Why do fractional lasers leave pinhole scars in skin? Is it the machine or the person treating?

Question

Why does this happen I've been scarred and it's been almost 2 years Scince I was treated with no improvement. Seen numerous dermatologists a plastic surgeon numerous docs no one has been able to help what will correct it. laser had been suggested but never again will I have laser. What went wrong?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without photos this would be difficult to comment on. However fractional means that a series of ultrafine pulses "pinhole" areas surrounded by normal skin is treated so this may explain the pattern you see.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional lasers leave "pinhole" laser wounds as opposed to removing all of the skin. Sometimes this can result in persistent grid marks after the treatment. In most cases, these can be improved with either additional light laser resurfacing or Micropen treatments or dermabrasion if severe. I hope that you are able to find someone experienced in improving this condition. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

A safe option to improve this problem is micorneedling .There is no downtime and it can improve the scars. It can repeated a few weeks apart.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Grids and patterns after fractional laser treatments are uncommon, however they can be improved. The patterns are due to the size of the laser beam and also depends on how your skin heals. Erbrium ProFractional laser for example leaves a bigger grid pattern- column diameter than Fraxel 1927. As to how to improve things- my suggestion is that you see a Board Certified Plastic or Dermatologist. Lighter resurfacing procedure can be considered, as can fully ablative laser resurfacing. All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia

Why do fractional lasers leave pinhole scars in skin? Is it the machine or the person treating?

Answers (4)

Answer: Grids due to spot size and how your skin reacts

Answer: Grids due to spot size and how your skin reacts

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Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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

Why do fractional lasers leave pinhole scars in skin? Is it the machine or the person treating?

Answers (4)

Answer: Grids due to spot size and how your skin reacts

Answer: Grids due to spot size and how your skin reacts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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