What are alternatives to Fractional CO2 Resurfacing with less cost and down time?

Question

I am 44 and have been getting the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing yearly for last 3 years. Due to cost and long down time, I am seeking an alternative maintenance regimen that produces comparable results. I was told a chemical peel a few times per year may be a good replacement. Thanks for any feedback.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

CO2 lasers are ablative meaning that they actually remove some tissue. This creates not only the downtime but the significant levels of improvement seen with this device. With that said, a series of less invasive, non-ablative treatments will never result in the same amount of tightening as an ablative laser treatment. There are definite trade-offs between downtime and significant results. To see significant changes will require downtime whether you pursue an ablative laser, aggressive non-ablative laser treatments or medium/ deep depth chemical peels. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Erbium fractional resurfacing has significantly less downtime than CO2.  With downtime ranging from 2-5 days.  Another option that actually can help reverse the signs of skin aging as well as addressing the red and brown in the skin is BBL (Broad Band Light).  After a series of Erbium fractional resurfacing I recommend that my patients maintain with BBL treatments of at least 3 per year.

Edward J. Bednar, MD · Answer

We offer patients the clear and Brilliant fraxel without any downtime-six treatments spaced apart 2-3 weeks will build a great foundation for thicker skin and smaller pore size and alleviating hyperpigmentation.  Our patients looove it!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

An excellent option to Fractional CO2 laser is the cutting edge Halo Laser which helps provide excellent results with minimal healing time.

What are alternatives to Fractional CO2 Resurfacing with less cost and down time?

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Answer: Clear and Brilliant

Answer: Clear and Brilliant

Answer: Fractional Co2 Alternative

Answer: Fractional Co2 Alternative

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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What are alternatives to Fractional CO2 Resurfacing with less cost and down time?

Answers (6)

Answer: Clear and Brilliant

Answer: Clear and Brilliant

Answer: Fractional Co2 Alternative

Answer: Fractional Co2 Alternative

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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