Hi, I'm interested in getting some laser resurfacing done on my face and I'm thinking about going with the Pixel laser. How well does the pixel laser work on acne scarring? What's the recommended amount of times needed? Does Pixel work better than Fraxel repair?
Answer: Probably neither In my opinion, acne scars are a very challenging problem and most patients do poorly with laser treatments. Sometimes, just a visit to a good dermatologist can do more than any laser. The biggest thing that I see when people come in for a laser consult is that they haven't gotten their acne under control. Doing a laser without getting the underlying problem fixed is the worst thing that you can do. Lasers work for a very limited type of acne scarring and usually provide no more than about 20 to 30% improvement at best. Fillers, on the other hand, can provide some real improvement. Make sure you are getting the right thing as 80% plus of patients who come to me for laser for acne scars end up doing something different (and loving it!).
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Answer: Probably neither In my opinion, acne scars are a very challenging problem and most patients do poorly with laser treatments. Sometimes, just a visit to a good dermatologist can do more than any laser. The biggest thing that I see when people come in for a laser consult is that they haven't gotten their acne under control. Doing a laser without getting the underlying problem fixed is the worst thing that you can do. Lasers work for a very limited type of acne scarring and usually provide no more than about 20 to 30% improvement at best. Fillers, on the other hand, can provide some real improvement. Make sure you are getting the right thing as 80% plus of patients who come to me for laser for acne scars end up doing something different (and loving it!).
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Answer: For acne scars it is recommended to do lasers such as resurfx and co2 combined with chemical peels to even out texture and tone Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin. Best, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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Answer: For acne scars it is recommended to do lasers such as resurfx and co2 combined with chemical peels to even out texture and tone Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin. Best, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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April 30, 2014
Answer: Fraxel For Acne Scars Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
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April 30, 2014
Answer: Fraxel For Acne Scars Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
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September 15, 2016
Answer: Fraxel re:pair has been impressive with acne scars Hi scubasteve, I have had very good experience with treating my patients acne scarring with Fraxel re:pair. I have not had any experience with Pixel, but from those who have, I have heard that it is not as effective as the re:pair. Good luck and be well. Dr. P
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September 15, 2016
Answer: Fraxel re:pair has been impressive with acne scars Hi scubasteve, I have had very good experience with treating my patients acne scarring with Fraxel re:pair. I have not had any experience with Pixel, but from those who have, I have heard that it is not as effective as the re:pair. Good luck and be well. Dr. P
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January 28, 2022
Answer: Pixel for acne scarring
Both the CO2 and Pixel lasers are excellent modalities for acne scarring. I suggest seeing a dermatologist for ACTIVE acne but for the scars, see a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since reconstruction of scarring is our specialty and we can offer many modalities. Anyone offering less should not be dealing with the problem.
If the pits are small and do not require excision, I prefer the Erbium (Pixel) laser since I can regulate the depth with precision and minimize surrounding thermal damage. Fillers are another option but beware; you will have to repeat them every 6 months.
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January 28, 2022
Answer: Pixel for acne scarring
Both the CO2 and Pixel lasers are excellent modalities for acne scarring. I suggest seeing a dermatologist for ACTIVE acne but for the scars, see a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since reconstruction of scarring is our specialty and we can offer many modalities. Anyone offering less should not be dealing with the problem.
If the pits are small and do not require excision, I prefer the Erbium (Pixel) laser since I can regulate the depth with precision and minimize surrounding thermal damage. Fillers are another option but beware; you will have to repeat them every 6 months.
Helpful 4 people found this helpful