Erbium Laser for White Scarring Caused by Co2 Laser Resurfacing?

Can Erbium Laser Be Used for White Scarring Caused by Co2 Laser Resurfacing

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by cosmetic in United Kingdom

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Erbium lasering for whiteness after CO2 laser

No laser restores pigment cells into an area depigmented by aggressive laser resurfacing. However, erbium fractional resurfacing can blunt the transition from the face to the neck, or if the laser was done patchwork (usually mouth and eyes), fractional laser resurfacing around this area tends to blend things in better. It is unwise, for many reasons, to perform aggressive CO2 laser resurfacing ablatively in the face: whiteness, waxiness, atrophic skin, etc. etc.... more

Erbium for white scarring?

If you have hypopigmentation from laser resurfacing using a CO2 laser, an Erbium laser which also performs ablative resurfacing wil not improve the color.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hypopigmentation from aggressive CO2 laser resurfacing

There is a reason why traditional CO2 laser resurfacing is no longer popular due to extended downtime and the risk of hypopigmentation (which is a semi-permanent loss of pigment) in certain treated area. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is now the new standard of care for acne scarring, reversal of sun damage and rejuvenation for fair skin individuals. Further ablative laser treatment such as Erbium laser may not be helpful for treatment-induced hypopigmentation. more

Hypopigmentation, white spots, from carbon dioxide ( CO2) laser and Fraxel ( erbium ) laser treatment

Whether there was a fully ablative or fractional (Fraxel Repair) ablative treatment, some cases of hypopigmentation have been caused by these lasers, delayed as much as one year in onset with the Fraxel Repair. There have been a few reports of laser improvement with repigmentation of the hypopigmentation in surgical scars with the use of Fraxel but more investigation needs to be done. If the hypopigmentation is very bothersome to you, it might be worth a test spot (in the most remote... more

Erbium Laser for White Scarring Caused by Co2 Laser Resurfacing?

No in fact I feel it os contra indicated in this issue of hypopigmentation. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski

Laser treatment of scars

This question cannot be answered generically. It would require a full history of how and when these scars developed. How you have been treating them etc. The brief answer, in general which may or may not apply to your problem is for a hypopigmented scar is that before considering other treatments which may be effective you should give this scar adequate time to mature. Depending on multiple details treatment could vary between none to vascular, nonablative or... more