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POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser REVIEWS

Acne Scarring Improved

ORIGINAL POST

I had a series of six full face fraxel treatments...

agingracefully
WORTH IT$3,600

I had a series of six full face fraxel treatments about a year ago with the Fraxel 1 machine. I had mild (tiny but deep) ice pick scarring from acne on my nose and cheeks. At 46, the additive effect of sun damage (bigger pores, a little pigmentation, and thicker skin) and the existing scarring was really starting to look noticeable, even with makeup. Each session was 6 passes and I would say the last two passes were quite painful - especially in the forehead area. The physician did the first and last treatment. A physician's assistant did the middle four. The recovery time was about 3 days of looking mildly pink and puffy after all of the sessions but the last. (The first day or two after there are still significant traces of blue dye that I was reluctant to scrub off - it was more the smurf look than redness that kept me in.) Each session increased intensity. I went every 3 or 4 weeks depending on my schedule. By the third session I was seeing improvements. On the last session my doctor and I agreed that I was tolerating them well and we really turned up the energy which cause a great deal of swelling and redness and mild oozing which did not resolve for 5 - 6 days. (If each session had been like the last it would have been a nightmare.)

But the results, while not perfection are a very good improvement in the scarring, excellent healthy skin texture, excellent pigmentation (and yes, spf 45 for me every day now) Bonus: my mild crows feet and undereye wrinkles are gone. I also think it was mildly tightening. I am very glad that I did it. It was well worth the money and short term pain. It did feel like a real commitment due to the repetition and down time. I have had strangers walk up to me in the street and ask what I use on my skin. My husband says he thinks it took off about 7-10 years. I am considering treating my neck which is looking crepey, especially next to my porcelain chin and jaw line. My question is whether I would get additional benefit on the lingering scarring or if my scars are as improved as they can be.

agingracefully's provider

Rick Noodleman, MD

Rick Noodleman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

agingracefully rating for Dr. Noodleman:

Overall rating

Replies (2)

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January 10, 2012
What% of improvement would you say your scars got?
January 11, 2012
The little shallow ones - the ones that looked like big pores without a magnifying mirror - are basically gone, so 85-95%? The 5 deeper ones that are undoubtedly little scars maybe 50%? Mostly I dont wear foundation, but when I really want to look perfect, I use a little foundation brush and cover them. With consistent retinoid and suncreen use, the texture and the pigmentation improvements have held up. I remain very happy about my decision although I probably should have gone for the neck, too.