How Effective is Profractional for Acne Scarring Removal?

Are you considering ProFractional laser treatment for acne scar removal but want to know how effective it really is?

Profractional is increasingly popular for treating acne scarred and age-damaged skin. It’s targeted, doesn’t affect surrounding tissue and is totally non-invasive.

But how does it work and what kind of results can you expect?

How does it work?

ProFractional laser treatment works by targeting specific areas of the skin and creating microscopic tunnels in scarred tissue. The holes trigger natural healing reactions in the skin while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue.

Unlike fractional treatments, ProFractional removes the hot, dead tissue from the minute tunnels, resulting in a faster-healing, much more comfortable procedure.

Why is it good for acne scars?

Though ProFractional is used for a range of skin treatments (from wrinkles to sun-damage) it’s particularly useful for acne scarring because it’s:

* Targeted – it won’t affect surrounding tissue
* Non-invasive – no surgical procedures are involved
* Fast – in most cases the procedure lasts no more than 30 minutes
* Safe – there are very few risks and side-effects are minimal
* Fast recovering – most people will experience only a few days of slight redness
* Painless – no anaesthetic required

What results can I expect?

Results do vary from person to person (and depending on the severity of your acne scarring). However, the majority of users can expect to see significant visual improvements after a few months. This is to allow time for your skin’s natural regeneration to take place, with collagen and elastin healing damaged tissue.

Most people with light scarring report that after this period, not only is the appearance of scars reduced, but their skin looks fresher and brighter.

How many treatments will I need?

Again, the number of treatments you’ll require depends on your skin type and the extent of your scarring. Different people also heal faster or slower than others. However, in general, most people will respond to 2-4 sessions spread out a month apart.

There must be some drawbacks?

As with nearly any procedure, most people will experience some side effects. However, in nearly all cases with ProFractional, these are very mild. Your recovery time and side-effects will also depend on the extent of your scarring and your skin type.

The most common symptoms are slight swelling, a feeling of tightness, or redness. Some people have likened the sensation to mild sunburn. In the majority of cases, these side effects disappear after a few days.

There is a very slight risk of infection after treatment, but this is very rare – particularly if you go to a reputable clinic. Your doctor or specialist can recommend acne skin care lotions and balms that will help soothe your skin.

I have very deep scarring – is ProFractional right for me?

If you have very deep or extensive acne scarring then ProFractional might not be your ideal treatment (although it will likely have some positive affect on your appearance). Consult with your doctor or skin specialist for a more appropriate acne treatment procedure.

Where should I go for ProFractional treatment?

It’s crucially important to go to an experienced clinic that is registered with the appropriate healthcare authorities (in the UK, that’s the Care Quality Commission). While ProFractional laser treatment is very safe in the right hands, it requires skilled clinicians to operate the powerful lasers.