Fraxel Laser As An Acne Scar Removal Treatment

Your acne might be long gone, but the scars left behind often stick around. If you’ve tried every exfoliant, serum, and chemical peel out there with little success, then know you are not alone. Acne scars often need something more powerful than topical skincare alone.

This is where Fraxel laser comes in. It’s a global-leading laser that works below your skin’s surface to smooth scars, improve skin texture, and fade marks post-acne. But how does Fraxel for acne scars work? Is it safe for all skin types? And what should you expect? I’m going to break it down for you.

How Does Fraxel Improve Acne Scars?

Fraxel is a precision tool for skin repair. Unlike traditional skin resurfacing lasers which remove the top layer of the skin, Fraxel laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the skin; these zones are like tiny, tiny channels that go down below the skin surface. These treatment zones trigger your skins natural healing process so that damaged tissue is replaced with healthy, fresh skin cells.

Fraxel Dual laser uses two specific wavelengths... hence the name, ‘dual’. Think of wavelengths like different depths of ocean waves; some waves skim the surface, whilst deeper waves travel further down into the water. In a similar way, with lasers, shorter wavelengths treat more superficial concerns like some types of hyperpigmentation, whilst longer wavelengths go deeper into the skin to smooth out structural scars and wrinkles.

I know that this is a bit techy, but it’s good to know that different types of acne scars-even those close to each other- may need treating at different depths of the skin, so having the right wavelengths ensures better results.

Fraxel Duel’s two specific wavelengths can effectively treat different types of acne scars:

1927nm: This is the more superficial of the two, ideal for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka those dark marks left behind by spots).

1550nm: This wavelength works deep within your skin to help smooth out atrophic or pitted acne scars by stimulating regeneration and collagen production.

You can isolate the wavelength that you wish to use with Fraxel Dual, so if you only require the more superficial one or vice versa we can do that. Equally, if you require both wavelengths, both can be used alternately during a treatment session.

The Fraxel result? Smoother, softer skin with a more even tone and texture.

Is Fraxel Laser Safe for All Acne Scars?

Fraxel will not harm any of your acne scars. The only type of scars we would not treat with a laser is a true Keloid scar. There are dermatology treatments that use to successfully treat Keloid scars safely.

With Fraxel, the question is more... what are the ideal types of scars for Fraxel treatment?

Fraxel laser is ideal for:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation-those dark marks we mentioned before, left behind after acne.

Atrophic acne scars. These are scars that have an ‘indented’ appearance such as rolling scars, and boxcar scars.

As I said a moment ago, lasers are not best suited for keloid scars. Keloids tend to be raised in appearance and continue growing beyond the original area of trauma. Hypertrophic scars are frequently confused for keloid scars, but they are different, and hypertrophic scars can be treated with laser. Wondering if you have a keloid scar? Learn more here.

If you still have active acne we would usually wait until it is no longer active to treat any scarring that may be left behind. There are lots of acne treatments available both within the NHS as well as privately. The NHS will offer, solely, medication such as antibiotics, hormonal contraception, or a retinoid drug. Private practices, such as our Hertfordshire-based clinic, can offer alternatives such as the Byonik laser or the Pulsed Dye Laser to manage your acne, before moving on to acne scarring treatments if needed and desired.

Is Fraxel Dual Laser Safe for All Skin Tones?

Yes. One of the reasons we love Fraxel so much is that it can safely treat all skin tones.

The Fraxel energy targets water in the skin not melanin (pigment), unlike lasers used for hair removal, for example. This means that it’s not just white skin tones that can be treated safely and effectively with Fraxel laser, all skin tones can be. Your practitioner will be able to tailor the treatment settings to your unique skin tone and goals.

That said, your consultation is always so key for your safety and treatment outcomes, so do ensure that you find a Fraxel clinic that will offer you one.

What to Expect from Fraxel Laser for Acne Scars

Before Booking Treatment

Having a consultation is key. This is the time to match the best treatment(s) to your skin needs and your personal goals, as well as to ensure that the chosen treatments are safe for your skin. Afterall, you need to make sure Fraxel is the right treatment for you.

You can book an acne scarring consultation at our Hertfordshire-based skin clinic here.

Before the Treatment

Your practitioner may guide you to avoid certain skincare products prior to your Fraxel. Some blanket advice is to avoid sun exposure in the lead up to your treatment (safe sun practices are key for beautiful, healthy skin even if you’re not having laser treatment).

A numbing cream is likely to be applied to the treatment area for up to one hour prior to having the laser to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible.

During Fraxel Treatment

‘Does it hurt?’ is the question we probably get asked about most for all the skin treatments we offer. And for good reason, we need to feel prepared don’t we.

We have been treating clients with the Fraxel Dual laser since 2013 and one of our nurses was the UK and European trainer for this treatment, so we have an extraordinary amount of experience (and therefore client feedback) to share with you when it comes to how Fraxel feels!

The consensus is that Fraxel is not painful but isn’t sensation free. The most common feedback is that it feels like warm prickling or scratching across the skin. I have had this treatment myself and I would agree with this feedback. I’d also add that a good local anaesthetic cream makes all the difference-I know- I've had Fraxel with and without.

Of course, everyone has different thresholds but know that your practitioner can work with yours to make you comfortable.

Treatment time: Around 30 minutes when treating the face.

Sensation: Prickly heat moving along the treatment area.

Immediate after-effects: The treated skin will feel warm, like you have sun burn. The area will also appear pink or red immediately afterwards.

After Fraxel Laser

If having this in an area that can’t be covered, such as the face, most clients plan to have the treatment on a day when they can just go home and relax, prior to having a day or two off work and social engagements; a Friday is quite popular for those who have weekends off, for example.

One of our clients kindly shared her recovery diary with us following a Fraxel treatment, which you may find interesting.

Here is a general guide to most people's recovery timeline:

Day 1 to 2/3: Skin looks pink, there is some mild swelling, and the skin feels warm.

Day 2/3 to 7: Skin feels sandpapery and some mild flaking can occur. Please don’t be tempted to pick at this flaking! The stage can be managed really well will a moisturiser and your practitioner will give you specific advice.

Week 2 +: Skin improvements can start to be seen gradually.

Full results gradually develop over approximately 3 to 6 months after your final treatment session as your skin naturally regenerates. It’s not an overnight process but it is effective and worth your patience.

It’s worth mentioning that you will very likely require more than one Fraxel treatment for acne scar removal; your practitioner will offer you guidance on this during your consultation.

Where to Get Fraxel Laser for Acne Scar Removal in Hertfordshire?

As with any skin treatment, it is crucial to find the right provider for your Fraxel treatments. Firstly, check with your chosen provider that what they’re offering is truly the Fraxel treatment; there are people who say that they’re offering this sought-after laser because of its reputation and results but are offering a different type of fractional treatment. Fraxel is a brand name, fractional laser is the type of technology it uses, FYI.