Which laser should I go with? SmartXide2 by Deka or Ultrapulse Total FX by Lumenis? (photos)

Either fractional CO2 equipment well used can get you good results. We use the SmartXide and in your case it would require at least 3 to 5 treatments to get approximately 70 % improvement in your scars. With a personal exam we would possibly consider subcision before the first treatment to get the best results. 

Both excellent lasers - so it comes to the settings. Seriously. Now in your scars IF I had to choose between lasers, my answer would be either laser, but adjunctive treat you with extensive 3 layer cannula subcsion. To add confusion into the picture I would also use a long focal CO2 laser that has low power- CO2 CORE by Syneron Candela to treat the walls of your scars, base to be treated with short focal length UP or SX. 




Acne scar revision comprises of specialised procedures. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments METHODS. Using one device is not optimal. As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one. It is not dependent on the clinic, branch, machine, or laser but by the skill of your dermatologist of plastic surgeon. 


As an example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS. Deep narrow scars respond better to this treatment than even the most expensive lasers. On the flip side, rolling, and atrophic acne scars can improve with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, ProFractional erbium lasers, Infiini –Intensif –Intracel radiofrequency microneedling. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, PRP or dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that I use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision for focal scars. Early and very mild acne scars respond well to eMatrix and non-energy microneedling, as well as vascular lasers. Skin colour changes such as PIH or dark marks respond best to sun protection, creams, and Q switch lasers in the nano and pico pulse durations. 



The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. Additionally tactile examination namely touch will give me an understanding of the amount of subdermal fibrosis, as special equipment is needed for this sub-set of acne scars.  In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! It is never about the device, it is about the specialist behind the equipment that will deliver the best outcomes. 

Global leaders in acne scar revision will always use manual methods to revise scars, and employ lasers and energy devices as instruments to assist. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.