Which option is better to treat acne scarring: IPL or Fraxel on pigmented skin? (Photo)

Question

I have an olive complexion and would like to treat my acne scars and broken capillaries. The texture of my skin is also an issue. I've gone to two dermatologist, one says Fraxel is better and the other says Fraxel shouldn't be done on patients with pigment in their skin and recommends IPL. I have been on Minocycline and Tazorac for over a year and my acne is under control. I'm ready to treat the scarring, but would like to make sure I'm choosing the correct treatment for my skin.

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I find that a combiatnion approach is best with lasers, fillers, microneedling, subcision etc.  Please see an expert for a formal consultation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fraxel and eMatrix are great options for acne scar treatment but eMatrix is advantageous because it is great for pigmented skin.Dr Karamanoukian

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Fraxel is fine for olive skin, however, Infini is my choice for acne scarring. It is even safer for your skin type. IPL is not a good choice for acne scarring. "Broken capillaries" or telangiectasias, should be treated with the VBeam, IPL, or Excel V laser. See link.

Sejal Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Between fraxel and IPL, Fraxel is the way to go.  Fraxel is colorblind and safe in all skin types.  When treating scars, there are a number of treatments available and often people require a combination of treatments.  I do use Fraxel in most of my patients, but often combine it with PRP and/or subcision.Good Luck!Dr. Shah

Which option is better to treat acne scarring: IPL or Fraxel on pigmented skin? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Acne scarring treatment

Answer: Acne scarring treatment

Answer: Fraxel or IPL for acne scarring

Answer: Fraxel or IPL for acne scarring

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.

Which option is better to treat acne scarring: IPL or Fraxel on pigmented skin? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Acne scarring treatment

Answer: Acne scarring treatment

Answer: Fraxel or IPL for acne scarring

Answer: Fraxel or IPL for acne scarring

Browse related questions

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.