Acne.org Products
Good or Excellent Response
46%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Moderate Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
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.
Used Non-ablative Fractional Lasers? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 8, 2008
Cons:
Hurt around the eyes, hairline and jawline. The rest of my face was manageable. I was ready to be done when he was done though. I am starting to have a little breakout around the lip line. Mini postules the size of a pin head.
If it improves your self confidence and makes you feel and look better - do it. I am supposed to go back in one month for 2nd treatment. Also, I used the newest laser and went to a top doc. Do your research and find a great board certified dermatologist. I used the clear numbing gel, 2 pain pills, the cooling fan, anti-biotic for a week and 3 days worth of anti swelling pills.
November 23, 2007
Pros:
one day downtime for me
Cons:
need more than one treatment
This is a much better version of the old full faced co2 laser that made acne actually look worse. I saw a noticable difference in one treatment in both wrinkles and scarring. However, it took 4 weeks to see a difference whereas, the temporary erbium was right away. This is well worth the money. For one thing, this is actually a PERMANENT change as my dr. says, whereas the erbium is only TEMPORARY. Dr. says IPL's & erbiums are not much different than getting a series of microdermabrasion (which is much cheaper!) And he offers both lasers!
October 6, 2007
Pros:
Probably overall most effective laser treatment.
Safer than Co2. Minimal downtime.
Can target specific areas of face (just cheeks for example)
Cons:
Multiple procedures needed.
Somewhat painful.
Expect: Smoothing/leveling, evening of skin tone, reduction in hyperpigmentation (brown spots)
Don't expect: Miracles. Severe scars will likely require surgical procedures before fraxel treatments.
Best for: Light/moderate scars, ice-picks, wrinkles, pigment/tone problems.
(My) use: 4, spread out 3-4 weeks.
I also alternate with VitaPeel (best chem peel!) in between treatments to manage breakouts, and v-beam for redness. After your 4th, wait a few months to evaluate results as further improvement will be seen.
I'm in my 2nd series of 4 (number 7) and will stop at 8 and take a break again. All scars show improvement with best results on light and moderate scars. Deeper scars, though still noticeable, are far less prominent due both to leveling/smoothing of the skin and removal of pigmentation. Note: Initially after a treatment you'll see fantastic results - unfortunately this is temporary and is due to the swelling. So don't be mad once your scars
October 1, 2007
Pros:
Reduces scarring
Cons:
expensive and painful
I have had 3 sessions so far and have been very pleased with the results. I had depressed scars on my chin from hormonal, cystic breakouts. I have to add again even through reviewer (also from atlanta, maybe same dr) make sure your doctor is using the latest, second version of the Fraxel and leave numbing cream on for the full hour - major difference in comfort level. Will need more than one treatment. My dr charges $3900 for 4 sessions and does not have an option for fewer treatments.
May 19, 2007
Pros:
Short down time, pleasing smoothing effect, reduction in scars, evening of pigment, best laser besides the Co2 Yag lasers, but those require significant downtime and a skilled doctor!
Cons:
Painful, needs several treatments, expensive (though here in Canada its cheaper than USA) If you are near Vancouver, BC, look up Arbutus Laser Center.
Recommended: 4-6 spaced out min. time alowed. Wait 10-12 months then do another round. Skin continues to improve for 6+ months.
Results: NON-SCARRED AREAS - Dramatically smoothed, pigment evened out, melasma dramatically reduced. Years off your face.
SCARS: Varies for TYPE/POSITION of scar. Scars in fattier tissue (e.g. cheeks)and deep pits are hardest to treat. However, the smoothing effect can be dramatic, but never expect 90-100% improvement. Your skin will NEVER go back to how it was in your pre-acne days. But with realistic hopes, you may be pleased with the fraxel.
I have light/mild scarring which has been quite improved over 2+ years of treatment now using fraxel, s and v-beam. For people with more severe scarring, expect less overall improvement and more time/treatments to achieve effects. May also want to consider Erbium/CO2YAG lasers.
Research your doctor! I also recommend therapy - it helps! And stay out of the sun! And stay out of dimly lit
July 9, 2008
Pros:
Amazing results, everything!
Cons:
It all depends on where you go and who does it.... PLEASE shop around, when you have your consultation make sure you are talking to the ACTUAL person who is going to be performing work on you, and make sure you are confident that they know everything
I cant believe the dramatic results from this procedure, my wife is a laser technician, so I get ALOT of services done for free. I used this for my stretch marks, burn scar, facial wrinkles, and sun damage. I can honestly say that EVERY problem I had was taken care of. After the first treatment it took 2 days till i started getting noticed by strangers saying what amazing skin I had, and even friends swore I had a real face lift. If you follow what your tech says, I cant say for other clinics, but where i went was very professional and informative, so just follow your techs instructions and you will be amazed!!!
Speaking on the pain, I had to try it without any numbing agent to give it a honest review and case study, so It was pretty bad, it was worse than Laser Hair Removal, but not as bad as Laser Tattoo Removal. Then I used the Numbing Cream, and It was 1000% better, I barely had any pain at all, just be sure they use a tetracane Based Cream.
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.
May 3, 2007
Pros:
Almost no down time, look pretty good the next day, has a lot of promise for acne scars. Good alterative to other lasers. No need for perception meds, I think it is great!
Cons:
You can be really red afterwards, but it will dissipate after a few days. The Cost!
Everyone is different, so the results will not be the same for all people. You need to be patience, results are progressive and can take up to six months to see the full affect. If you really want to try it, save up, it is not cheep! I think this can help a lot of people, but you need to find a good doc, and read as much infomation you can get. Best to all. :)
April 26, 2007
Pros:
after 7 treatments I have had around 50-60 percent improvement on most scars.
Cons:
does not close up pores, the price, not sure if a deep erbium is better since it is not as safe I guess but all at once and waiting 2 weeks to heal is almost better than 5 days to heal each month
worth it
March 19, 2007
Pros:
Easy recovery time
Cons:
Price
I had c02 abot 12 years ago and saw a fair amount of improvement in my skin. I decided after careful consideration to pursue Fraxel treatments. I have rolling scars which apparently respond well. After the first treatment, I did not notice much improvement. My derm had warned me not to expect much. I had my second last week and can already notice a marked improvement. I can't wait for my third. They are becoming more aggresive with each treatment. I had little discomfort with treatment 1, but I did breakout and swell considerably.My Dr said it was because of ointment used afterward. This time, I felt it more but cleared up quickly and did not swell as much. The doctor feels that post treatment ointments may contribute to swelling.My family is noticing a difference in my skin already. I really am anxious to have it done again. I recommend people be patient with this treatment. It works.
Pros:
Had it yesterday. I am not very red but I am swollen. I could go out if I needed to without feeling self conscious. I think I have reacted better than most compared to other posts I have read.