Question
Fraxel Repair or Fraxel Restore for Acne Scars?
I have tried the regular Fraxel and the results are good, but I heard of this new invention, Fraxel Repair, where you undergo the treatment once and get amazing results. My main concern is finding out which would be better for acne scars--the regular Fraxel or Fraxel Repair? Thanks.
Answers (3)
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1
October 16, 2008
Preventing future acne is key to preventing acne scars
I have used laser skin tightening with the Candela Gentlelase Laser with great success for acne scar reduction or removal and skin tightening. In other cases I may actually cut very deep scars out and sew together. Other acne scars can be treated very effectively by fat grafting.
The most important factor to to prevent future acne, otherwise the treatments will likely not last. Not all acne resonds the same way. By pulling on the skin we can generally determine if Laser skin tightening could work. If a scar does not budge after being stretched, that scar likely requires excision followed by lasers to heal the area quickly.
2
September 19, 2008
It Depends on the Patient
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Michael A. Persky, MD
Hi Frank,
Fraxel re:store has been used for the past 4 years in the treatment of acne scars. It usually takes anywhere from 4 to 8 treatments separated by 2 to 3 weeks each. The downtime is minimal and the skin remains intact. It is a gentler, less involved treatment that the new Fraxel re:pair. Fraxel re:pair has amazed me with it's affect on acne scarring in a single treatment. I do inform all acne scar patients that they may need between 1 to 3 Fraxel re:pair treatments for the best result.
Yes, the downtime is greater, but the end result is beautiful. To answer your question, Fraxel re:pair is better for acne scarring as long as the patient is aware of what is involved, and is willing to go through the process. For those who do not wish to go through the more aggressive re:pair treatment, Fraxel re:store is an excellent treatment option. Be well and good luck.
Dr. P
3
September 18, 2008
Look at the clinical record
Answer by Virginia Stevens, MD
Many physicians have used the "regular" Fraxel on acne scarred patients with amazing success. There is not a long clinical record to suggest that the Fraxel repair can achieve similar or better results,especially with one single treatment. But, the thing we do know about ablative laser treatments is that they carry real risks of pigment problems after treatment. There have been studies done and published about single treatment Rhytec Portrait successfully treating acne scars. Ask to see photos of treated acne patients at your prospective doctors' office, and ask to speak to actual treated patients, to decide if your doctor has the expertise you seek. This should never offend your doctor.
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Can fraxel repair be used after sculptra? its been 6 months since the injections on my temples and under eye area.