Fraxel Laser Treatment for Scars

Laser scar removal offers significant scar reduction with very little recovery time. The purpose is not only to treat the scar itself but to stimulate collagen growth in the underlying tissues, repairing the scar from the inside out.

Fraxel laser treatment is very effective in treating acne scars. By stimulating collagen growth, the depressed scars fill in with natural skin tissue. Mild acne scarring may disappear completely and even severe scarring is greatly minimized. Fraxel laser treatment is also effective when used on other blemishes such as surgical scars. These lasers work on the tissue beneath the scar, not burning off skin surface as some patients think. For this reason, they have very short down times.

Unfortunately, Fraxel laser treatment is not as effective on darker skin types due to the higher concentrations of melanin. Thermage might be a better choice for some of these patients.

Thermage Scar Treatment

Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to trigger the patient's tissues to produce more collagen. As with Fraxel treatment, this is an effective method to combat acne scars as the increased collagen naturally fills in the small facial pits left behind by acne and other skin conditions. Thermage has proven to be effective regardless of skin color, making it an appropriate choice for patients who can't get Fraxel treatments.

Patients undergoing Thermage treatment are likely to see the first improvements to scarring in a few weeks. Ongoing treatment may take six months or longer but should lead to significant reduction in acne scarring. There are only a few, very mild side effects such as skin redness and the procedure has effectively no down time.

Other Scar Treatment Options

Fraxel and Thermage are two popular treatments for scarring but Dr. Hugo can advise you on others as well. Other reduction techniques include topical creams and surgery. Scar treatment is highly dependent on the scar type, underlying skin type, patient history and other factors so proper treatment can be recommended only after Dr. Hugo has had a chance to examine you. You might want to combine scar treatment with other cosmetic procedures to create a facial rejuvenation personalized for your unique skin type.

Dr. Ben Hugo is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the leading practitioners of Thermage and Fraxel laser treatments in Virginia Beach. His long experience with cosmetic treatment ensures that whatever treatment you consult him for, you will be satisfied with the results.