Confused About Laser Resurfacing Treatments After Disappointment with CO2

September 11, 2008
Asked By:desperateinthebay in Bay Area California

I am Mexican and Filipino, but the Mexican side is questionable, as I may have French roots because I'm very fair and have had freckles as a child through adulthood. When I had hyperpigmentation/melasma and fine lines under my eyes I went to get a CO2 treatment. The results were less than satisfying; I ended up having more lines on my lower lids plus hypopigmentation on the area, as well as above my upper lip. I have consulted various doctors, and I am overwhelmed with their suggested treatments: Fraxel Restore, fraxel Re:Pair, Plasma, and Cool touch, can't remember the rest. Is there anything that can help me get rid of the fine lines without causing more undesirable effects like the ones from my CO2 experience, which made me wary of laser treatments. I was told that I would have smooth skin--but I didn't. It would be two years in December since my treatment (2006) and I am still red/brown on the lower side of my lips. Thank you for any help.

Answers (10)

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MOST RECENT
June 29, 2011

Answer: Laser Resurfacing

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist
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MOST RECENT
June 29, 2011

Answer: Laser Resurfacing

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist
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November 19, 2010

Answer: CO2 laser requires expert hands.

Susan Van Dyke, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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November 19, 2010

Answer: CO2 laser requires expert hands.

Susan Van Dyke, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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July 29, 2010

Answer: The CO2 laser is the most agressive of laser resurfacing techniques.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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July 29, 2010

Answer: The CO2 laser is the most agressive of laser resurfacing techniques.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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February 11, 2010

Answer: Non-ablative fractional Erbium laser resurfacing best for persistent pigmentation

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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February 11, 2010

Answer: Non-ablative fractional Erbium laser resurfacing best for persistent pigmentation

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Answer: Laser choice is not simple

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