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
October 20, 2009

Pros:

incredible fo r reducing and acne scarring once power of laser is increased over 4.0 .....

Cons:

bruises for one week after

worth it if you persist for at least six sessions... dr neil healy in mullingar does each treatment for €65.00 he is located in lough sheever business park on the castlepollard road
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July 7, 2015
does he has a website, what is his clinic called thank you
October 18, 2009

Pros:

Very minimal discomfort....feels like being popped with a rubberband. No down time.

Cons:

A little redness / discomfort the day after. Be careful with too much sun exposure.

I just got the cool touch and v beam procedure yesterday. It will be followed by the fraxel laser surgery in 2 weeks, then more cool touch, v beam and fraxel. This will repeat for 6 treatments. I am hoping with this combination I can get rid of any existing acne and scarring. The total cost is 3,400...I am crossing my fingers that this combination therapy will be worth it!
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February 3, 2009

Pros:

Makes your skin really smooth for a little bit

Cons:

My skin was always extra oily the next day, and say no improvments at all. in fact i got some new spots on my face.

Look for another treatment if you have sever acne scarring, this has little to no effect
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July 4, 2009

Pros:

No downtime. Not as painful as most procedures. You get a double wammy because it stops the acne and helps improve scars too. Helps to produce less oil and bacteria and shrinks pores.

Cons:

Can be expensive. First laser pass a little painful. Takes a little while to see results.

I just had my first procedure today and I have 4 more laser treatments to go and included with my acne face package are 5 acne peels and also my chest done too where you can get breakouts. The first pass with the laser where they spot treat the active acne hurts like a rubber band snapping on you but they gave you numbing cream to dull the pain. Before I had the procedures I purchased the recommended medications and I already saw a great improvment using just those. I think with all the factors considered my skin is going to come out great.
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

Skin feels smooth after treatment, no down time,

Cons:

Face is red and some swelling for about 6 hours. I had 6 treatments of the cool touch, as well as switching with the V-Beam Laser. My acne cleared up for about a month, now its worse than has ever been before

Didn't work for me.
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September 1, 2009

Pros:

Seemed to have cleared up some scaring but not much...

Cons:

Takes forever to see a difference..

Im seriously not convinced this works.. I had three nlite's done once every month. Now im doing glycolic peels, im on my third peel and i have three more to do and still no difference. Im also using Is Clinical acne products aswell which cost an arm and a leg. I have to go back after i finish the peels for more nlite, apparently It works better with the facial peels we will see. I don't know if this will work but ive seen no improvments yet and im getting really fustrated with it. I feel that it is only a con.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

Completely cleared up my acne scars, and reduced breakouts for about a year.

Cons:

Acne came back.

After trying a variety of topical acne medications, as well as oral antibiotics, I decided to try smoothbeam since my acne kept coming back. I had many scars all over my cheeks due to the type of acne I had (cysts, and nodules). After 5 treatments at 333.00 a session my scars COMPLETELY went away and my breakouts were reduced to maybe one zit around the time of my period. After about a year acne free, and only using topical treatments to try and maintain the results, I decided to stop using the topical treatments. My acne came back and I had to do another 4 sessions of smoothbeam. I went on oral contraceptives which controlled the hormonal cause of acne, and topical treatments to control the bacteria. The acne is under control now, but I still get some breakouts. I am going to try a new treatment called ISOLAZ to see if I can control the breakouts. Bottom line, I would definintely recommend this for acne scars, not so much to control acne breakouts.
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November 4, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

left me with a scar! i went to improve some minor acne scars and was burnt and left with a big hole just above my cheek bone. And I had to pay for it!

Dont get burnt!
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May 18, 2009

Pros:

doesnt hurt, no down time.

Cons:

EXPENSIVE. takes 2-3 months to see full results. have to be patient. takes 3-4 treatments for best results in my opinion.

if you have moderate acne scars definately do it. if you have severe, scaring, probably not worth it. but ive had rediculously amazing results. couldnt be happier. just have to be patient.
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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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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.