Does it Work? a Miraculous Acne Scar-Erasing Laser

As if the emotional toll that cystic acne exerts on its sufferers isn't enough, scars left in its wake can serve as a daily reminder of days one would rather soon forget.

This type of acne, which is characterized by painfully tender and large fluid-filled bumps that take weeks to months to heal and flatten, can leave behind pitted indents in the skin that last a lifetime.

And while dermatologic technology has soared with all kinds of possibilities over the past couple of decades, indented scarring remains one of the most stubborn and difficult conditions to treat.

PHOTO UPLOAD: See Yourself With Perfect Skin

I had tried a laundry list of options for what dermatologists termed my mild case of acne scarring. It sure didn't feel so "mild" when I applied layers of makeup in front of my magnifying mirror every morning in an attempt to spackle complexion potholes.

(Certainly I knew there are those struggling with more severe scarring cases, and I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to contend with; I'm sharing my experience in the hope that you, too, can benefit.)

There was "needling" to break up scar tissue in the hopes of triggering collagen creation, which left me looking like a car accident victim for a week; a plethora of promisingly named lasers like the Matrix; silicone droplet injections; chemical peels; and aggressive at-home skincare regimens.

I was hopeful and excited before trying each one, imagining the radiant and pillow-soft skin that could perhaps be mine after all. Yet little to no change occurred after any, unless you counted my wallet-which was rapidly whittling down like a Jennifer Hudson Weight Watchers commercial.

But when it comes to beauty, I'm not one to throw in the moisturizer. I next decided to give Fraxel a try, after hearing about it from numerous dermatologists I had interviewed for stories.

QUIZ: Are Your Losing Your Youthful Beauty?

There are two types of Fraxel lasers: the Repair and the Restore, the latter of which has been most recently updated to the Restore Dual to confuse you even more.

Fraxel Repair is more aggressive and requires at least a week of downtime. It's still a tremendous improvement over the invasive lasers of yesterday, like the Erbium and CO2 that burned through skin and required weeks of healing time that really only aging Hollywood actresses and trophy wives could afford in both time and price.

Over my skin, Dr. Downie repeatedly passes the laser head, which I can hear crackle as it snaps like a rubber band against my skin. It's uncomfortable enough for white knuckles, but the thought of smoother skin somehow makes it more bearable. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to do the entire face, and Dr. Downie instinctively pauses at just the right times to give me a breather during the treatment. She is also plenty chatty to help keep me distracted.

Even though the scars I want to target are on my cheeks, we do the entire face while we're at it. Fraxel rejuvenates the top layer of skin, so it will also improve texture, fine lines and pigmentation issues while we're also treating acne scars-so why not?

I'm sent home with instructions to use a healing cream twice a day for two weeks, to avoid sun exposure on my face, and to practice vigilant sunscreen use. Dr. Downie also prescribes a four percent lightening hydroquinone lotion (MyBody Sledgehammer, available only through physician's offices) for all her Fraxel patients to preempt any possible pigmentation reaction the laser may stimulate. I use the product twice a day as directed for a week, and experience no adverse shadowing through six sessions even though I have a higher risk complexion color.

After care experiences can vary depending on the strength of treatment received and your skin type. Immediately, my skin feels very hot. The burning is alleviated when I hold an ice pack provided by the office to my skin. After about an hour, the sensation stops, and my skin appears just slightly swollen the rest of the day. Easy enough, I think.

The next morning, I awaken to the lovely vision of lots of tiny whiteheads clustered on my chin and lower cheeks. I learn that this can be a common side effect of the laser that for some reason is rarely mentioned anywhere. As long as you don't touch, it completely resolves in about a day. It's harmless, but makes me want to hide out at home like a Jackson.

MORE: Why We Use Euphemisms For Uncomfortable Topics

Days two and three, the top layer of my skin becomes scaly and darkens and feels itchy, and then breaks into flakes. Attempting makeup on top of it would be very challenging at this stage. Fortunately, the little bits shed rapidly and easily as I gently cleanse my face in the shower. As I look into the bathroom mirror, the fresh, bright and glowing skin that emerges before my eyes gives me instant amnesia to the previous three days.

After session one, I feel softer skin but see no perceptible change in scarring. Three sessions later, the cashier at my grocery store tells me over cartons of strawberries on sale that I have such beautiful skin. I'm dumbfounded, because I don't have a stitch of makeup on.

Fast forward to sessions four and five, and I'm noticing that not only are my scars visibly improving, but that fine lines and discoloration are disappearing and the size of my pores actually look smaller. My pores have a long history of behaving in no such way.

Session six, and I now have to tilt my head, lean in closely and use a finger to point out what remains of the scarring for someone else to see. The collagen building that is stimulated will continue on for weeks after the treatment.

Yet I have to be honest with one very real aspect of treating acne scarring that I've since found many other Fraxel patients concur on. Once you experience solid improvement, it's likely you'll start to pine for nothing less than completely smooth skin.

MORE: Why You Should Never Pop Your Pimples

Laser treatments still can't promise perfection, and it's important to come to terms with that or else face disappointment. And even though I know this is the case, I'm still planning a couple more sessions to see what more results I can eek out. (See?)

Fraxel is not cheap. Depending on the depth, area of country and the doctor, a single full face treatment can run anywhere from about $800 to $2000. Packages of sessions may be discounted, and treating a smaller area for less money may also be possible. Keep in mind that accompanying healing lotions are usually not covered by insurance since they're considered cosmetic. During your consultation (and you should always have a consultation), ask your dermatologist what related costs you should expect to get a true sense of your bottom line.

Also make sure that you are actually getting Fraxel by confirming that the machine in the doctor's office is labeled as such. It's unfortunately become a common practice to use the word Fraxel almost like "Kleenex" to describe any type of rejuvenating laser. "No other laser can reach deep enough to treat acne scarring with anywhere near the same kind of results," says Dr. Downie.

MORE: The Cure for Acne Might Lie in Your Yogurt

And finally, the million-dollar question: Is the high cost and all the fuss warranted?

Now that I'm about six months out of my sixth treatment, I can tell you this: I'm thrilled to pieces with the progress. I would easily do it all again if given the choice-the laser, the downtime and hiding beneath a pink Yankees cap while clutching a bottle of Lancôme Bienfait UV SPF 50+.

Finally, something that works! The quality of life dividends I've reaped have already been well worth it, and more.

- by Grace Gold