Fractional CO2 destroyed my face. What can I do now? (Photo)

Question

I have done fractional CO2 7sittings, today I went to my doctor and compared my then and now pics, i just came to know that my scars have become worse. My face wasn't like this . Since 2years I was doing this treatment to destroy my face. I feel horrible what do I do now? Is it possible to cure my face. I can't trust any doctors now !

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Don't lose hope, CO2 laser is not the only option! It's also possible that the appropriate settings and techniques were not used. Unfortunately without having clear, standardized photos portraying before and after your CO2 treatments, it's hard for any expert to see where exactly your scars worsened. For acne scarring, there are many different treatment options available, but it is dependent on your scarring type and overall skin. I strongly advise having an in-person examination to determine the best treatment plan for you skin, preferably with an aesthetics or facial plastics office that not only offers a variety of treatments, but has had years of experience with such treatments. Best, Dr. Anil Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Prashant Murugkar, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear of your problem, from the scars seen in the picture I think you should expect a better improvement using Subscision and Cross TCA with our without PRP or Nano Fat. Hope this helps, do get in touch if further advise needed, warm regards Dr Prashant Murugkar

Jyoti Gupta, MD · Answer

I can still see some fresh acne on your face, though not too clear. If you are still suffering from acne, you need to treat them first to avoid any  new scar formation which can lead to further deterioration of your condition.
Looking at the severity and variability of your scars, I would advise you to consider microneedling, TCA CROSS, subcision and PRP therapy. Please remember that the acne scars can become better with these therapies but cannot be completely erased from your face.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Co2 laser is useful, however it should be applied in context. This laser is the best for collagen remodelling however the settings are vital. With due respect, if any side effects have occurred, it not the FRACTIONAL CO2 laser, its the settings, follow ups and history that we need to know. Now, if you are serious about scar revision, its NOT about the laser, its about treating the scar type with a method. In your case subcsion will do far better than Co2 fractional laser IN CONTEXT OF YOUR SCAR PATTERN as per photo. 
Acne scar revision comprises of many specialised procedures. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with appropriate treatments METHODS. Using one or two devices is not optimal. As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one. Remember, scar revision is a medical procedure that is technical to perform. It is not dependent on the clinic, branch, machine, or laser but by the skill of your dermatologist of plastic surgeon.

Take for example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars. These are best treated with TCA CROSS and focused angled Co2 fractional laser in low density. Deep narrow scars respond better to this treatment than even the most expensive lasers. On the flip side, rolling, and atrophic acne scars can improve with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, ProFractional erbium lasers, Infiini –Intensif –Intracel radiofrequency microneedling. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat graft, PRP or dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that I use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision for focal scars. Early and very mild acne scars respond well to eMatrix and non-energy microneedling, as well as vascular lasers. Skin colour changes such as PIH or dark marks respond best to sun protection, creams, and Q switch lasers in the nano and pico pulse durations.

In the vast majority of patients, different patterns of acne scars will be present. Monomorphic acne scarring (scars of the safe subtype) are extremely rare. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. Additionally tactile examination namely touch will give me an understanding of the amount of subdermal fibrosis, as special equipment is needed for this sub-set of acne scars.  In the majority of patients its finding the correct combinations that yields the best results. It is never about the device, it is about the specialist behind the equipment that will deliver the best outcomes.

Global leaders in acne scar revision will always use manual methods to revise scars, and employ lasers and energy devices as instruments to assist. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.

Fractional CO2 destroyed my face. What can I do now? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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