Would nonablative fractionated laser be the best treatment for me? (Photo)

Question

I have fine lines, large pores, acne scarring, and sun damage. I am female, 31, light skin tone. I am most concerned about a line above my lip and a vertical sleep line near my eye. Would laser treatment be the best option to treat these concerns? If so, which laser type? I was considering Fraxel re:store.

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Supriya Tomar, MD · Answer

Fraxel laser would be an excellent option for all of the conditions you mention, and based on your photos you would be a candidate. Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, and the cold ablative UltraClear laser will all reduce your lines, pore size, and acne scars. The reason we mention ultraclear despite it being ablative is because it's excellent at reducing scars, and addressing the other issues along with it. The downtime for all of these lasers is approximately one week (or less if you get a lighter treatment). 
For the line under your eyes, you may see results with a chemical peel as well, but it would require a consultation to be sure. You are an excellent candidate for any of these treatments though, and you will see a reduction in all of your mentioned concerns with the right treatment plan. Hope this helps!

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

I have been doing laser treatments for many years and have treated thousands of patients.  One of my favorite treatments is Fraxel Restore because results are great (in the right candidate) and there is  manageable downtime (swelling, redness for about 4 days).  It is perfect for light skin, photodamage and acne scars as well as brown spots and fine lines.  It may take more than one treatment to acheive your desired result for scars and severe sun damage.

Would nonablative fractionated laser be the best treatment for me? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Love Fraxel for sun damaged light skin.

Answer: Love Fraxel for sun damaged light skin.

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Would nonablative fractionated laser be the best treatment for me? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Love Fraxel for sun damaged light skin.

Answer: Love Fraxel for sun damaged light skin.

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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.