Remove acne scars with dermabrasion or laser?

I went to a Plastic Surgeon to inquire about having Dermabrasion for acne scars. The surgery was all set for March. After a month, the docter's office called me back saying that the Fractional Laser Treatment would be better. I've been doing a little research and it seems that with the laser treatment you have to go back after one treatment and pay more money. I can't afford this. Please tell me which treatment works better for the least money and the best results.

3 answers to “Remove acne scars with dermabrasion...”

A: Consider waiting another year

Ronald Shelton, MD

Dermabrasion or carbon dioxide laser can improve scars from acne substantially in one treatment but there will still be scars. It does depend on what type of scars you have. Ice pick narrow scars that are deep respond differently than craterform shallow scars and deep and wide box car scars. The new Fraxel... more

A: Fractional lasers best for acne scars

Robert M. Jensen, MD

Dermabrasion was once the Gold standard for treating acne scars.  It does work, but it has been supplanted by better treatments.  The major drawback with dermabrasion is that it can leave the treated area with hypopigmentation or permanent lightening of the skin. CO2 laser skin resurfacing was the... more

A: I think Dermabrasion is best, but both can help

Lane Smith, MD

Unfortunately I have to disagree with Ms. Howard. Perhaps she is confusing micro-dermabrasion with surgical dermabrasion. Micro-dermabrasion is done by aestheticans and nurses etc, and it's a very mild form of dermabrasion. The deep of sanding goes only to the epitheilum and does not penentrate into the dermis... more

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