Can fraxel laser be used on my back and chest for old acne scars?

Question

I am 45 years old and I have pale skin. If I had treatments on my chest, I assume I would need to shave it, and would the laser help reduce the scarring and not effect the hair growing back, For my back, would it be a problem sleeping and resting on my back which could jeopardise the results?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, Fraxel is a good choice for treating acne scars on the back and chest. You should not have to shave your chest and the results should not be affected by your sleeping position.  I hope this helps!

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Fraxel is done at many different settings, and could be done on the back/shoulders for acne scars. Talk with an expert dermatologist about specific concerns you may have, as every person's skin is different.

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

Fraxel® laser can be very effective in smoothing old acne scars on the back, but may take 4-6 treatments, spaced 2-3 months apart. Results vary, based on the appearance and severity of your scars.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

All fractional
lasers can be done off the face, that is one of the true benefits of these
devices, but having said this, they need to be done off-face by a skilled board-certified
dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The fractional lasers should have little
effect on hairs and if you sleep one way or the other. The main thing for you
is to consult with someone skilled in your area, and to have those scars taken
away.

Can fraxel laser be used on my back and chest for old acne scars?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fraxel laser for acne scars on chest and back

Answer: Fraxel laser for acne scars on chest and back

Answer: Fraxel Laser Can Be Done Off the Face

Answer: Fraxel Laser Can Be Done Off the Face

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Can fraxel laser be used on my back and chest for old acne scars?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fraxel laser for acne scars on chest and back

Answer: Fraxel laser for acne scars on chest and back

Answer: Fraxel Laser Can Be Done Off the Face

Answer: Fraxel Laser Can Be Done Off the Face

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.