Is Mixto Fractional CO2 Laser Effective for Acne Scars?

Fractional CO2 laser such as Mixto, Total Fx, Fraxel Repair delivers CO2 laser energy via pixelated fashion where effective resurfacing and collagen remodeling can take place with typically one week of downtime. However, moderate to severe acne scarring may benefit from punch excision of ice-pick scarring ahead of time and multiple treatments may be necessary 4-6 months apart for severe acne scarring or for ethnic skin where the energy and penetration of the laser cannot be too aggressive to minimize post-treatment pigmentation.

Mixtor Fractional Laser and Other Treatments for Deep Acne Scars

As severe acne scars, isolated or generalized, involve a deep scar process that extends to the deep dermis and sometimes even deeper it would be unusual to see dramatic differences after a single Fractional CO2 laser treatment. Realistic expectations are important and one should expect improvment but not total correction with each treatment. In my own experience I have not found a significant difference in results between a Fractional CO2 treatment and the Obagi Blue Peel. Dermabrasion and Ablative lasers including confluent CO2 lasers are more helpful but have the significant increased risk of permanent hypopigmentation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It takes several months to see the full effects of collagen remodelling. Severe isolated acne scars can be improved at times with surgical undermining or even excision by a plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.