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
Side Effects
Low-Medium
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:

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July 16, 2008

Pros:

A year after the treatment I can see a slight flattening of my original scarring. It is no where near the 60-70% improvement as I was told by the dermatologist.

Cons:

My cystic acne returned after 5 sessions. I was told that I would be rid of all of those small little ones I would get each month and instead I got 3 huge breakouts that even after injections left deeper scars than the ones I started with.

I spent over $5000.00 on Smoothbeam treatments over a year in addition to 2 Vbeam sessions (absolutely did NOTHING!). I have to say if I could take it back I would. As I stated above I broke out horribly after a few treatments. I had not had cystic acne for years before the Smoothbeam treatments. Also, I have to say that the dermatologist who was very excited and positive in the beginning was basically shooing me out the door at the end of the treatments. He said that prior to me his success rate was 100%. I have a feeling I was not the first failure, nor would I be his last. I find that micro-dermabrasion 2xs a month keeps my acne at bay (along with Yaz birth control) and makes my skin look a bit smoother. I remain hopefully optimistic that one day there will be a better solution.
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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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March 9, 2007

Pros:

can't think of any

Cons:

ruined my skin

I had two treatments 3 years ago (could only afford two at the time) it totally wrecked my skin. First impression was no change and then after about a months my skin got so bad! My left side is now scared and uneven. It cost me more than lots of money, it cost me time and made my obsess about my skin. Just not worth it.
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January 12, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of acnes for 6 months.

Cons:

Did not do anything for my wrinkles and scars.
$800.00

N-LITE does not help younger people with wrinkles
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December 2, 2006

Pros:

Non-surgical help for my acne scars. It improves your skin gradually- remember that NOTHING will make your scars look like uninjured skin, only improve what your current problem.

Cons:

Hurts really bad, UNLESS you can get your doctor to give you pain meds before and after. They want your business, so ask for meds- it doesn't cost them anything to write a perscription for you.

Here's the trick to a pain-free Smoothbeam experience...without this method it was the most painful thing I have ever been thru.. 1 Tylenol 3 with Codeine- 1.5 hours before treatment, at this time apply Betacaine to face. 1 Tylenol 3 with Codeine- .5 hours before treatment, and apply more Betacaine to face. Put cotton balls in your ears, so you don't hear the gun. 4 hours after treatment, take one more Tylenol 3 with codiene and lay down with frozen peas on your face.
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October 11, 2006

Pros:

Too early in the treatment to tell. So far, my skin seems a little smoother.

Cons:

Painful, expensive, and slow. Also, temporary side-effects can be emotionally debilitating.

I've had acne since my teens and am now in my 20s. I have hormonal breakouts, but they are never too bad. I had Candela's smoothbeam treatment for my scarring - moderately pitted scars and brownish-red spots. My dermatologist advised me that this process is one of the slowest on the market - taking up to 6 months for results. I had my first session 1 wk ago, and it was painful! For 5 days I looked as if a cat had been tossed at my face - I had red track marks everywhere. Worse, I broke out with cystic acne for the first time in my life along my jawline, and small pimples formed around my mouth. It has been 1 wk since the procedure and my skin has mostly returned to it's normal appearance. My skin is a little smoother now. I am going to continue the procedure b/c the side effects went away. I am hoping to see improvements in the next months and will repost then. In the meantime, I would advise others to have patience w/this procedure - and be forewarned of the side effec
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

Quick, very little downtime

Cons:

It hurt! And I was not expecting the swelling as none of the literature mentioned that. I looked lika I had been snapped with 10 rubber bands for a day. From what I can see what everyone else paid I think I overpaid-$800 forVbeam/Smoothbeam combo

I am VERY fair so I was worried about redness as a side effect and decided to try my DRs recommendation of v eam/smoothbeam combo to get rid of my old acne scarring (divets) and new acne and purple scars, etc. Mr DR always does these as a combo so I signed up (the fraxel seemed so much more of a "commitment"). It hurt more than I expected (some areas were on a higher setting) but I did feel firmer afterward and didnt look too bad afterward. The rednnes disappeared within 2 hours but then I saw all these lumps on my face that I was not expecting. The RN had given me bionect gel to take the swelling down and it worked. I had this done Friday at noon and my Sat morning I was almost 100% back to normal. It is now Sunday and I feel that my skin is less greasy and a little firmer and more even. But did I overpay? Everyone is saying $300 but I paid $800 (though I had a combo of v-beam and smoothbeam).
July 3, 2007

Pros:

At last something that works

Cons:

Slight bruising

Had tried most things. Went to skin health spa and had 4 treatments each a month apart, also a peel at the same time. Skin improved slowly but steadily. I noticed the difference more as the settings were turned up. Used jan marini products at home which are excellent. A course of treatments gave the best results, it's not cheap I can't remember exactly how much I paid in total but to have clear skin again it's worth every penny.
December 15, 2006

Pros:

after 1 treatment my skin texture was improved but i have only had 1 treatment so far

Cons:

it costs a lot $300 for smooth beam and v beam for redness of scars. my strees level went up because I am using all of the money i have in savings and all i am doing is stressing about if i am wasting my money.

i will post after my 2nd treatment in january!
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.

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.