Fast facts

Fraxel Laser


What it is: a fractionated laser treatment designed for resurfacing wrinkled, sun-damaged, scarred and aging skin


What it addresses:

There are three types of Fraxel laser treatments that address a  range of skin problems and skin types. Fraxel Re:fine is a mild, non-ablative aesthetic laser treatment performed in a series for discoloration, age spots, and general improvement to skin tone. Fraxel Re:store is deeper treatment which uses a fractionated erbium laser and provides non-ablative treatment with minimal downtime. Fraxel Re:pair is an ablative fractionated CO2 laser for the most intensive resurfacing and epidermal repair.


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Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

78% Lasik
74% Botox
53% IPL

Question

Fraxel vs Photodynamic Therapy: Which is better for acne/acne scars?

I'm a 38-year-old Mexican female suffering from cystic acne since 2 years ago. I was given cortisone injections, but it left some wide pits. Doxycycline and spironalacton are currently keeping the cysts at bay, but I'm still getting occasional pimples and blackheads. Photodynamic Therapy and Fraxel were recommended to me; which of these will help me get rid of acne and get off the meds?


Asked by: auntylizzy
Torrance, CA

Answers (3)

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
1
November 7, 2008

Different options at different stages

Mary Lupo, MD
Mary Lupo, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist
Answer by Mary Lupo, MD

I use a number of technologies for acne and acne scars. Of the two you asked about, I see Fraxel as best for acne scars because it targets collagen and is best when the active acne is controlled. I see PDT for active acne because it targets the bacteria. Another option is Cooltouch laser which uses laser energy to target both the collagen and the oil gland to improve both acne and scars. It is great for all skin types. Finally, Isolaz uses pnuematic suction to debride the oils and dead skin cells out of the pores, blue light to kill bacteria, and IPL to improve redness. Please speak to an experience board certified dermatologist who uses and understands these technologies for best results. Go to www.drmarylupo.com for more info.

2
November 6, 2008

Try Isolaz

For your active acne, you should try the Aesthera Isolaz. It is a non-invasive, non medication therapy that is great for clearing all types of acne in all skin type individuals. This is newer technology which saves you the danger of tetracycline medications: tetracyclines have been implicated increasing breast cancer in females given the drug for acne.

Since you are Hispanic, I would not recommend photodynamic therapy. For your scarring, Fraxel is fine, and can be done on Hispanic skin with proper preparation. Find a doctor with experience in treating ethnic skin types, and ask to see photos.

3
November 6, 2008

Photodynamic Therapy for Active Acne, Fraxel re:pair for acne scars

Michael A. Persky, MD
Michael A. Persky, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi Aunty,

For active acne photodynamic therapy is best, and it will help with scarring. Fraxel re:pair is better for the treatment of acne scarring. Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

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