What are alternatives to Fractional CO2 Resurfacing with less cost and down time?

CO2 lasers are ablative meaning that they actually remove some tissue. This creates not only the downtime but the significant levels of improvement seen with this device. With that said, a series of less invasive, non-ablative treatments will never result in the same amount of tightening as an ablative laser treatment. There are definite trade-offs between downtime and significant results. To see significant changes will require downtime whether you pursue an ablative laser, aggressive non-ablative laser treatments or medium/ deep depth chemical peels. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Erbium fractional resurfacing has significantly less downtime than CO2.  With downtime ranging from 2-5 days.  Another option that actually can help reverse the signs of skin aging as well as addressing the red and brown in the skin is BBL (Broad Band Light).  After a series of Erbium fractional resurfacing I recommend that my patients maintain with BBL treatments of at least 3 per year.