Can the Fraxel Dual Laser be the

Laser Acne Scar Removal Treatment for You?

A lot of times when we are looking for laser acne scar removal, the treatment would involve a one size fits all solution where good skin, as well as acne scarred skin, will receive the same laser treatment.

The results could be mixed as often acne scarred skin will require more attention and more focused laser treatment than normal skin, which does not require treatment at all.

Laser Acne Scar Removal

The Fraxel re:store Dual laser (also known as Solta Dual) is one of the latest products from Solta. Miniscule columns of light is targeted at the scar on the skin, sending fiber laser to the epidermis.

The idea is to re-wound the skin that is scarred so that it can heal itself again with new collagen growth. This procedure works particularly well for acne scars and pink skin from acne scarring as it forces the damaged area to re-heal itself naturally with smoother fresher skin.

It does not however, say whether the regrowth of new skin will be monitored to ensure new scarring does not form. So if you are thinking of using this procedure, ask your doctor about the what type of new skin will re-emerge.

However, it seems to be endorsed by some dermatologists:

“Fraxel re:store is one of the most effective treatments available for acne scarring and surgical scars,” states Austin dermatologist Dr. Gregory Nikolaidis, “Fraxel re:store Dual allows patients to achieve CO2-like results with minimal downtime. Both treatment options are state-of-the-art and set the standard for fractional resurfacing.”"

The site goes on to explain:

“FDA approved for acne and surgical scars, the Fraxel re:store Dual combines deep-penetrating Erbrium fiber laser with the more superficial Thulium fiber laser to offer patients more consistent and successful treatment of acne scars. Depending on the patient’s needs or severity of acne scarring, the physician may custom tailor treatment with the deeper penetrating, more superficial or a combination of the two lasers.”

If the acne scars are quite severe, patient may need anything from 3-6 treatments. Many patients report an improvement on their skin’s appearance often after the second treatment. The healing of the intention wounds will continue over a six months period where results will improve.

Depending on how severe the acne scarring is, a series of treatments is recommended, ranging between 3 and 6. However, many patients report seeing improvement of acne scarring after the 2nd treatment. Since the treatments are causing the body to heal the intentional wounds inflicted on the skin, results will continue to improve over the next six months as more collagen is regrown.

“According to the manufacturer, Fraxel re:store Dual is safe for patients of all color and skin types however, it is always important to extensively discuss laser treatments with your physician if you have darker skin due to post treatment complications such as hyperpigmentation.”

If you go onto this website, you will be able to enter your location and find the nearest Fraxel  re:store Dual laser treatment near you. Hopefully this will be what you are looking for in a laser acne scar removal treatment.

Have you wondered about or looked into an acne scar removal treatment and thought “Yes, that would be great”?

Depending on how badly you want it, you start looking at prices, the procedures, before and after pictures – but have you got a checklist to find the best and most professional person for the job?

Acne Scar Removal Treatment - Make Sure It Is Safe

Reading recently about a fake doctor injecting cement, paraffin and tire sealant, to create “better curves” into a woman who wants a more shapely bottom “at a cheap price” just send shivers down my spine.

Worse yet, this ‘patient’ was so embarrassed about what has happened to her that she only told the truth to a medical doctor after her mother took her to a hospital and with much prompting.

In a day and age where every part of our body seems fixable and there are all kinds of places and facilities available to cater to our whims; this story has just reminded us all that finding a reputable and qualified doctor or practitioner is all important.

Especially for our faces.

So in view of this, here is a checklist of eight questions to ask (courtesy of Medicinenet.com)  if you are thinking of doing acne scar removal treatment:

1) What are the doctor’s qualifications and training?

Let’s face it, anyone can claim to be qualified for certain cosmetic procedures but are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or any recognized board in your own country)?  There are special training and exams to be passed before one can perform plastic surgery, has your doctor got the proper qualifications?

2) What are the doctor’s experiences and what are their specialized fields?

Plastic surgery could be anything from laser acne scar removal treatment to breast implant to liposuction which are all very specialized and different. Just because the doctor is qualified does not mean he or she is qualified for the particular procedure you want. So make sure you see the right specialist.

3) Where will the procedure be done?

If a hospital, are you happy with that hospital and are they accredited? If it is done at their own premises, do they have qualified staff and the proper equipment to do the procedure? Is there a plan B if things go wrong?

4) Is the doctor asking you questions?

Questions such as why you want it done and how it will impact your life after the procedure. In some cases, doctors will ask the patient to get a psychological evaluation just to make sure they are not asking for cosmetic surgery for the wrong reasons. They will also give you time to make a decision and will not pressure you into making a hasty one.

5) Have all the details of the procedure been adequately and honestly covered?

Things such as the actual procedure in detail, what is to be expected, the recovery time, potential for something going wrong, what can be expected, any side effects, after care and so on. If you are presented with before and after photos, make sure these results are typical and not just one in a thousand.

6) Is this particular procedure you are looking at good for you?

In other words, are you a good candidate? If you cannot follow certain after care routines for example, then you would not be a good candidate. Make sure you are honest when you discuss your expectations with your doctor.

7) Can you speak with former patients who have had this procedure done?

Better yet, do you know someone who has had it done and recommends it? If not, can you speak with some former patients? All the convincing photos in the world will not convince you more than if a friend or an acquaintance has had a satisfactory experience.

8. Can you afford it?

What are the payment plans (if any) or cost of the procedure plus any after care expenses. Will you need additional funds aside from the actual surgery for things not covered? Remember, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgeries in many incidences so check your financial situation before jumping in.

Remember, it pays to spend a little more time to research, ask around and make inquiries for the best acne scar removal treatment so that you can get the best results for you.

Tretinoin for Acne

Getting acne does not mean you will be scarred for life as a lot of acne heals and disappears by themselves over time. The most you can expect is hyper pigmentation of the skin which fades sooner or later.

When the acne on your skin becomes infected, it penetrates deeper inside the skin ‘s layers and damages the collagen in the dermal layer.

The skin’s tissue gets even further damaged by inflammation increases, and as your skin scrambles to heal the inflammation and repair the damage, scars occur from the healing process.

The severity of the scars is determined in part by the severity of the acne inflammation and by your skins ability to heal.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is also known as Retin-A; a retinoid and the acid form  of vitamin A. Aside from acne, tretinoin is also used for treating other skin damages done by the sun or from aging. It is used topically and can be purchases in gel or cream form.

Using Tretinoin for Acne – Start with a small amount

You need to use tretinoin under medical supervision. As everyone’s skin is different, your reaction to tretinoin will also vary. It is best to start off with a small dosage and gradually increase it over time to give your skin a chance to get used to it.

The best time to use tretinoin is in the evenings just before going to bed. As some people have experienced redness and itching when they first apply it, it is a case of looking worse before looking better.

Don’t expect overnight miracles

This does not mean however that tretinoin will work overnight and you will wake up with fresh unblemished skin, it can take anything up to 12 weeks before visible results are seen, so you need to be patient and persistent.

Make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed by a recommended product from your doctor, and that you apply the right moisturizer to protect your skin.

Tretinoin can be very drying

Tretinoin has quite a dramatic drying effect on some skin so it is best to moisturize properly to avoid too much “dry skin flaking” syndromes.

Then apply the medication as indicated. During the day, be aware that using tretinoin will make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, so you may need to wear a sunblock or a big hat or both.

How Does Tretinoin for Acne Work?

Tretinoin works as a natural exfoliant as well as promoting collagen production, essential to keeping your skin healthy. It also combats bacteria and promotes new cell generation.

It works by gently removing the top layer of your skin so that mild scarring will gradually lessen and disappear, allowing newer skin cell to replace the damaged tissue.

As it concentrates on killing bacteria, you may experience skin irritation, redness, itching and a burning sensation. This is also why a gradual increase in the strength of the product is recommended.

This is a treatment that takes time to be effective. If you do not see results within a week or two don’t despair, keep at it and the desired results will happen. If you are at all unhappy or find that this treatment might not be for you, speak with your doctor or dermatologist.

Remember that tretinoin for acne is not for everyone. Consult your doctor before using this treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions for best results.

Tretinoin for Acne – Products you may like to try :

VITAMIN SERUM 1.7 oz/50ml. (Retinol Retin-a)
Afirm 2x .30% Retinol 1.05oz

Posts for other acne scar treatments:

Hypertrophic keloid scar removal

How to remove acne scars with punch excision

Remove acne scars with dermabrasion

Laser Treatment For Acne

If you have tried over the counter and oral medication aimed at removing acne and acne scars, and the results have failed; you may want to look at the option of laser treatment for acne.

What is laser treatment for acne?

Laser, an acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’, is emerging as a leading treatment option for acne and acne scar removal. Laser beams are applied by a skilled surgeon or doctor to the affected area to help eliminate both acne and the resulting acne scars.

Laser surgery involves the use of laser beams to penetrate into the very core of the acne in order to clear the clogged pore. Its purpose is to destroy the Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the bacterium that causes acne inflammation, and the specific glands secreting excess sebum in the pores. Often, laser surgery for acne removal may require several sessions, as it may need several visits to deal with all the glands and affected areas.

There are two types of laser treatment: ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative laser treatment for acne

Ablative laser resurfacing removes the top layers of skin to make the scarred area smooth and even. Generally, CO2 or Er:YAG lasers are used for this purpose. The heat produced in the process also helps to tighten the inner layers of the skin by stimulating collagen production. It is regarded as an ablative method as it removes the outer layers of the skin whilst at the same time, burns away scar tissue.

Non-Ablative laser treatment for acne

The non-ablative laser treatment is a milder more gentle approach. The process does not remove the epidermis or outer layer of the skin unlike the ablative laser treatment. This method stimulates change within the dermis by heating the collagen with the laser beams. The skin becomes tighter and the scars less obvious. However, application of topical anesthetic cream is required before starting the procedure.

On both occasions the skin will be cleansed and a lotion applied to help alleviate the pain.

Risks

The most common risks associated with laser treatment for acne and acne scar removal are burning, dryness and blotchy appearance of skin due to inconsistent application of laser beams. The cost of laser surgery for acne scar removal can also be quite expensive.

Take care of your insides

Laser treatment for acne and all the lotions and potions will only do half the work if you are not eating right and not making sure you have all the vitamins and minerals to combat acne and acne blemishes. It is a habit of a life time, so take action now!

Kick start acne scar healing

Laser treatment for acne scars can also be considered as a first step in starting your skin healing process. Depending on the severity of your scarring and the advise of your dermatologist, a few sessions of laser surgery could kick start your healing process. It may be expensive but in the long run, laser treatment for acne may be a good starting point.

Remove Acne Scars with Dermabrasion

What is Dermabrasion and what does it do for my skin?

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic technique for completely removing the upper epidermal layer of the skin by in effect, sandpapering or scalping it.

Microdermabrasion is a milder form of the same procedure where only the cells are removed from the skin’s top layer.

It is also referred to as surgical skin planning or dermaplaning. Dermabrasion is usually performed on individuals with more severe forms of acne scarring, as it goes deeper into the skin’s layers to remove skin damaged by acne.

Dermabrasion helps in leveling the surface irregularities of skin and is a procedure popular with people who wish to remove skin wrinkles, hyperpigmentations, small pox scars,  sun spots and even unwanted tattoos.

Viewed often as a skin rejuvenating process, it enhances the appearance of the facial skin, rendering it smooth and blemish free again.

If you have dark skin, it is best to discuss this acne scar removal option with your surgeon as this procedure can leave skin discoloration.

Procedure of Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion can be performed on specific areas of skin or on the entire face depending on your dermatologist or surgeon’s recommendation.

For dermabrasion, a local anesthesia is given and the area is cleansed thoroughly with an antiseptic cleansing agent. Freezing agents such as micro crystals are blown onto the numbed skin and the surgeon will apply a surgical instrument that resembles a wire brush like tool, with rough edges that rotates rapidly on the area.

As a result, the top layers of the skin is peeled or sandpapered away, leaving a blemish free and smoother surface. Skin soothing ointments and a dressing are then applied.

For dermaplaning, a procedure probably more in tune with acne scar removal, the surgeon will use a razor like instrument called a dermatome, which moves backwards and forwards, skimming or scraping off the raised tissue scars until the scar is sufficiently erased to the same level as the skin.

Remember though that this procedure is best performed on skin that do not have any active acne lesions to aggravate infections.

After the Procedure

Many people may experience pain, tingling and burning after the procedure and need to take painkillers, as the skin becomes very red and raw looking.

Under normal circumstances, regrowth of skin takes about 14 days. The new skin will appear red or pink (hence the raw look), but that should fade within 3 months after the skin has re-pigmented. Overall, healing time depends on the size and depth of the skin’s treated area.

Proper skin care is very important whilst the skin is healing. The new skin is more susceptible to infection and to harmful ultra violet rays from the sun. Your surgeon or dermatologist will advise you of a skin care regime that will minimize infection and pain.

This may include specific cleaning methods, changing the dressings regularly, and application of medicated ointment. It is highly recommended also that a high SPF factor sunscreen is applied before exposing the skin to the sun.

Remember also to eat right as a healthy bodywill mean healthy skin.

Side Effects of Dermabrasion

There are possible side effects of dermabrasion, which include a change in skin pigmentation, tissue damage (due to excessive freezing), lasting redness, scarring and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

It is therefore essential to choose a surgeon who has the right qualifications and experience. Should there be any abnormal itching or swelling after the procedure, your surgeon should be consulted immediately.

Although dermabrasion improves the look of skin, in some isolated cases it does not remove the scar completely. It is effective in removing a minor scar or a raised scar (hypertrophic scar), but sunken scars may need a different type of treatment such as collagen injections.

The effectiveness of this technique varies depending upon the age, gender, skin type, skin color, medical history and of course after care of the patient.

As with all decisions on surgical procedures, speak with a qualified profession to decide what is best for you.

Know What Type Of Acne Scar

You Have for Best Acne Treatment

Knowing what type of acne scars you have and getting to know all the best options available on the market, (and there are increasingly more options to choose from), will help you to get rid of acne scars effectively and efficiently.

Some options are more expensive than others such as laser surgery and dermabrasion, but other more natural or less intrusive methods are also available. It is a matter of doing research, and trying different products and methods to find out what works best for you as an individual.

Different Types of Acne Scars:

Macules

Macules aren’t real scars. They are reddish in color and are not raised or pitted. Rather they are the end stage of inflamed acne lesions that have left their mark for a longer period. Macules might last up to 6 months after the lesion has disappeared, but will eventually fade and disappear. 

Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation is another discoloration of skin that healed acne lesions might leave behind. More common in darker-skinned people, these marks may last for up to 18 months, especially if paired with too much sun exposure.

Ice Pick Scars

Ice Pick Scars are acne scars that look sharp, deep pitted and narrow. Imagine the indentation left behind by an ice pick and that is what it looks like. These types of scars are deep, reaching the subcutaneous layer of the skin making them difficult to erase with just skin resurfacing treatments.

Box Car Scars

Box Car Scars are circular indentations that look as if they have been sunk into the skin vertically. Larger and sometimes more obvious, they will also need more advance surgical procedures to remove.

Rolling Scars

Rolling Scars as its name suggests are wave-like raised irregularities on the skin’s surface, due to its tethering of skin to the subcutaneous tissue below. Rolling scars can be a small or can "roll" along the skin in a line.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic Scars are raised scars that reveal themselves with a pinkish or reddish tone. They look tender to the touch and often leave the impression that the skin has been bruised.

As mentioned above there are many available procedures on the market to treat acne and acne scars. Keep in mind though that there are no guarantees, and what works for one person may not work for you.

Talk to your dermatologist. He or she will have all the latest information on hand and together with understanding you and your particular problem, a long term plan for acne scar removal and an acne solution plan can be drawn up to suit you.