Is Fraxel the Only Option for Indented Scars?

Hi Rachel,
Fraxel laser is a very good treatment for acne scars. If you are adverse to Fraxel, since you are in the New York area you are fortunate to have two very good, silled and experienced physicians who use Silicon-1000 to treat the scars you have described, Jay Barnett, MD in NYC, and Eric Joseph, MD in West Orange, NJ.
Silicon-1000 can give amazing results, but it is permanent. Therefore it is essential that you do your homework, and only have a most experienced and skilled physician perform your treatment, as in the wrong hands Silicone can be a diaster.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

There are many options available to treat indented acne scars. Some include the use of fillers like Restylane or Juvederm. Other options include dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. Fraxel is a very good option but so is the erbium laser. Fraxel in my opinion has mixed results in improving acne scarring and if it is significant may not go deep enough and requires multiple treatments. The use of the Obagi skin care system is a painless way that may give you some minor improvement as well. However, if your scarring is not too deep then the Fraxel may be the way to go and it can be done in various settings from deeper to less deep with less discomfort and faster healing.