Safe to combine CO2 laser with TCA CROSS treatments?

Question

Is it safe to have a CO2 laser treatment on my face at the same time an 80% TCA is selectively applied to some minor acne ice pick scars? My dermatologist recommends it, but I am leary. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, combining TCA cross and CO2 is acceptable. The TCA cross must be performed prior to CO2 laser. However, in my experience multiple sessions of TCA cross are usually necessary to get scars to lift. I would recommend getting the acne scars prepared and level prior to performing the CO2. Find an acne scar expert. Ask to see photos. Hope this helps . Good luck.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Agree that TCA should be performed prior to CO2 laser, you will often need 2-3 sessions of TCA spaced 6 weeks apart. Following that, CO2 fully ablative or Erbium Fully ablative laser can be performed to  cure the remaining scars. Now, the other method that I frequently use, is to combine TCA CROSS and FRACTIONAL CO2 in the one procedure. This means I treat the Ice pick scars with TCA CROSS, then use a tiny spot size and treat other scars such as atrophic, rolling and broad box car scars with fractional CO2, taking care to 'miss' the TCA CROSS treated areas (highly visible as they are white). I often combine these two sessions in one, if patients exhibit both ice pick and mixed acne scars. Will do a video on that shortly. CheersDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

Safe to combine CO2 laser with TCA CROSS treatments?

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Safe to combine CO2 laser with TCA CROSS treatments?

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.