Is it true that improvements can only start to be seen 3-6 months after the last Fraxel/ Fractional C02 session? (photos)

Question

I've had 4 Fraxel and then 2 Fractional c02 sessions so far. The last Fractional c02 session was a month ago. I have noticed no improvements. I have read that improvements will only start to be seen 3-6 months after the last session. How true is this?

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

Thanks for posting your question. To be honest the best photographic results are often seen about 2-3 weeks after the laser. This is because there is still some swelling which helps to "pop" the scars out a bit. In terms of final result - you will know what you got out of the treatment at about 3-4 months. Beyond that you will have little improvement. I would recommend you consider some filler for those scars. Best, Dr. M

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Firstly to answer your question, yes, best results are seen up to 4 months after the laser- this includes NA Fraxel and also ablative CO2 Fraxel Re:Pair. If I can add, the scars that you are treating with laser is not ideal. You should aim for a method to treat the scar type ,not just a laser. In your case subcsion with filler or PRP will give you much better results than "Fraxel for scars'.
Acne scar revision is a sub-specialised field. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments and not just one device. The web reference below will take you to a resource to help you understand acne scar revision at a specialist level. I embedded all the videos in one page to help. 
  
For example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars can be treated with TCA CROSS peels, mixed scars, rolling, and atrophic scars treated with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, PRP and INFINI radiofrequency. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, or with HA dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that we use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision of focal scars. 
  
The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! All the best, 
  
Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.

Is it true that improvements can only start to be seen 3-6 months after the last Fraxel/ Fractional C02 session? (photos)

Answers (2)

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