In treating acne scars, is the timing of Fraxel treatments important??

I am a fair-skinned Asian and I have a mix of deep ice pick acne scars and shallow rolling ones on my cheeks, along with large pores. I am considering having Fraxel done on my cheeks and nose. What is the suggested interval between the treatments? I went to a dermatologist consultation and he told me I will need 3 treatments, but the timing depended on me. I did some research and later on saw that the recommended timing is 4-8 weeks between treatments - is this what you would recommend as well? Is there any disadvantage to spacing the treatments out (for 5-6 months between each one)? Thank you in advance

Most of the research that was done on the Fraxel and acne scars used treatment intervals in that 4-8 weeks range.  But partly that was because it is more convenient for the researchers and the company, who are anxious to get results published.  Imagine how long it would take them to publish results if the intervals were 6 months!   Usually when a product or device is scheduled for ‘launch,’ the company likes to have any studies/research completed to be able to refute detractors.

So to answer your question, we really don’t have much data for longer treatment intervals for laser for acne.  In my opinion though, the reason not to wait too long between intervals is because you won’t see results.  Most people need 3-5 treatments to get a good, noticeable result.  It would take a year and a half, if you wait 6 months in between.  You would be likely to get discourged I would think.  More info on Fraxel.   Hope this helps,   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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