Fraxel Laser Treatment Dangers

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.

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.

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

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.

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