Laser Resurfacing: Q&A
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What's the Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing?
My dermatologist offers a laser treatment for skin "resurfacing" which is different from the laser at my favorite medispa. Are all lasers the same? How do I make sure they use the right one?
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45 Doctor Answers |
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anon
+15
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...
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+8
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...
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+8
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.
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So this is my third laser in the last 2 yrs. going through the itchy stage as I type this....
+7
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...
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+4
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....
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+3
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....
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+3
"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...
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+3
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....
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Tampa Ophthalmologist
+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...
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+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,...
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+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...
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+2
"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.
+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...
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+2
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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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.
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.
+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...
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+1
Choosing a laser
Good afternoon!
good question. What many medspas are calling "lasers" are really IPL- or Intense Pulsed Light- a less invasive treatment for skin discolorations. It does little or nothing as far as skin tightening or wrinkles. For these issues, you need to have a deeper treatment that can include lasers.
All lasers are not the same- different lasers go to different tissue depths and target different pigments in the skin. The laser that is best for you needs to be...
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+1
Best Laser for Skin Resurfacing
Lasers are devices that are commonly used in our practice for resurfacing. They emit beams of light at specific wavelengths which penetrate at various depths within the skin. So in that sense, not all lasers are the same and in fact most lasers that are found in medispas are different and they usually do not use the settings that are used in dermatology offices. That is why it is important to do your research and ask what laser device they have and who would be doing the laser treatment on...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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.
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+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...
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+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...
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+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.
+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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,...
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+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.
+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.
+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
+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...
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+1
What's the best laser for skin resurfacing?
Active and Deep FX fractionated Laser Resurfacing is in my opinion the best laser for skin resurfacing.
+1
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.
+1
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Well, substitute 'Collective fear of competition' and you approach the truth. The problem is the 'truth' doesn't sell or get bums on seats.
This was particularly noticeable during the period of the recent much hyped non-ablative methods of facial rejuvenation. This behavioural change in attitude prompted a realisation by both doctors and patients that these methods were comparable with ablative skin resurfacing and were often subject to extravagant claims in terms of efficacy. The older CO2 laser resurfacing was for many years considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of rhytides and photodamaged facial skin and in the right hands, still is.