Fraxel has many names

Shawn Allen, MD answers: Fraxel failed to work on my Acne Scars

Hi. I have a question regarding Acne Scars. I have undergone six sessions of Fraxel Refine to minimize or make my scars disappear, which did not happen. The practitioner who did the procedure suggested Fraxel Repair but couldn't assure me that it'll work on my face. I was wondering how good of an improvement can you get out of Fraxel Repair. Will I see a huge difference? Thank you.


Shawn Allen, MD
7 months ago

First beware that Fraxel is a name like Kleenex, they have many Fraxel lasers some good for acne scars some not so good. 

  • For moderate to severe acne scars you need ablative lasers with downtime.
  • Erbium yag lasers that go deep such as sciton profractional can get results almost all acne scars in most skin types. 
  • Fraxel Re:pair is the CO2 version that can also get results though with more downtime than the erbium yag lasers. 
  • If your scarring is mild then you might consider nonablative fraxel or others but remember there is no free lunch and lasers with no downtime may need multiple treatments to achive results of more aggressive lasers
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