Treating acne scars with fractional laser
Treating acne scars with fractional laser
Pits and depressions after acne can remain visible, even when the inflammation has long since disappeared. With the Lumenis ResurFX fractional laser I treat suitable acne scars through the recovery and to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin.
The goal is a more even skin texture, where the depth and gradually reduce the visibility of the scars. ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser with a wavelength of 1565 nm. The top one The skin layer is not completely removed in this process.
Not every acne scar is suitable for laser treatment. Therefore, I look at the shape and depth of the beforehand. scars, the skin type and whether there is still active acne is present.
The price depends on the size of the treatment area. You can choose from XS, S, M, and L. In the accordion regarding treatment sizes, you will find examples with photos, so you get an impression of the surface associated with each variant.
For which acne scars is ResurFX suitable?
ResurFX is primarily used for atrophic acne scars. These are scars where during the recovery too little skin tissue has formed. They lie lower than the surrounding skin and are visible such as dimples or an irregular skin texture.
Not every pothole is the same. Boxcar scars have distinct edges, rolling scars often cause wider, undulating floors and ice-pick scars are actually narrow and deep.
Some superficial or moderately deep scars may be suitable for fractional laser treatment. Very deep or attached scars sometimes require for another or additional technique.
I also treat raised scars and keloids. not in the same way as atrophic acne scars.
During the assessment, I therefore look at the complete scar pattern before I advise whether ResurFX is a suitable treatment.
Read more about ice-pick, boxcar, rolling and raised acne scars →
How does the ResurFX fractional laser work?
ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser with a wavelength of 1565 nm. Non-ablative means that the upper layer of skin is not completely removed.
The laser energy is applied fractionally into the skin. emitted. This creates microscopic small treatment zones with untreated skin in between.
In these zones, a controlled recovery response occurs. set in motion. During that recovery, processes are stimulated those involved in the formation and reorganization of collagen.
The goal is that the skin structure in the weeks and becomes gradually more even months after the treatment and that the transition between the scar and the surrounding skin is less noticeable.
The ResurFX handpiece uses Lumenis CoolScan technology and contact cooling. The settings are adjusted to the skin, the treatment area and the scar pattern.
How does a ResurFX treatment proceed?
I assess the skin beforehand and determine which area is going to be treated. In doing so, I look at the shape and depth of the scars, the skin type and the presence of active inflammation.
The skin is cleansed and prepared before The fractional laser is used.
During the treatment, I move the ResurFX handpiece. systematically over the treatment area. The laser emits the energy releases fractionally in the skin, while Contact cooling helps to cool the skin.
The treatment may feel warm and tingling. The intensity varies per person and is partly depending on the settings used and the treatment area.
Afterwards, I assess the skin reaction and receive your personal aftercare advice.
How many treatments do I need and when? Do I see results?
Acne scars change gradually. Collagen remodeling takes time. The final The result is therefore not immediately after the treatment visible.
Usually, multiple treatments are needed to a clear improvement in skin texture to strive for.
How many treatments are useful depends of the type and depth of the scars, the skin reaction and the desired result.
The skin is given time between treatments. to recover. Assess during the process I the progress and whether a next treatment still has sufficient added value.
The goal is improvement of depth and visibility of the scars, not letting it completely disappearance of it. Completely smooth skin I cannot promise.
What is the recovery time and what aftercare is needed?
After a ResurFX treatment, the skin may be red, be warm and slightly swollen. The skin may also feel temporarily drier or rougher.
The intensity and duration of this reaction vary. per person and are related to, among other things, the used settings and the size of the treatment area.
Take into account visible skin reactions in the days after the treatment. How much recovery time I will discuss exactly what you need in advance.
That is especially important when you shortly after the treatment an important appointment, have planned an event or vacation.
In the first period after the treatment, It is important to care for the skin gently. and protects well against UV.
When you can use make-up again, can exercise intensively or active skin products You can resume depends on the skin reaction. You will receive personal aftercare advice for this.
The visible skin reaction usually disappears. sooner than the effect on the scars is visible becomes. The latter develops gradually during the recovery process.
When is ResurFX not suitable?
Fractional laser treatment is not suitable for everyone moment or suitable for all skin types. Active infections, open wounds or an active cold sore in the treatment area, for example, are reasons to postpone the treatment.
Also pregnancy, certain medication, active skin conditions, recent strong sun exposure and a history of abnormal scar formation can have an influence on the choice of treatment.
In the case of clear active inflammatory acne my first attention is usually not on the scars, but when getting the under control inflammation. After all, new inflammation can cause scars again.
Depending on the type of acne, the treatment plan may therefore first consist of targeted skincare, cleansing, peelings or with suitable inflammatory acne IPL with the Lumenis M22 .
In case of severe acne or rapid scarring assessment by the general practitioner or dermatologist be necessary
Therefore, I will discuss your medication beforehand, skin reactions, sun exposure and relevant medical details.
ResurFX, microneedling or TCA: What is the difference?
Microneedling, TCA, and ResurFX are all possible. is used for acne scars, but they do not work in the same way.
Microneedling I mainly use when I the visible texture of the skin wants to improve. With fine needles are controlled microchannels were created, after which The natural recovery process is stimulated.
ResurFX I mainly use it when I have a stronger effect on the underlying skin structure and wants collagen remodeling to work. The fractional For this purpose, the laser applies controlled thermal apply to treatment zones in the skin.
TCA It works differently again. Hereby is a controlled with trichloroacetic acid chemical reaction triggered. Depending on the scarring can TCA over a larger area or just be applied locally.
This is not a strict separation between the techniques. Which treatment I choose depends on the type scar, the depth, the skin type and the overall skin appearance.
Sometimes a combination or a treatment is different steps more logical than one technique.
Read the decision aid: which treatment suits you for scars and spots after acne? →
Mostly red or brown spots? Read more about residual spots after acne →
Can I camouflage acne scars and residual spots?
In addition to pits and depressions, red or brown spots can also appear after acne. residual spots remain visible. A laser treatment such as ResurFX focuses on improving skin structure. Do you especially want to temporarily make color differences less visible, then it can medical camouflage therapy could be an additional possibility.
Camouflage does not change the skin structure: deep ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars are not filled in with it. Also, camouflage No treatment for the underlying redness or pigmentation. Which products are suitable depends on your skin and any recent treatments. Use camouflage after a ResurFX treatment. only when the skin has recovered sufficiently and according to the personal Aftercare advice.
Read how skin camouflage works for redness, pigmentation spots, and scars →
Which treatment size and price should I choose?
The size of the treatment area does not depend depends not only on the number of scars, but especially of how they are spread over your skin.
Below you see four examples. The dotted lines give an impression of the treatment surface. The photos are illustrative; during the during the meeting, we determine which area suits suits your skin
XS — maximum 5 × 5 cm
A small group of scars
For example, a few dimples on your chin, temple or a small part of one cheek. The scars are close together. and form one limited treatment area.
S — maximum 10 × 10 cm
A part of one cheek
Suitable for multiple scars within a somewhat larger, continuous lie in an area, for example on a part of the cheek.
M — maximum 14 × 14 cm
A larger part of the face
For example, when the scars over almost an entire cheek be spread and a larger treatment surface is required.
L — maximum 17 × 17 cm
An extensive treatment area
For example, when scars extend across the cheek, towards the temple or jawline and a larger contiguous area treated must be.
Unsure about the right size? During the free introductory meeting, I will assess the distribution of the scars and determine together we determine which treatment surface is needed. The current prices are listed at the product variants.
Scientific substantiation
Non-ablative fractional lasers are investigated for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. The studies differ among other in used equipment, settings, number of treatments and the types of scars those are being investigated.
The results from research are therefore not directly translatable to a Guaranteed individual treatment result. The assessment of the scar pattern and Skin type remains important.
Literature
Treating acne scars with ResurFX in The Hague
Do you have pits or an uneven skin texture after acne? left over? During an introductory meeting, I look at the shape and depth of the scars and I assess which treatment is appropriate for this.
Sometimes ResurFX is a suitable choice. In other cases can microneedling, TCA or a combination of treatments are more interesting. If there are still if active acne is present, we also discuss or whether that needs to be treated first.
Not available
Personal guidance disclaimer
A Fair Use Policy applies to personal guidance, including video calling, whereby medicademis reserves the right to limit the number of contact moments at its own discretion in the event of excessive demand for support (i.e., a structurally higher number of contact requests than the average for our other clients), and to communicate this unilaterally before proceeding to do so. Naturally, this reservation does not apply should complications unexpectedly arise after the treatment.