Fraxel Laser Treatment Dangers

I am considering getting Fraxel laser surgery done to reduce the appearance of acne scars. You mentioned that there are a higher chance of side effects with a higher intensity laser beam. Is scarring one of these side effects?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Vincanity30 in Louisiana

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Scarring can occur

Yes. Scarring can occur with either the Fraxel Re:store or Re:pair laser but there is a higher chance with the latter. Scarring may be red thick raised or depressed scars. This is rare but no physician can guarantee that scarring won’t occur with chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing of any kind.

Fraxel Laser (Re:Pair) Scarring

ANY laser can cause scarring. However, in the hands of a physician experienced in laser procedures it is far less likely. I have extensive experience with the Fraxel Laser (Re:Store and Re:Pair) and have always seen improvement in acne scarring with no new resultant scars. I will post photos within the next day or two of examples.

Risk of Scarring with Fraxel Repair for Acne Scars

Hi, With Fraxel Repair, we are using fractionated CO2 laser which has much more dramatic results but there is more downtime. With the energy we use to improve acne scars, there are open areas of healing skin that require meticulous attention to pre and post care including finishing all medications since not following these can lead to infection and thereby scarring. We have not seen any cases of scarring even on the top energy of the machine but we extensively counsel our... more

Risk of scarring is less with Fractionated lasers

Although there is a chance of scarring with any form of laser treatments with Fraxels Restore or CO2 Repair it is less likely to get a scar on the face. I have seen scarring on necks however, so one should be careful with off the face treatment with the Fraxel Repair.

Nissan Pilest, MD

4 reviews

Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel Laser Risk of Scarring When Treating Acne Scars

Hi Vin, Fraxel re:store is less aggressive with almost no chance of scarring with the series of treatments. Fraxel re:pair (fractionated CO2 laser) is more aggressive and treats acne scarring more effectively. There is increased chance of scarring with more aggressive treatments, but it is very rare, especially in acne scar patients. Good luck with your treatments and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Fraxel Laser Treatment and Scarring

The benefit of Fraxel Re:store is its relatively low side effect profile. By leaving the outer layers of the skin less affected, most of the initial reaction is limited to mild-to-moderate redness and swelling for 1-2 days after the treatment. This accounts for the minimal social downtime. After the swelling and redness resolves, fine dandruff like flaking can occur, which may last 1 week. Like other laser devices, burning, scarring, and post-inflammatory... more

Fraxel laser can cause scarring so go to an expert in laser surgery

Scarring is ALWAYS a side effect with ANY laser. That is why it is VERY important to go to a physician who is an expert in laser surgery. Reducung the appearance of acne scars usually takes more than one treatment. We have found that patient’s can expect a 50% improvement with each treatment so that 1 treatment gives you a 50% improvement , 2 treatments give you a 75% improvement, 3 treatments gives you a 87.5% improvement, etc.