Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser
Fractional Laser for Acne Scars – Before & After
A patient advice sheet — 9 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The advice
- Fractional laser creates microscopic treatment columns that trigger collagen remodelling, gradually lifting the scars — the ablative type (CO2) gives stronger results with longer downtime than non-ablative.
- Before: avoid sun and tanning for 2–4 weeks, stop retinoids and exfoliants for a week, and tell us about any cold-sore history (a preventive antiviral is prescribed) and any medicines you take.
- For our darker skin (types IV–VI): a lightening cream may be prescribed before and after sessions to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation — use it exactly as prescribed.
- After: sunburn-like redness and heat, with swelling peaking on days 2–3 (especially around the eyes) — cool compresses, and sleep with your head elevated the first two nights.
- Days 2–7: the skin turns bronzed with a sandpaper feel and fine micro-crusts flake off on their own — never rub or peel them; picking causes scars and pigmentation.
- Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser and moisturize frequently with a plain moisturizer; no make-up until flaking completes and skin is healed, and no actives (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) for 1–2 weeks.
- Strict SPF 50+ for 4–6 weeks with no direct sun — post-inflammatory pigmentation is the main risk in our skin and can appear late, at 3–4 weeks; tell us immediately if it does.
- Avoid sauna, sweaty exercise and pools for 48–72 hours, and complete any prescribed antiviral or antibiotic course.
- Results build with collagen over 3–6 months: usually 3–5 sessions (non-ablative) or 1–3 (ablative) at 4–8 week intervals — improvement is gradual and realistic: scars improve clearly but never vanish 100%.
See also the full treatment page: Acne scar treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.
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