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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November 7, 2013
Palomar laser

Pros:

smoother skin
filling in pick scars slowly

Cons:

takes time

I finished Accutane in April of this year, it worked good, was on for 5 months. Then this September I asked my derm about my facial scarring and redness, and she suggested Palomar laser. So I did 2 treatments 4 weeks apart, I had breakouts after both treatments, thought it was from laser but im not sure anymore, because I am still breaking out on places where I did not even get the laser done, my next appointment is next Friday, and I don't know what to do, the 2 treatments have filled in my pick scars pretty good, but still could use more treatments, but these breakouts... im debating if I should just ask to go on Accutane again? suggestions? opinions? I can also provide pictures if needed. Thanks
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December 28, 2011

Pros:

+ The swelling makes you think your skin is perfect!
+ Helped with discoloration from prior breakouts

Cons:

- Little improvement in scarring
- I was not informed that one doesn't need to get Fraxel while still actively breaking out
- I was not informed there are different types of Fraxel lasers
- I was burned by tech.

I received Fraxel Re:store. Unfortunately, as stated, the doctor didn't tell me there are different types or forms of Fraxel. I wanted (and still WANT and NEED) Fraxel Re:pair because my scars are deep. I had so many Re:stores I lost count. The doctor was fleecing me while I put my trust in him. Although I was under the influence of Valium, hydrocodone, Xanax, and nerve blockers injected in my cheeks by the doctor, I do remember the instance his tech burned me...she burned my cheek/jaw and chin. I still bear the raised scar right under my jaw. The chin burn either didn't scar or you just can't really tell. The burn on my cheek near my hairline lost pigment but returned over the years...probably due to other treatments I've had done. I didn't realize the burn was as bad as it was, so when I saw him maybe two weeks later at my mother's urging, he was upset and knew it scarred, yet only offered me MORE Re:stores for free. And I, trusting, naive, and emotionally worn, took him up on it. I should have sued. I do NOT recommend Fraxel Re:store, but I AM seeking out a Fraxel Re:pair and I sincerely hope to see SERIOUS results with it.
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

It's been about 30 hours since I received my first Fraxel treatment, the non-ablative procedure. The pain level was very low, but I had a local infiltrating anesthetic in addition to the numbing cream. The recovery is not bad at all, and the redness and swelling did not prevent me from going out in public.

Cons:

I had a long wait (almost 2 hours) in the waiting room, so I got rather anxious. Then the numbing and injections took another 3/4 hour. Applying ice packs every hour after the treatment interfered with my activities, but it helped a lot with the redness and swelling.

I had an experienced and excellent dermatologist. I have minor adult acne, and scarring for moderate to severe acne I had as a teenager. I had 6 passes for this first treatment. On a pain scale of 1-10 (with 10 being extreme pain, and 1 being barely no pain), the pain level was about a 1 for the first 2 passes and about a 2 for the next 4. Piece of cake. The most irritating thing for me was the puffy face that I had for a few hours, with the peak of it coming between 10 and 18 hours after the treatment. But right now (30 hours after the procedure), the swelling is minimal, and I don't have the puffy feeling. The redness is not bad either. The downtime is basically a non-issue. I will be back in 4 weeks for Treatment #2. I don't see much downside to this procedure, and I am confident that I will see results. I recommend you get injections in addition to the numbing cream for the non-ablative procedure.
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December 6, 2009

Pros:

reduced visibility of acne scarring, self confidence bulider, even tone of skin.

Cons:

price, redness, pain, getting your doctor to raise the laser setting, comming to grips with the fact that results take time to see while you are shoveling out thousands of dollars that you really could be using to do something else with.

three weeks after my first fraxel treatment, I noticed a 30% reduction in my acne scarring. I just had my second treatment today and I am awaiting to see results. It will be about three weeks before i will see the results but I will keep everyone informed. I had my first treatment at a level 6 at 40mj. My second was at level 7 at 40mj. I could still talk as i was being fraxeled so I am going to request a level 9 at 50mj for my third session.
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November 5, 2009

Pros:

didn't really hurt with numbing cream, little down time

Cons:

price, swelling for two days

I only had one treatment and see about a 20% improvement. At 800 a treatment, I think I might do one more. I wish the results were greater....
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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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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.
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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.
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