smoothbeam vs fraxel

bec415 · 01-14-2006, 09:19 PM

i'm thinking about getting laser treatment for acne scarring i have. my scarring is mostly red, very noticeable and it's all over my face. theres quite a difference in cost between the smoothbeam laser and fraxel, does anyone know which one would be the most effective or for more severe cases?

mandypurdue · 01-17-2006, 06:37 AM

Hello, I am getting lasered on Monday but you know, I have no idea what type it is! It's whatever my dermatologist decided would be best. I'll let you know how it goes. He did say that most people get 2-3 treatments before they are satisfied. It is costing me $125 for each one. There are two lasers they can do for $200 but he reccommended just this one plus a glycolic acid peel.

bec415 · 01-17-2006, 10:29 PM

please do let me know how it goes! fraxel is VERY expensive, about $1,000 per treatment. but i'd very interested in what type of laser you're getting and also what type of scarring do you have?

mandypurdue · 01-17-2006, 10:47 PM

I have both the red hyperpigmentation (which actually isn't scarring but I don't want to wait years for it to fade away) and also a few pock marks from some of the horrible cystic acne that I have had. He said that this should help both. I am really hopeful! He also gave me some bleaching cream for the hyperpigmentation (Lustra Ultra) and said that I may not even want the laser after I use that for a few weeks but I told him I still want it for the pock marks. I'll let you know how it goes!

mandypurdue · 01-25-2006, 06:57 AM

Hi I just wanted to let you know I had only the smoothbeam done this time. He also has another one (forget the name) but he said it would help more with age spots and wrinkles and if I want to do it after I get the acne scarring to where I am happy we will do the other. I only care about the acne scarring so I am not getting the other one probably. I also had a beta peel done which I HIGHLY recommend getting if you get laser done. It shows immediate results on hyperpigmentation, pores, and fine lines. I really liked the peel. The smooth beam takes about 2-3 sessions to really see results so I go back in three weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

Here is a paragraph about the other laser that I did not get, not sure if it is the same one you are talking about or not, but like I said, I got the smooth beam one. This one is the same price as the smooth beam at the place I go to.

Dermatology, Inc. is now offering the newest generation of intense pulsed light lasers, the Ellipse I2PL Laser System. The Ellipse I2PL Laser is the first in a new series of intense pulsed light lasers designed to rejuvenate the skin and make your skin look younger. Treatments are designed to remove unwanted age spots and mottled pigmentation as well as reduce facial redness and blood vessels. Overall skin texture is also improved for a more youthful appearance. We offer a wide variety of other laser procedures including hair and tattoo removal, acne and acne scarring, spider vein treatment, and photodynamic therapy.

bec415 · 01-26-2006, 12:06 AM

so you've had two peels and two laser treatments so far, is that right? what results are you seeing at this point from the red scarring and cystic acne.

mandypurdue · 01-26-2006, 06:41 AM

No sorry I only had one of each done so far. I go back in 2 and a half weeks to get my second one done. It definately made my marks fade but at the same time I definitely want to go back for a couple more sessions. The beta peel made my whole face feel great. It shrinks your pores and just freshens everything along with fading your marks somewhat. I think I'll go back for peels even after I am done with the laser. They are supposed to help control acne too.