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

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

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

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.   

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!

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

A number of alternatives exist to Fractional C02 resurfacing. The most optimal treatment option can be chosen, depending on your area of concern.  In my practice, I use Pixel Erbium Resurfacing, either alone, or in combination with the skin tightening and IPL technology (for pigment and redness). The nice thing about the Pixel Erbium is that it can be as aggressive or gentle as the patient wants. As collagen remodels a fresher, more youthful appearance develops.The gentleness of the procedure allows delicate areas such as the neck, chest and hands to be treated as safely as the face with little risk of infection. Other options are Plasma Resurfacing, using Nitrogen Plasma, a unique nonablative technology that works especially well around the eyes.For patients hesitant to undergo a laser procedure, effective peels achieve excellent results, minimizing pore size, decreasing acne lesions, and resolving brown pigmentation.  An example of such peel is Vi - a new peel technology, with special formulations for acne, dark marks, or skin texture.  Downtime can vary from 4 to 7 days.Hope this helps.