Traditional laser resurfacing is one of the most useful techniques in the treatment of acne scarring. We generally use an erbium YAG laser for this procedure, but the CO2 laser is equally as good.

At the UC Irvine Health Dermatology Center, we use two different classes of fractionated devices: fractional ablative and fractional non-ablative.

Ablative lasers

Fractionated ablative devices include the Fraxel Repair, the Sciton ProFractional and Cutera Fractional Pearl. These vaporize the skin in a fractional manner, meaning that they create myriads of tiny, very narrow cylinders of vaporization to a depth of about 1.5 millimeters over the entire face.

Each area of vaporization is surrounded by entirely normal untreated skin. This allows these damaged zones to heal very quickly, and without scarring.

Nonablative lasers

The Fraxel Restore and the Cynosure Affirm non-ablative lasers work similarly, but without vaporization. It is a much gentler treatment and is associated with shorter healing time after treatment.

Performed as a series of five or six treatments about once a month, Fraxel Restore laser treatment helps to smooth acne scars as well as fine-to-moderate wrinkles.

Sunburn-like redness and swelling for a day or two are usually the only after effects of this procedure