Acne scars have defeated most of the modern day treatments including deep chemical peel, lasers, dermabrasion. In my experience, the best answer to depressed acne scars is to plump them with a filler. Many patients have had great success with liquid silicone which is permanent. I know of several dermatologists... more
Facial rejuvenation treatment with long-lasting results?
I'm 27 and I'm considering peels, IPL, Fraxel, and Active FX for the few sun spots and acne scars I'd like to take care of before I get married in a year. Which option is best for long lasting results without being extremely expensive?
2 answers to “Facial rejuvenation treatment with...”
A: Nothing beats a true dermabrasion for acne scarring.
Since you have a year before the wedding then you are getting started at the right time. Sun spots are easy to treat with IPLs, chem peels or lasers but when it comes to acne scars, nothing comes close to the results of a good old fashioned true dermabrasion. It runs about $3500 for the cheeks and... more
Comments
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18 posts
5 Dec 2008
Because of the flexibility of the Active FX, I think it would be the best treatment. The scars can be treated independently from the rejuvenation process using settings appropriate for each issue. One treatment is usually sufficient, however, your physician will evaluate the severity of the scarring as you might need additional treatments to soften or reduce them. I never promise that scarring will be "gone". Even with a fully ablative CO2, the scars are "better", not necessarily eliminated. Your provider will also make recommendations on your daily regimen, as any treatment needs to be maintained with a homecare program designed to strengthen and protect your skin on a long-term basis.
95 posts
5 Dec 2008
To address acne scars and sun spots with a single treatment and expect long lasting results I'd suggest ablative fractional resurfacing. If you have to work with the treatments you're considering, I'd suggest the Fraxel Re:pair (note that there are 2 other types of Fraxel which are non ablative). Treating acne scars and expecting long lasting results are mutually exclusive factors if you are going to do this on the cheap. Not sure what 'too expensive' is but expect to pay $3000-$6000 for full face fractional resurfacing depending on your locale.
92 posts
5 Dec 2008
I would suggest you consider the PEARL laser by Cutera. In addition to one of the fastest recovery of the lasers you mentioned, the Pearl removes the majority of of brown pigment with one treatment. There is normally just 3 or 4 days of sociaI downtime with minimal procedure discomfort. It simultaneously sends heat to the deep dermis providing collagen stimulation and smoothing of the skin over the next few months. We have been getting excellent results with a very high customer satisfaction rate. Cost is $1400-1750 depending on where you live. Good luck.