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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Compare To Other Treatments
5
11.9%
4
23%
3
30.4%
2
17%
1
17.8%

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February 17, 2008

Pros:

Little down time!

Cons:

expensive

I am so happy I did not listen to the bad reviews and took the plunge! It is amazing. After one treatment at level 60, which I was told was the lowest she would go, I can't believe how much better I look. I would say, exept for my deeper acne scars, that I am 40 to 50% better. I don't look like scarface in grey light! Make sure that whoever does this is aggressive and not just taking your money. Also, just to let people know, I got rid of my acne simply by eliminating dairy...If you have cystic acne, look it up!
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February 7, 2008

Pros:

Results, results and results. Feeling great, looking forward to minimising these stupid scars..

Cons:

3-4 days of Hybernating, Telling your friends lies that you can't see them as I felt self conscious with my Red cheeks and shiny face..
But all up definately worth it

Shop around, get a few quotes from different Doctors, I found some doctors just wanted to get your money, offering 4 visits and get the 5th one half price... The Laser specialist I am seeing is great, recommending I wait 3 months between treatments as she has seen maximum results this way... I've been twice so far and already I'm seeing big improvemnts, she expects 4 treatments should do it and only charges $400 per treatment...
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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.
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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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January 13, 2008

Pros:

Improved acne scarring, fine lines, skin discoloration, & tightened skin/pores.

Cons:

Slightly painful during procedure, burning sensation for 1-2 hours after procedure, intense redness and swelling for first couple days after treatment. Laser stimulates the oil glands so I had a hard time with break-outs around my chin area.

Definitely well worth the time, cost, pain of getting the treatment. I have had 4 treatments so far and my skin has drastically improved in all areas. One treatment erases about a few years of damage. The more treatments, the more drastic the improvements. You can't expect miracles, but years of skin damage are gone after only a few treaments and only a few months. I did break out after the treatments, but that's only temporary, but the results are permanent.
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December 20, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

hypopigmentation

Went to a reputable dermatologist in NJ. I have fair asian/irish skin so I expressed my hyperpigmentation concerns with my doctor. The procedure was only really painful on my cheeks, where most of my acne scars exist. I am not sure if he cranked up the power for these areas but there is now hypopigmentation and what appears to be slightly raisd striations.
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December 14, 2007

Pros:

Maybe the realisation that I'll never have flawless skin and I'll have to live with myself just the way I am.

Cons:

Same as Above. Pinkish outline where I had fraxel.
Maybe the lines on the outside of my eyes have improved. Not sure/hard to say. I think I'd be happy if the redness goes.

It's only been a month or so after my first fraxel so maybe the redness will disappear and I'll return to normal again some day soon:) If that happens I'll probably come back and post another review (a more positive one). Until that day I'm not that impressed with Fraxel II.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

I had 5 Fraxel treatments, and truthfully, as I sit here, I cannot think of one pro. It did not help my scars or pores at all.

Cons:

I have deep acne scars, pitted, ice pick, my acne tunnelled so my scars are long and deep. The physician told me I would see some improvement, but I have seen nothing and actually my skin seems loose, with more wrinkles. Very expensive.

I personally don't recommend Fraxel. I am extremely disappointed in the lack of resutls. What a waste of time and money. My physician told me I would see some type of improvement, but I have seen none and its been over 6 months. I knew going in that my scars were not going to disappear, but I thought they would at least appear softer/smoother. Not at all, still the same. Very frustrating. Now I am a bit concerned about the texture of my skin, I have more wrinkles and loose skin especially around my eyes and mouth. I am 32 years old, this should not be happening.
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December 5, 2007

Pros:

leaves skin glowing, tightens pores, and brings lots of confidence!

Cons:

it is a little expensive

i have had to deal with acne scars for the first time in my life and as much makeup i used to put on, nothing would cover them. The Fraxel Laser was an answer to my prayers, because just when i had given up hope for any improvement i heard of the laser. It really is amazing i have had 3 treatments and i am so satisfied!
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

The pain is tolerable, the cost for spot treatments were alot less expensive than doing the whole face

Cons:

Your face is red & swollen so you think it is going to work. Then a week into it you notice the scars are coming back....

I am tired of being SOLD on products because the doctors know how badly you want results.I have had 6 Fraxel treatments done. The first series was one a week for 4 weeks. I saw a slight (10%) improvement in my scars after 6 months. After a year I went back to the same doctor & had 2 more. No additional results at all from those additional 2 treament. I would stay away from the Fraxel treatment for acne scars it just doesn't help. Then I tried the Fractional Lux 1520 which is a more aggressive laser (they claim), it's more expensive but less painfull. Still recovery time is 3-4 days of redness. I has 2 treatments out of 4, every 3 weeks. I did have alittle improvement on 1 large scar I had but that was it so I quit going. The bottom line is we all wish we could find a doctor who actually understood what we are going through. It's about the money. I am going to start asking if they will guarentee the procedure. If they believe in the procudure & the results they will do it.
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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