CO2 Laser for Large Amount of Acne Scars?

asked 2 years ago by caelyn23 in Columbia, South Carolina
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 2,874 times
Tags: acne scars

I am 18 years old and considering having CO2 Laser resurfacing treatment. About two years ago, I was prescribed Zoloft by a doctor, and I started to break out in areas I never thought acne would never show, as I have very light acne problems. I became scared and stressed that I began scratching at them off so now I have scars all over my body. I am not able to wear shorts or bathing suits or enjoy showing my skin. I want them gone. Is CO2 Laser resurfacing right for me? And how much would it cost to get at least my legs done?

6 answers to CO2 Laser for Large Amount of Acne Scars?

CO2 laser treatment for acne scarring

CO2 laser treatment for acne scarring is very effective for the face. However, it has limited utility for the rest of the body. The problem with treating the extremities is that they lack what is called pilosebaceous units (sweat glands) and will not heal well after they are treated with the CO2 laser. The face on the other hand and occasionally parts of the neck respond very well and the CO2 laser has become the treatment of choice for moderate to severe scarring of the face. Other... more

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Non-ablative fractional laser is best for acne scars

CO2 laser resurfacing can help very superficial acne scars but most are deep. Improvement in deep acne scars requires deep treatment to produce new collagen to plump the scars. The best laser for deep treatment of scars is the non-ablative fractional Erbium laser-treatments do not require the same down time as the CO2.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Ablative lasers for acne scarring

Acne scarring can be tackled by using many different modalities. CO2 lasers, erbium lasers, or fractional lasers can be used to soften acne scars. Other lasers that tighten skin or treat the deep collagen can help improve acne scarring as well. As for areas off of the face, I would not use these ablative lasers. There many be other forms of scar revision that could be beneficial.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Fraxel or CO2 Fractional lasers will help

They have shown some very nice results with acne scarring on the back with the Fraxel Restore. Any Fractional laser can also be used on other body parts than the face. I would seek out a physician who has experience with treating acne scarring with the Fraxel equipment.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

CO2 laser for leg scars

The real questions is, are you trying to treat a contour deformity or color mismatch? The other problem is for me to make a suggestion I would need to see your concerns. In general, standard CO2 resurfacing for legs is not normally done. It can be but it is techniques sensitive. Erbium wavelength may be a better option and a micro-ablative delivery pathway is even safer. If it's a color mismatch,the photorejuvenation maybe a safer pathway. Good Luck!

Michael Kulick, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Co2 laser resurfacing is not generally performed on legs

Laser resurfacing is generally reserved for the face and rarely if ever performed on the legs. There are greater risks of scarring due to diminished blood supply as well as difficulties in wound care.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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