Good or Excellent Response
14%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
60%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
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 Non-fractional Lasers
Compare To Other Treatments
5
10.6%
4
23.4%
3
23.4%
2
22%
1
20.5%

Used Non-ablative Non-fractional Lasers? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 10, 2007
i'm confused why all the laser pricing seems to be irratic: i've had one smoothbeam treatment and one vbeam treatment at my dermatologist's office. each cost $150, or i could have opted to buy a package of 3 for 20% off. it's hard to understand how anyone else is paying $1000, or even half that for the same thing. it makes me wonder what the hell kind of profit margins these doctor's offices are operating under. btw, the one smoothbeam treatment i did months ago made a negligible difference.. i ran out of money to do the follow up treatments. just did my first vbeam today. other than some really slight swelling and a few little purple marks, i don't look any different yet. i'm planning on one or two more treatments.
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March 17, 2007

Pros:

the first time i've had it done, it took about 2 months before i saw any results. the results were amazing. results are good but not as good as the first time. some days, my skin is bad but it's hormonal.

Cons:

not consistant. skin is beautiful some of the time. sometimes bad. old scars are gone one day, then one day come back.

if you have the money, go for it. if not, your not missing too much. amazing results after glycolic peel. i was lucky enough to find a doctor who has special packages. i paid $1000.000 for 4 sessions, unlimited pulses.
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February 13, 2007

Pros:

I have gotten two sb so far, and notice i would say SOME results...i am hopeful though and not stressing out over it. I think the less i stress the more i will see results. It has worked a little to fill in scars. NOT painful at all...!!

Cons:

fairly expensive...better see results...takes time

Okay bottom line...scars take time. My scars are fresh and new so that plays a hUGE role in the turn out. I think i can see some improvement now. AGE, AND HOW OLD THE SCARS are do play a role keep in mind..and just remember dont give up!!! it takes time...its like fitness for skin...results are gradual...
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November 19, 2006

Pros:

Skin looks awsome immediately afterwards. Even, pink tone, and it feels firm and soft. I have never seen my skin look that good, but its only for an hour afterwards.

Cons:

caused a break out.

Just had lazer rejuovenation yesturday. I am a little dissapointed, but its only been 24 hours. Apparently the laser works by "damaging" the outer layer of skin, which in turn causes the skin to repair it by forming a new, younger layer to emerge as the damaged outer layer sloths off. I expect to see the full results within two weeks. The procedure cost 300$ and included the entire face. Its my understanding that most people require 3-6 treatments. I will see how the wallet is feeling before i decide to get a second treatment.
November 1, 2006
*Paid $1,050 for six treatments. *Got hyperpigmentation after the first treatment. ( The doctor tole me that it would take several weeks for this new hyperpigmentation caused by the laser to go away.) *No another hyperpigmentation after the second treatment. *Have not obtained the third treatment yet. *Red marks/scars caused by acne seem to disappear. *Overall skin condition seems to improve.
October 9, 2006

Pros:

Pros: Effectively treats active ance lesions, yields marginal improvement in acne scarring, helps lighten post-inflammatory redness from acne, gives an overall 'smoother' appearance to the skin

Cons:

Cons: Very expensive, expect pain and discomfort during, and directly after, treatment, best results may take a couple months after the treatment is finished to appear, risk more scarring if done incorrectly

This laser is a very uneconomical and marginally effective treatment for acne scarring; however, if you have the money, it is an option -- for a small fortune. (I spent $900 USD for a series of four treatments, and the results I see so far are disappointing for the amount I paid.) Yet, it is excellent for clearing active acne and relatively "new" blemishes. I have 100% clearance of my acne post-treatment, except I still have the acne scarring as detailed above. Please, be realistic with your expectations of what this laser can and cannot do. Although I see some *slight* improvement in my scarring, I expected a greater reduction in its size and depth; it will NOT completely remove scarring (as is true for most procedures.) I have had tremedous success with at-home chemical peels with the scarring without breaking the bank, and I would recommend this first before doing laser.
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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.

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.