Acne, a common skin condition affecting a whopping 80% of individuals aged between 11 to 30 years, often leaves behind scars that are a source of discomfort for many. A variety of treatments like peels, microneedling, fillers, and microsurgery have been used with varying degrees of success. However, one of the latest and potentially effective solutions is the Fraxel laser treatment.
Understanding Fraxel Laser Treatment
Fraxel is a proprietary skin-resurfacing tool that employs fractional laser technology to treat acne scars. The device inflicts micro-injuries to the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process and stimulating new cell and collagen production. Besides acne scars, Fraxel laser treatment also addresses pigmentation issues and enhances skin tone. Owing to its minimally invasive nature, it is a preferred choice for skin repair and rejuvenation. Importantly, Fraxel laser treatment has the FDA’s approval for treating acne scars.
Fraxel Laser Variants
There are three types of Fraxel laser treatments:
Fraxel Repair
Fraxel Repair, or Fraxel Re:pair, is the most potent version, employing an ablative laser to vaporize skin columns, which are then replaced with healthy cells. It is effective for acne scars, sun damage, and deep wrinkles. After treatment, patients may experience redness, swelling, and crusting for about a week.
Fraxel Restore
Fraxel Restore or Re:store uses a non-ablative laser to stimulate collagen production. It is not effective for deep acne scars but can address slight scarring, pigmentation, and moderate texture issues. Post-treatment, patients may experience a few days of swelling and redness.
Fraxel Dual
Fraxel Dual combines the features of Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Restore, using two different wavelengths for treating superficial scarring and deeper scars. Post-treatment recovery time typically lasts about three days but can extend up to a week in some cases.
Number of Treatments Needed
Acne scars cannot be removed quickly. Depending on the severity of the scars, patients might require between three to eight Fraxel laser sessions, with a gap of 4 to 6 weeks between each treatment. Each session lasts between 15 to 45 minutes.
Longevity of Results
The results from Fraxel laser treatments are long-lasting but not permanent, with effects lasting for several years depending on the depth and severity of the initial scars. Fractional CO2 laser could be a potential alternative for deep and long-established scars.
Preparing for a Fraxel Laser Treatment
Preparation for a Fraxel treatment involves stopping all other skin and acne treatments several weeks before the procedure. On the day of the treatment, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and eat a healthy meal two hours prior.
Side Effects of Fraxel Laser Treatment
Side effects from Fraxel laser treatment are typically minimal, including swelling, redness, and crusting. If you opt for the more aggressive Fraxel Repair, bleeding and oozing may occur.
Conclusion: Is Fraxel Laser Effective for Acne Scars?
Fraxel laser treatment leverages the body’s self-healing ability to replace damaged cells with healthy ones. Studies indicate that it’s an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne scars. If you’re struggling with acne scars, consider Fraxel laser treatment. Its efficiency and minimal side effects can significantly improve your skin’s appearance.
