Is Profractional laser the best treatment for these acne scars? (Photo)

Question

I am scheduled for three Sciton Profractional Laser Treatments, 4 weeks apart. Is this the best plan of action for my type of scarring, and what kind of results can I reasonably expect?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the profractional laser procedure.  At our office we treat scars with several different approaches: microneedling with platelet rich plasma,PRP or profractional.  From the picture it appears your scar is deep, and would most likely need several profractional treatments.  Profractional and microneedling can provide amazing results, but it is important to keep in mind that you will not have 100% improvement.  It is more realistic to expect 50-70% of an improvement. 
To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Henri P. Gaboriau, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes the Sciton platform (MicroLaser Peel and ProFractional ) is most probably the best treatment for acne scars. Now, some of the scars you have (Ice pick type) may need surgical excision FIRST and then the laser. Personally, I prefer to wait longer between treatments (usually 3 to 4 months and sometimes up to 6 months). Reason is that you are not going to see the full effect of the laser for several months. I usually go quite deep in the dermis with my ProFractional (around 600 to 800 microns) . As far as results are concerned,  everyone has different skin, but usually you should expect about 70% improvement .

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, modulated erbium treatment is a sensible option for depressed and atrophic acne scars. You will require up to 4-5 sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Expect to improve 30-50%. Atrophic and depressed scars can also be treated with filler, and surgical methods such as excision or subcision. Most acne scar patients will require different methods to treat scar types. All the bestDR Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia

Is Profractional laser the best treatment for these acne scars? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Yes, ProFractional can help

Answer: Yes, ProFractional can help

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Everything you need to know about ProFractional Laser

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Is Profractional laser the best treatment for these acne scars? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Yes, ProFractional can help

Answer: Yes, ProFractional can help

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ProFractional Laser

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