Fractional Acne Scar Treatment

F.A.S.T. LASER treatment for acne scar

Fractional Laser treatments for acne scars are

widely known to be the gold standard in scar

reduction. But there’s a new procedure called

Fractional Acne Scar Treatment (F.A.S.T.

procedure), which was developed by Dr. Ishoo

utilizing the most effective fractional laser

technology along with subcision, microneedling

or punch excision for the treatment

of depressed acne scars is an innovative way to

dramatically improve results and decrease

downtime. This fractional acne scar treatment

utilizes fractional CO2, Erbium or Nd:Yag Laser

energy to treat only effected areas of scarring

on the face. Previously, acne scarring was addressed by treating the entire face with medium levels of energy. The F.A.S.T. technique uses much higher energy levels along with release of depressed scars using subcision and deep microneedling of the texture deformity, but does not treat the unscarred areas of the face. This allows for improved results with faster healing. Patients treated with this technique have been thrilled by the results.

How do Fractional CO2 lasers treat acne scars?

Fraxel Re:pair is a fractional CO2 laser which pokes very tiny holes in the skin, leaving healthy skin intact surrounding the treated area. This stimulates the production of new collagen in these areas to fill in the acne scars. Traditional Fractional CO2 resurfacing treats the entire face, while the F.A.S.T. technique treats only the acne scars.

Is there downtime after Fractional CO2 laser treatment using the F.A.S.T. technique?

After F.A.S.T. LASER acne scar removal treatment, patients can expect four to five days of downtime. They may experience crusting, redness and sometimes even weeping, though only the treated areas will be involved. Patients may have small patches of redness on the treated areas for one to two weeks following the treatment, though this is often much more manageable than redness over the whole face that can be seen with traditional fractional CO2 laser treatment.

What types of acne scars are treated with the F.A.S.T. technique?

Isolated atrophic (“pitted”) acne scars respond very

well to the focal acne scar treatment. Approximately

50% to 70% improvement is usually noted during

the first follow up visit. Although no results are

guaranteed, most acne scar treatments require

months to produce the degree of improvement that

the F.A.S.T. technique gives after only 1-2 weeks.

Are there any side effects associated with the F.A.S.T. technique?

Some patients experience mild redness over the treated area after this laser acne scar removal treatment that persists longer than expected. This redness can be effectively treated with one treatment of the Fraxel Dual laser.

What is the cost of the Fractional CO2 F.A.S.T. procedure?

Based of the skin and scar types and severity, the starting cost of treating focal acne scars with the F.A.S.T. laser acne scar treatment is about $2500. For most patients, only one treatment is required to obtain 50% to 70% improvement of acne scars.

Where is the Fractional CO2 F.A.S.T. procedure performed?

The F.A.S.T. technique is performed by our physicians only; all laser acne scar treatments are performed at the Boston Acne Specialists Treatment Center in the greater Boston metro area.