earth clinic" on the web for more inf
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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
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

Smooths the skin only minor redness and swelling.

Cons:

Some swelling for about 2 days.Dry skin for a few days.

Definitely worth the discomfort.I had a procedure called 1540 done at United Laser Clinic in Woodridge,il.I've had severe acne scars and now am wrinkling since I'm in my 40's.I can't believe after only one treatment.I am so much smoother and they didn't even tell me I would be.It does look nicer every day and I can't wait til Im done!You only need 4 and it feels like a sunburn after,no biggy.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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