Q: When I was younger I had serious acne, which caused acne scars on my face. What can I do to improve my acne scars?

A: We recommend two lasers to our acne scarring patients. The first option is the Fraxel Restore laser. The Fraxel Restore treats the acne scars by stimulating new collagen production. Optimum results are generally achieved by a series of 4 or 5 treatment sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. There is no downtime following the laser procedures and patients can resume all of their normal activities immediately after leaving the office. After completing a series of treatments with the Fraxel Restore laser, patients can reliably expect their acne scarring to be significantly improved and their skin to be much smoother.

The second laser that we recommend for acne scarring is called the Fraxel Repair laser. This laser also improves acne scarring by stimulating new collagen production. The Fraxel Repair laser has the advantage that it improves the acne scarring in only one treatment session. Because the Fraxel Repair laser is more intense than the Fraxel Restore, there is approximately five days of downtime after a Fraxel Repair laser treatment during which time the skin heals.

The Fraxel Restore and the Fraxel Repair lasers give similar improvement in acne scarring. Patients can choose which of the two lasers they prefer based on what suits their lifestyles better. The improvement in acne scarring that occurs after treatment with either of the two Fraxel lasers should last for years.

Our office has been performing Fraxel laser skin resurfacing since 2004, when the Fraxel laser was first introduced. As a result, we have extensive experience with Fraxel laser skin treatment. Dr. Anterasian has performed nearly 2000 Fraxel laser procedures with consistently excellent results. We personally welcome all patients to our office who wish to improve their acne scarring. Today, no one should have to live with acne scars.