Fraxel Vs Photodynamic Therapy: Which is Better for Acne or Acne Scars?

asked 3 years ago by auntylizzy in Torrance, CA
Latest answer by Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD
Question viewed 5,961 times
Tags: age 35-44, female, acne, acne scars, comparison, cystic acne, ethnic

I'm a 38-year-old Mexican female suffering from cystic acne since 2 years ago. I was given cortisone injections, but it left some wide pits. Doxycycline and spironalacton are currently keeping the cysts at bay, but I'm still getting occasional pimples and blackheads. Photodynamic Therapy and Fraxel were recommended to me; which of these will help me get rid of acne and get off the meds?

7 answers to Fraxel Vs Photodynamic Therapy: Which is Better for Acne or Acne Scars?

You may need additional therapy for the cortisone pits

I agree with everything that has already been written above: photodynamic therapy is good for active acne while the CO2 laser will help more with scars. The areas where you had the cortisone injections may need some type of soft tissue filler to build up the indentations. I like radiesse for such dents. I also like the DeepFX fractionated laser for treating acne scars. Just remember-there is no real cure for acne scars only treatments that improve them. Hope this helps...

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Photodynamic Therapy for Active Acne, Fraxel re:pair for acne scars

Hi Aunty, For active acne photodynamic therapy is best, and it will help with scarring. Fraxel re:pair is better for the treatment of acne scarring. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

PDT and Fraxel for acne and acne scars, respectively.

PDT (photodynamic therapy) is an excellent treatment for active acne that has not responded to standard medical care with creams and antibiotics. Fraxel is a laser treatment that offers significant improvement and smoothening of acne scars. Fraxel is not used to treat active acne.

Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD
Miami Dermatologic Surgeon

PDT vs. Fraxel for Acne and Acne Scars

Photodynamic Therapy (or PDT) is mostly aimed at active inflammatory acne. While the Fraxel is mostly aimed at acne scars. But just to be clear: "Scars" are the indentations left by acne. "Blemishes" are the red marks left by acne. Some patients call all of this "scarring". PDT may help with some of the redness and "blemishes" left by acne, but will do little to address the indented "scars" of... more

Todd Minars, MD
Miami Dermatologist

PDT for acne and Fractional CO2 laser for acne scarring

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be a very useful adjunctive therapy in addition to topical and oral prescription acne medication, under supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. You want to make sure that your acne is relatively quiet prior to acne scar revision. Fractional CO2 laser would be most efficacious but should be done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has performed greater than 50 cases of your skin type who can customize pre-op and post-op skin care... more

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel for scars and PDT for acne

These two devices are both very good for what they do, but they do not do the same things. PDT (photodynamic therapy) kills the bacteria that causes acne. It does this through a rather unique and clever mechanism. Bacteria naturally release a compound called porphyrins. With PDT a chemical is applied to the skin which wends its way down into the follicle where the bacteria are. The porphyrins take up this chemical. Light of a certain wavelength (Blu-light) is attracted to the... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Acne scar and acne treatment options at different stages

I use a number of technologies for acne and acne scars. Of the two you asked about, I see Fraxel as best for acne scars because it targets collagen and is best when the active acne is controlled. I see PDT for active acne because it targets the bacteria. Another option is Cooltouch laser which uses laser energy to target both the collagen and the oil gland to improve both acne and scars. It is great for all skin types. Finally, Isolaz uses pnuematic suction to debride the oils and dead skin... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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