Lutherville Dermatologists

Do Fraxel Re:pair Results Get Better over Time?

Are the results with the new Fraxel Re:pair progressive as they are with the Re:Store?
I heard that results with the Fraxel are somewhat immediate for acne scars, but they get a lot better as the months go by after treatments. Is this true with the new Re:Pair too? I would only think that being it goes so much deeper that it takes time for the deeper wounds to heal and produces collagen. Is this true?
Thanks.

Yes, in fact after a Fraxel repair treatment session, the collagen remodelling process continues so that further improvement is often seen for about 6 months.   

Mary Sheu, MD

Lutherville Dermatologist

20% Salicylic Peel for Mild Acne?

I have regularly used over the counter (Neutrogena) salicylic acid to treat my acne (my skin is not sensitive at all and I have never had irritation using this daily for my acne in the past). This past winter, I had flare-ups of acne due to stress. They are now mostly gone, and I have some red marks or mild acne scars left (nothing more than superficial ones). Would a 20% Salicylic acid peel would be safe for me to try out?

Salicylic acid 20% or 30% is generally safe for most people and can be very effective in clearing up mild to moderate acne.

They are generally spaced 2 weeks apart, and I usually recommend 3-6 peels initially, depending on the severity of acne.

For the red marks from old acne, I would recommend the pulsed dye laser, which can help them to clear up more quickly. I would recommend seeing a dermatologist who performs peels and laser therapy on a regular basis.

Good luck!

Mary Sheu, MD

Lutherville Dermatologist