If you have struggled with acne, you already know the frustration that pimples can cause. But as annoying as pimples are, they often leave behind telltale acne scars that are far worse. Thankfully, laser skin rejuvenation treatments like Fraxel and Vbeam can reduce these scars for you. But is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars form as a consequence of the damage to the skin during the healing of active acne, which leads to the abnormal production of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein that supports the tissues, and is integrally involved in the wound healing process. During healing the skin produces additional collagen to repair the damage done to the dermal layer of the skin. However, the collagen fibers develop unevenly, resulting in the formation of scars.
Acne scars come in various shapes and sizes, and are usually raised or depressed. The acne scars most people encounter are ice pick scars which are small and deep, boxcar scars that are broad and depressed, and rolling scars which have smooth edges and resemble hills and valleys.
Laser therapy for acne scars
Laser skin resurfacing treats scars by breaking up the excess collagen without damaging the skin. Laser therapy is an effective solution for acne scars, because it reverses the textural damage to the skin by remodeling the collagen.
Fraxel laser therapy
The Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser that is routinely used to reverse the signs of aging. It is also used to treat skin issues such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. The Fraxel is also considered one of the most effective solutions for reducing acne scars.
How Fraxel treats acne scars
The laser emits microscopic laser beams that specifically target the scar, so the skin around the scar is not affected in any way. It also stimulates the production of collagen, and this helps to rebuild the skin from within.
Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes, and there is virtually no discomfort. Numbing cream is also applied prior to treatment to make the procedure more comfortable. Many patients say that Fraxel treatment feels similar to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. It generally takes 4-6 Fraxel treatments to achieve the desired reduction in acne scars.
There is generally some redness and swelling after Fraxel treatment, and patients are advised to say out of the sun, as the skin is very sensitive after the procedure.
Vbeam Perfecta
Vbeam Perfecta is an advanced pulsed dye laser that is especially beneficial for removing vascular and pigmented lesions.
The Vbeam Perfecta can be used to treat a range of skin concerns including acne scars, rosacea, leg veins, spider veins, warts, and more.
How Vbeam treats acne scars
The Vbeam is a state-of-the-art laser that delivers pulsed laser energy at a wavelength of 595nm. The gentle pulses pass through the outer and inner layers of the skin. The energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels and closes down the blood vessels that are causing the discoloration or redness. It also triggers collagen production.
The Vbeam works based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, which means it only damages the targeted tissue, and leaves the surrounding tissue unharmed.
Vbeam treatment is not painful but patients may feel a tingling sensation during treatment.
Is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction?
Fraxel and Vbeam are both effective treatments for acne scar reduction, but they work in different ways. In fact, they are sometimes used in combination in order to achieve optimal results.
Fraxel improves the texture of the skin, so it helps to minimize the rough texture of acne scars. However, the advanced Fraxel Dual is a dual wavelength laser that improves skin texture and addresses skin discoloration.
On the other hand, the Vbeam laser is ideal for reducing redness in the skin, and this makes it effective for reducing the redness and discoloration of acne scars. However, it is not as effective for improving skin texture.
Are you interested in laser therapy for acne scars?
If you are in the Orange County area, contact Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA for more information.
Call 949.727.3800 today to schedule a consultation.