What's the Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing? Doctor Answers, Tips

+7

Fractional laser is NOT the best.

I risk the disagreement of many of my colleagues who have and use fractional lasers in their practices, but I would be able to submit evidence that this is indeed a correct statement. First, I will state that there is nothing WRONG with fractional lasers or resurfacing--they do make nice changes in the skin and are generally appreciated by patients who have these procedures. BUT. . .laser surgeons who charge a lot, and promise even more, can risk the wrath of patients who feel their... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+5

Best Laser for skin resurfacing

The best laser for skin resurfacing varies depending on the skin type and the condition of the skin. You should consider a practice that can offer a choice of lasers or that can combine different modalities to produce optimal results. For laser resurfacing we get good results from the sciton laser.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

+5

CO2 lasers are the gold standard!!

In our practice we are very happy with the Active FX fractional CO2 laser. It provides our patients with most of the benefits of the CO2 laser without the downsides. However, no laser will be as successful at obtaining the fabulous results of a well done CO2 laser. But then again, those patients suffered from long recovery periods and very obvious hypopigmentation ("bleaching") problems. When you are deciding on what laser to use, you have to ask yourself 3 questions: What level... more

Manish H. Shah, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

+5

For skin resurfacing there are two main types of lasers,...

For skin resurfacing there are two main types of lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. CO2 skin resurfacing is the most aggressive and produces the most dramatic results but also requires longer healing times. Erbium resurfacing is gentler and produces good results with quicker recovery. There are lasers, such as the Derma K laser, which combine the advantages of both CO2 and erbium into one laser.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

+4

Combined Fractional Erbium Laser Resurfacing is a Very Effective Technique

The BEST Laser Resurfacing technique is the one done by the best, experienced, most knowledgeable doctor. It is NOT the Laser but the doctor who is using the laser that is most important for the best result. An excellent laser physician can achieve excellent results with any of the popular lasers whether flat beam or fractional-so choose your doctor very carefully-this is your most important decision. After 17 years of doing Laser Skin Resurfacing I am currently using a Combined Non... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

+4

CO2 laser skin resurfacing

Because surgery alone cannot correct the tone and texture of your skin, a laser resurfacing procedure to reduce the signs of aging skin allowing it to assume a more rejuvenated, refreshed appearance is often recommended. Laser skin resurfacing is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. This process gently removes skin imperfections and dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles, while using the most advanced technology available and providing safe and effective treatment to the skin.... more

Jennifer S. Landy MD
Tampa Ophthalmologist

+3

The Best Laser For Skin Resurfacing

Many lasers are available for skin rejuvenation. The ideal laser treatment for you would depend on your concerns, your skin color and the amount of downtime and recovery you are willing to experience. In my Raleigh, North Carolina Plastic Surgery Practice I use the following modalities for skin rejuvenation: IPL, second generation intense pulsed light . This device can safely remove irregular pigmentation, dark spots and red splotchy skin from the face neck chest hands or... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

+3

Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing

I would agree that there is no "best" laser for all problems and all patients... The laser I would recommend would really depend to a large extent on your skin type, skin history, and your goals for improvement. For wrinkles, brown spots, and acne scarring, my favorite tool is the Mixto SX laser because by combining the benefits of the Carbon Dioxide modality with modern, Micro-fractional technology, I believe it offers "the best of both worlds", if you will. You can... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

+3

There is no 'Best' laser for skin resurfacing

Skin resurfacing implies that you want to have the outer most layers removed to expose the immature layers of the skin. The older outer skin is removed and the immature skin grows and heals the skin leaving fresher looking younger skin. No single company has the best laser. The types of lasers that will resurface the skin are the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Erbium lasers. These are lasers that can precisely control the depth of skin removal. They will work the best. The more aggressive you are... more

Michael J. Brown, MD
Leesburg Plastic Surgeon

+3

I've read through all the answers on this page and they...

I've read through all the answers on this page and they are excellent. In the interests of saving time, let's go through the bullet points: The right laser depends on what you are treating (redness, brown spots, wrinkles, laxity, etc.) The laser should be used by a physician with adequate training, experience, and credentials Sometimes laser is not the best option, therefore it is important to see a physician who has different options and can offer you the one that is right for you.... more

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

+3

Fraxel Re:pair for laser skin resurfacing

Fraxel Re:pair is at the cutting edge of the future of facial plastic surgery. It is the best and latest laser available for skin resurfacing. It combines the gold standard carbon dioxide laser with the new fractionated laser technology. It is not only delivered to the skin in a fractionated manner (like pixel dots making up a picture), but the physician can use the control dials to use a "fraction" of the laser energy depending upon the individual patients need. Make sure to... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

+3

Fraxel re:pair Laser - Fractional CO2 ablative laser resurfacing

For best wrinkle and tightening results, ablative laser resurfacing is needed. Ablative means to remove or vaporize tissue. There are now a few lasers that do fractional CO2 resurfacing - the Fraxel re:pair, Lasering Mixto, and the Deep Fx. Of these, the Fraxel re:pair has more density ability - up to 70% of skin resurfaced vs 25% for the Mixto and 30% for the Deep Fx. The Fraxel re:pair can also go deeper - 1.6mm, vs 0.7mm for the Mixto, and 1mm for the Deep Fx. Deeper and more density,... more

Steven F. Weiner, MD
Pensacola Facial Plastic Surgeon

+3

For more aggressive rejuvenation, more focus is now...

For more aggressive rejuvenation, more focus is now being directed to the myriad of laser treatments now available which can essentially dial in depth of penetration and very closely define downtime while still providing dramatic results. An example of this is the new fractioned lasers which can essentially treat facial aging using a grid pattern which leaves normal skin in-between treated areas. The result is less downtime and much faster healing. One of the lasers that is showing a... more

Gregory A. Buford, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

+2

Best Laser for skin resurfacing

Microfractional CO2 Lasers are the "Best" lasers for resurfacing the skin.They are they acknowledged Gold standard for skin resurfacing which tightens,smooths and reduces pigmemt. The Carbon Dioxide wavelength of 10,600 nanometers provides deep heat to tighten existing collagen. However, An Erbium laser can be used first in the same procedure to "sand down" the ridges of deep scars or deep wrinkles around the mouth. This Microfractional Plus treatment combined with a... more

Michael Tomcik, MD
San Ramon Dermatologist

+2

Laser Resurfacing Needs to be Individualized

What is the best laser? That depends on what type of skin you have, what the condition of your skin is, what you expect from the results, how much money you are willing to spend, how much healing you are willing to undertake, and how much risk you are willing to accept. To jump ahead and just assume you have significant age and skin related damage to your skin, you are Caucasian, and money/healing are not big issues, then hands down the best results will be had by a deep laser resurfacing.... more

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

Fractional CO2 Laser New Gold Standard for Scar Revision and Rejuvenation

Not all laser resurfacing are created equal in terms of efficacy and time to achieve recovery. While traditional ablative CO2 laser had been the gold standard for scar revision and rejuvenation, it requires general anesthesia and can take up to 2 months for the healing process to complete. Fractional CO2 laser has the best combination of efficacy and relatively short time to recovery, about 6-7 days. Fraxel laser can be helpful for pigmentation, but may require numerous treatments for... more

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrWilliamTing.com

+2

Determining the best lasers for resurfacing

The best lasers for resurfacing are ones that the physician has experience using and that has the power to penetrate to a depth required for the resurfacing desired. So, when you are trying to improve the surface of the skin and provide a nice tone and texture, a Fraxel resurfacing may be appropriate. For patients with deep sun damage and wrinkles a CO2 laser will do a better job. I used the Lumenis laser for CO2 resurfacing and the Fraxel for non ablative resurfacing. There are some big... more

Kenneth Beer, MD
Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

+2

I Prefer the Active Fx (Carbon Dioxide Laser)

The laser that your dermatologist is using is likely very different than the Med Spa laser. Typically, only a physician will perform intense facial resurfacing. At a med spa, typically nurses perform the treatment, which limits the power of the treatment that can be used. My favorite laser for facial resurfacing, after having tested them all, is the Active Fx. It has the power to deliver real, visible results after one treatment. The downside is that it usually takes 4-7 days to recover... more

Ilya Reyter, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist

+2

Fraxel re:pair carbon dioxide laser

Many laser types have been used over the last few decades. The Fraxel re:pair CO2 laser has been a big leap forward in our ability to provide amazing results with minimal downtime and greatly reduced chance of complications. This laser provides a microscopic facelift with zones of uninjuried tissue to allow for rapid healing. Most patients can be back to work in 4 days and already look much improved.

Daniel P. Slaughter, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

Conservative Co2 laser resurfacing

We have had the best, longest lasting results with the least depigmentation, scarring and hyperpigmentation with the CO2 laser. While it is possible to perform this treatment under local anesthesia with nerve blocks, most of our patients opt for IV sedation with an anesthesiologist for greater comfort.

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

+2

"Best Laser?"

This question is like "What is the best hair style?". The answer is "It depends". The gold standard laser for skin resurfacing used to be the CO2 laser. But because of its aggressiveness, long healing period, and eventual hypo-pigmentation, it is not very mainstream any more. Erbium resurfacing is more gentler and with repeated treatments, you can achieve similar results. At the same time, the old and time tested chemical peels are excellent less expensive way to... more

Kun Kim, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

Skin resurfacing options

There may not be a best device. It may be that one physician obtains better results using a particular device while another physician prefers a different device because, in their hands, they are able to produce better results with the latter. In the past, deep chemical peels were performed using phenol and other chemicals. Tightening was seen commonly, but the skin developed a significant lightening of coloration permanently and there is some risk to the heart’s rhythm when this... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

+1

Best laser for skin resurfacing

This is a great question. Carbon dioxide source (CO2) lasers have always been highly effective to resurface facial wrinkles, remove pigmentation and clear sun damage. Issues in the past related to cost, recovery time, and complications. The older methods all used what is called ablative approaches- essentially the entire skin surface was painted with the laser. This achieved incredible results that lasted a lifetime, but required 3 weeks or more for healing. Newer... more

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

"Best" laser for skin resurfacing

There is no single "best" laser for skin resurfacing, in my opinion. Lasers are simply a tool that a doctor uses to treat a patient. More important than which laser is being offered, is the experience and expertise of the person doing the treatment. we live in an ange where everyone looks for the latest and greatest procedure/laser, while good physicians know that it takes 5-7 years to determine if new is better than the tried and true.

Lawrence Kass, MD
Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.kassmd.com

+1

What is the best laser?

"What is the best laser for skin resurfacing" is a very good question. The easy answer is: there is no one best laser. Each patient needs a thorough evaluation and then a discussion will take place between you and your doctor regarding your goals and which, if any procedures are appropriate to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes I can perform what I think is the best procedure, and sometimes I do not have those technologies and feel the patient would... more

Yoash R. Enzer, MD
Providence Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.doctorenzer.com

+1

The “Best “ laser is the right laser in the right hands

The “Best “ laser is the right laser in the right hands. There are many good lasers, some easier to get good results with, and a few poor ones, but most are very good. You want to see a Board Certified Dermatologist or a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience in lasers so all of your options can be presented, and you have surgical options as well as laser options. Sometimes, a combination of laser and surgery will give you the optimal result. more

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD
San Francisco Dermatologic Surgeon

www.elitemdspa.com

+1

Fraxel re:pair is what we use in Columbus, Ohio

I think Dr. Tholen has given an excellent overview of some of the different lasers that exist and the history and evolution of facial resurfacing lasers. In my practice I use the Fraxel re:pair which is a fractionated CO2 laser. I do think that fractionated CO2 lasers do have less downtime than "regular" C02 lasers (5 days is less than 2 weeks) and I do believe that not all fractionated CO2 lasers are the same. The Fraxel re:pair produces good results in a... more

Jason Brett Lichten, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

+1

Not all lasers are the same

Lasers are light emitting devices that use different wavelengths in different strengths to treat different targets/different conditions. For example, we use lasers in the skin to treat either, blood vessels, brown spots, wrinkles, sun damage, hair or tatoos (to name a few). When physicians use lasers, we are able to use the technology as a tool to treat specific problems, and are able to be as aggressive as needed to attain the desired outcome. This is not the case with... more

Purvisha Patel, MD
Germantown Dermatologist

+1

Seeing excellent results with Fractionated CO2

The fractionated CO2 laser is a very exciting technology that may prove to be the best technology that we have at our disposal. It combines the vigorous CO2 laser wavelength, but has been recently engineered to lessen downtime and eliminate side effects with the fractionated ultrapulse delivery. We are very encouraged by it's ability to improve skin texture, tone, fine wrinkles, and even some scarring.

Stephen P. Smith, Jr., MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

There is no best Laser Skin Resurfacing

Each laser skin resurfacing type is different and treats different skin types and different problems. Wrinkle resurfacing lasers include CO2, Erbium, and Fractional Lasers. For patients with lighter skin, CO2 laser resurfacing gives the best results. For darker color skin erbium laser is safer as there is less of a risk of color changes in the skin than with CO2, but the safest treatment for darker skin types is fractional laser resurfacing. The downside to fractional laser resurfacing... more

Andrew Jacono, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Best Laser is Dtermined by the Physician

As you can tell, the answers you receive will vary with who you ask. Obviously, every Facial Plastic Surgeon, General Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist will have a bias toward the device they own. You won't necessarily get a lot of bad answers, because there are a lot of quality laser manufacturers out there. I personally use the Lutronic eCO2 fractionated CO2 laser and am very pleased with the results. However, laser resurfacing has evolved from the days of the Sharplan and Ultrapulse... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing

The ONLY thing you will get all Plastic surgeons, ENT's and Dermatologist to agree on that all lasers are NOT equal when it comes to skin resurfacing or other rejuvenation applications. In my opinion THE BEST laser for Skin Resurfacing is the SCITON Profile or Joule laser. Unlike older CO2 lasers, its Erbium-Yag can be completely and carefully adjusted to any skin and any thickness. Its PROFRACTIONAL, PROFRACTIONAL XC and CONTOUR TRL capabilities are not matched by any laser on today's... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

+1

Lots of different lasers for resurfacing

The laser used should be tailored to the problem. Deep wrinkles and major sun damage will require CO2 resurfacing (not the Fraxel). It is creating a second degree burn of the skin and requires appreciable convalescence. There is the risk of scarring but this is uncommon in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Lesser problems can be solved by other technologies. Ask to be shown patients that have problems similar to yours and see how the given treatment worked. A good surgeon should be... more

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+1

Amazing results from Cutera's Pearl Fractional

The Pearl Fractional has been a success in our practice for fine lines, deep wrinkles, large pores, and age spots. Not only does it treat all of these visible signs of aging, but it actually boosts a growth of new collagen, with a short down-time period of only 7 days! Down-time, meaning redness and flaking/peeling of the skin. No, not all resurfacing lasers are the same. To ensure you are getting a high-quality treatment, be sure the laser is at least a Class 4, which is the... more

William J. Hedden, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

+1

Which Laser is best?

Great question! The CO2 laser is the gold standard for laser resurfacing, however, the potential side effects (pigment changes and scarring) have limited its use. There are a number of different lasers out there and a number of different lasers may be right for you...if your provider chooses correctly! This means that your goals, your skin type (fair complexion versus darker), your age and anatomy and your recovery expectations and price point are all critical factors. Newer laser technology... more

John Philip Connors III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+1

Success of laser resurfacing depends on the physician delivering it

First of all, what is laser resurfacing? Laser resurfacing involves removing layers of skin to promote new healthy tighter skin. It is not similar to non-cutting or non-ablative lasers you see in a medi-spa. This is much more aggressive and must be performed by a physician. There are a host of resurfacing lasers out there, and I have tried all of them. Currently, I use Encore Total FX because of the versatility of full resurfacing and fractionated resurfacing, but there are others that... more

Carla R. Retief, MD
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon

+1

The Contour Laser by Sciton

I love the Contour Laser manufactured by Sciton. The Contour laser is really two lasers in one. It has both a short pulse Erbium laser - and this is the conventional Erbium laser available under many names - and additionally it has a long pulse Erbium laser. The longer the pulse, the higher the energy delivered to your skin, and the more effective the correction. By varying the settings, I can individualize how much each of the two lasers within the Contour Laser come into play. Therefore,... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

+1

There are many different kinds of resurfacing lasers....

There are many different kinds of resurfacing lasers. Many are similar, yet there are several taht do very different things. In the early years of resurfacing, CO2 lasers were the hot thing( no pun intended). Them erbium lasers came in with a more controlled resurfacing mode. (I have an erbium and can do light peels as well as deep peels that are very controlled). Still, there are more choices in the last couple of years. Now there are Fraxel lasers which can combine CO2 or Erbium... more

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

+1

All lasers are not the same

Lasers change the quality of skin by a burn. All lasers are not the same. In untrained hands, you will have one of three results: none, good or disastrous.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+1

CO2 Laser for best results

The CO2 laser can give some of the best results for laser skin resurfacing. The newer fractional CO2 laser gives great results, but has much less down-time then the traditional CO2 laser. See the facial plastic surgery link below for more information.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drsteiger.com

+1

No best laser for sesurfacing

There is no "best" laser for resurfacing. The type of laser resurfacing that may work best for you is dependent on several factors: What condition is being treated - wrinkles, acne scars, other? What downtime is ok? Several hours or several weeks? Are you healthy enough for general anesthesia? How much can you afford? We suggest looking into the following laser resurfacing techniques: CO2 Resurfacing Erbium Laser Resurfacing Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1