CO2 laser after suture removal?

Question

Can co2 laser be done at the moment of suture removal to diminish scar line or is it better to wait?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would not recommend using a CO2 laser on a wound immediately after the sutures are removed.  Most scars do not normally require a CO2 laser to improve them, and it would be best to allow the scar to heal for some time before deciding if a CO2 laser would be helpful or not.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! You may get different opinions on this. In my experience, I like to wait at least 4 weeks before beginning. This gives a chance to see how the wound is progressing. Some may appear unsightly at suture removal, but heal nicely weeks later. CO2 is rather intensive and sometimes scar creams such as Biocorneum may do the trick. Hope this is useful for you!

CO2 laser after suture removal?

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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CO2 laser after suture removal?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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