ResurFX for acne scars
Remodel the scar from within · session by session
ResurFX is the non-ablative fractional laser on the Lumenis Stellar M22. It creates microscopic columns of heat beneath the surface to stimulate new collagen, without removing the outer layer of the skin. It improves the texture of acne scars gradually, over several sessions.
Results in acne and scars · identity protected
Photos of patients treated at iki, published with their authorization and with their identity covered. Each case had its own diagnosis and plan; the exact treatment may combine several techniques. Results vary from patient to patient. See all cases.
ResurFX for acne scars is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment on the Lumenis Stellar M22. It creates micro-columns of heat in the dermis that stimulate collagen and remodel the scar without removing the skin’s surface. At iki we usually recommend 3 to 6 sessions, with topical numbing and a return to normal activity in one or two days. Results vary from patient to patient.
- Sessions
- 3–6 · depending on the scar
- Recovery
- 1–2 days · redness and mild swelling
- Numbing
- Topical
- Laser type
- Non-ablative fractional
- First changes
- Gradual · collagen takes months
- Technology
- Stellar M22 · ResurFX
Who it’s for · and who it isn’t
Indicated when
- Atrophic acne scars, rolling or boxcar, of mild to moderate depth
- Uneven texture and enlarged pores after acne
- Acne that is already under control, with no active inflammatory breakouts
- Patients looking for improvement with little downtime
Not the right time if
- Active acne · the breakouts are controlled first
- Very deep ice-pick scars, if the laser would be the only technique · they need a combination
- Current or recent isotretinoin · the physician decides when to start
- Tanned skin, pregnancy or active infections in the area
The physician makes the final indication at the consultation. Results vary from patient to patient.
What a ResurFX session for acne scars looks like at iki
Before the laser comes a question: what type of scar is it, and how much can it improve. We answer it at the consultation, with the plan in writing.
Consultation and classification
We review the type and depth of the scars, your skin type (Fitzpatrick) and acne activity. We set the number of sessions and whether combining with other techniques makes sense.
Topical numbing
A numbing cream is applied to the area and left to work before we start, so the session is comfortable.
Laser passes
The ResurFX handpiece moves across the area with a micro-column pattern adjusted to each zone. You feel heat, which is generally well tolerated.
Cooling and aftercare
The skin is soothed, sunscreen is applied and you receive written aftercare for the following days.
What it offers
Non-ablative
It works beneath the surface without removing the outer layer, which shortens recovery compared with ablative lasers.
Stimulates collagen and elastin
Controlled heat triggers repair in the dermis, which keeps remodeling for weeks after each session.
Improves texture and tone
Beyond the scars, it usually improves pores, fine lines and the overall evenness of the skin.
Precision by zone
Density and energy are adjusted for each area, so different scars can be treated in the same session.
Technology with an indication
Stellar M22 · ResurFX
ResurFX is the non-ablative fractional laser module on the Lumenis Stellar M22, with a 1565 nm wavelength that acts on water in the dermis. Its scanner distributes micro-columns of heat in programmable patterns and densities, without damaging the surface. We chose it because it stimulates collagen with short recoveries and allows fine control of the energy in each area.
Results and aftercare
New collagen takes time to form, so improvement builds session by session and keeps progressing in the months that follow. Shallow rolling and boxcar scars usually respond better than ice-pick scars. The goal is to reduce the depth and shadow of the scar, not to erase it completely.
Aftercare after the session
- Daily sunscreen, reapplied during the day
- Avoid direct sun, saunas, pools and intense exercise for the first 48 hours
- A repairing moisturizer and a gentle cleanser · no acids or retinoids until your physician says so
- Don’t scratch or exfoliate the area
- Light makeup only once the skin is no longer irritated
Results vary from patient to patient.
Pairs well with
Acne and scarsChemical peel for acne scars
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Anti-aging and skin laxityRF microneedling
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Acne and scarsFiltered IPL for acne
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See treatmentFrequently asked questions
Does the ResurFX laser hurt?
It is a minimally invasive treatment and generally well tolerated. You feel heat during the laser passes. To keep the session comfortable, topical numbing is applied before we start, and the physician adjusts the energy to each area. Afterward, the feeling of heat fades within a few hours.
How many ResurFX sessions do I need for acne scars?
Between 3 and 6 sessions are usually recommended. The number depends on the type of scar, its depth and how your skin responds. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart to give collagen time to work. At the consultation you receive a written plan with the estimate for your case.
How much recovery does it need?
Recovery is usually quick: most patients return to their normal activities in one or two days. Redness, mild swelling and a temporary rough texture in the treated area are normal. Sunscreen and the written aftercare are part of the treatment.
Does ResurFX erase acne scars?
It doesn’t erase them. It softens them gradually by stimulating new collagen in the dermis. Improvement is usually more visible on rolling and boxcar scars than on deep ice-pick scars, which sometimes need complementary techniques. At iki we tell you at the consultation what improvement is realistic.
Can ResurFX be done on darker skin?
As a non-ablative laser, it can be used across a wide range of skin types, but darker skin carries a risk of post-inflammatory dark spots. That’s why the physician adjusts density and energy, may prescribe skin prep beforehand and requires strict sun protection. Tanned skin is treated once it returns to its baseline tone.
How is ResurFX different from a peel for scars?
A peel works from the surface and helps with surface texture and dark spots. ResurFX works in the dermis without removing the outer layer and reaches deeper on raised or indented scars. They aren’t mutually exclusive: many plans alternate them to treat texture and tone at the same time.
How long does a session take?
It depends on the size of the area and the number of passes. Add the time the topical numbing needs to work before we start, so it’s best to leave a generous window in your schedule. At the consultation we confirm the estimated length for your case.
Can I have it if I have active acne or take isotretinoin?
If acne is active, it is controlled first: treating scars while new ones are forming isn’t efficient. With current or recent isotretinoin, the skin heals differently and the physician decides when it’s safe to start. Tell us at the consultation about every medication you take.
Is ResurFX for acne scars right for you? · we’ll see at the consultation
Forty-five minutes with a physician, a skin analysis and a written, phased plan with complete prices. You decide afterwards, with no pressure. Living abroad? Start with a virtual consultation.