Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars

Unfortunately there is no "miracle" quick fix for acne scars.  Profractional Laser Resurfacing can be a very effective method for minimizing and diminishing acne scars.  This procedure is also safe for most skin types.  It usually requires 5-7 treatments depending on the severity of the scarring and only has 2 - 5 days down time.  The cost is also substantially less than other laser resurfacing such as Co2.Best,Dr. Rodgers

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Laser resurfacing for acne scars can be effective, but acne scars are very difficult to eliminate completely. Often, a combination of treatments works best on acne scars, as each scar might benefit from a different treatment. Flatter scars might respond well to filler injections, while ice pick scars might need excision and closure, or even small punch grafts to fill them in. Often a combination of a series of laser resurfacing treatments and filler injections can be very beneficial.Be sure to see a physician that specializes in cosmetic facial procedures.Best,

Laser resurfacing can be very effective at minimizing the appearance of scars.  However, keep your expectations realistic.  There is no perfect treatment for scars, only treatments that can improve the appearance of your scars.  Since you are not adverse to downtime, you will be able to get significant improvement with each treatment.  Look for lasers that stimulate and remodel collagen in the dermis and deep dermis.  
Please also understand the difference between scars.  Are your acne scars crater-appearing or ice pick in appearance?  Crater scars respond best to resurfacing treatments; ice pick scars do not.  The best option for treating ice-pick scars is to have your largest ice-pick scars excised first.  Then after healing, proceed with a series of laser treatments. The number of treatments will be determined by degree of scarring and how well your body creates collagen.

Resurfacing is effective for acne scars, but one treatment is sometimes not enough.  Be cautious about trying to do too much with one treatment.  Unless you are very light in skin color, your risks will climb rapidly and you will risk skin discoloration, and either loss of color or increase in pigment color, especially if you have an ethnic background.*