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IPL or Active FX For Mild Acne Scars, Fine Lines and Enlarged Pores? (photo)

asked 3 months ago by hice
Latest answer by Anifat Balogun, MD
Question viewed 371 times
Tags: acne scars, comparison, fine lines, large pores

I am 33 light skin, oily, mild acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores. I went to an office yesterday in regards to Laser. Didn't see a doctor, but a consultant (red flag?), and she recommended IPL. Really am interested in Active FX as reviews of IPL bad effects are scary. Thought, suggestions?

5 answers to IPL or Active FX For Mild Acne Scars, Fine Lines and Enlarged Pores? (photo)

+2

Laser for acne

This is a great question and one that is frequently asked. There are many different types of lasers out there... so they can get quite confusing. Simply put, if you are trying to change the skin texture or tone, then a fractionated ablative laser (like the CO2 laser.. Active/DeepFX) is the laser of choice. Active FX refers to how lightly the laser is applied to the skin. The deeper the resurfacing, the better the result but with more downtime and side effects.... more
Henry Daniel Sandel IV, MD

Annapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Options for acne scars

IPL is not effetive for acne scarring. Usually ablative lasers can help with that. I use a Thermascan laser for the enalrged pores and it helps active acne as well. I consider erbium laser resurfacing for acne scarring as well as LaViv to improve the deep pits.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Fractional lasers and devices for acne scarring

The current best treatment for acne scars is some sort of fractional device. the choices are fractional erbium (like sciton profractional), fractional carbon dioxide (like active fx), fractional ysgg or fractional radiofrequency (like ematrix). they all can get excellent results - the most important variable is the experience of the person doing the procedure. IPL's are great for pigment but not the best for acne scars.
Jason Pozner, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.spsboca.com

+1

ActiveFX is the better option

Of the 2 modalities you mentioned, ActiveFX, superficial, ablative, fractional CO2 resurfacing is the better option for best results in improving mild acne scars, fine lines and improving texture to help with pore reduction. The UltraPulse Fractional CO2 Laser used for ActiveFX, DeepFX and TotalFX treatments provides versatile, customizable resurfacing treatment for a range of skin conditions, including those you wish to improve. I would recommend that you consult... more
Anifat Balogun, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fraxel not IPL for lines, pores and acne scars

The IPL will not effectively improve acne scars or fine lines. It treats well, the brown sun spots and redness of blood vessels, but Fraxel Restore is much better in treating the acne scars. Depending on where the fine lines are located, such as the ones not related to muscle contraction (crows feet), if they are on the mid cheek, Fraxel can help those lines significantly. I can't comment on the success of Fraxel vs. Active FX, as I don't have personal experience with Active FX , but... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

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