Non-ablative Non-fractional Lasers
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Side Effects

Non-ablative lasers are less invasive but also less effective than ablative lasers. Non-ablative, non-fractional lasers shine a focused beam of light on the...

Non-ablative lasers are less invasive but also less effective than ablative lasers. Non-ablative, non-fractional lasers shine a focused beam of light on the entire skin, but does not remove (ablate) the skin.

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3.1
42
5
14.3%
4
35.7%
3
16.7%
2
16.7%
1
16.7%

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April 11, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Hyperpigmentation

I have East Asian skin, and got the Smooth Beam laser treatment done 8 months ago to help with my mild acne scarring. The procedure was recommended by a dermatologist and performed by a medical nurse who explained the procedure every step of the way. She seemed nice and experienced. I followed aftercare instructions and stayed away from the sun. I did a bit of research and it seemed like a low risk procedure to do at the time. Now I am left with stripes of hyperpigmentation through the sides of my cheeks. In the past 8 months I have spent a lot of money trying to correct this problem with peels, microdermabrasion, Retinol, green light photorejuvination therapy, kojic acid, hydroquinone, and lumixyl. Some of them have helped to slightly lighten the dark lines, but I am still left with the hyperpigmentation. I originally got this procedure done because I wanted to wear less makeup, and now I have to wear more make up and cover the sides of my face with my hair. I feel extremely self-conscious, and cannot just jump into the pool during vacations anymore. I hide under the shade, and have to stay away from the sun at all times, or the lines will get even darker. Please please do not get lasers done on your face. It is just not worth the risk. If I can turn back the clock, I would never put myself in such a situation again. It is much better to be patient and take your time with less invasive methods. Even if the risks are low, it only takes one bad result to change your life forever. I did this to myself, and I have to live with it now.
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

easily done

Cons:

wasn't painful, did get additional scarring. i only had 2 small scars to fix. now i have scars all over small ones

I should of never had this done. I looked better before. Now I look like i had acne scarring all over my cheeks when I never did.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Brought me out quickly in boils all over my cheeks where i had never had spots before i took it 7 months and no improvment it just got worse. doc put me on erothramycin to try calm it down as well as roaccutane but it didnt make a differnce.

i became depressed and forgetful due to it messing with chemicals in your brain. it thinned my skin so all the boils scars. doc told me after scars were helped form because of thinning procces. my friend who took it got liver problems. Dont do it it destroyed my skin and my confidence
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June 25, 2007

Pros:

The private clinic have nice offices

Cons:

Not worth the risk of permanant damage.

Had a first free consultation at the Private Clinic for laser treatment for some mild scars on my face, Was told I now have to have another consultation with the laser expert and pay £100. I was told that I should expect 70-80% improvements. After reading the comments im going to give it a miss. Its not worth taking the risk of making your face worse by using a laser to burn your scars away. The nurse told me that the redness goes away in three days, but reading all the comments this seems to be a contradiction. I am 29 and I think I will wait until the technology is more proven and has a higher credible result, in the mean time I have learned an important lesson. Don't spend £1000s to make yourself feel better, be healthy and happy as there are people in the world who are less fortunate than us.
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February 3, 2007

Pros:

None that I can see

Cons:

Made my skin break out more, my skin feel rougher, my pores more visible & my acne scars more depressed

Not worth it. I spent $1,200 for 2 treatments only to have my skin look & feel worse. The Retin-A Micro (w/ prescription) is much cheaper & works better
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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