Would Vivace or fractionated CO2 laser be better at treating my large cheek pores and orange peel texture? (Photos)

Question

I am 24 with poor texture on my cheeks due to genetics/over use of retinoids I have gotten 6 dermapen treatments and noticed some improvement but texture is still there. My derm has recommended frac CO2 but I am wary of lasers as I got ipl for capillaries and this caused lumps to form. So I wonder if my skin is sensitive? Vivace is offered by another derm would this be a better option as it seems less extreme and less downtime or do you think that because dermapen hasn't worked neither will vivace?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement. I recommend lasers, microneedling/PRP, Cosmelan, peels and skin care. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Monica Bonakdar, MD · Answer

There are many resurfacing treatments for texture improvement available, and they range from subtle results to significant results.  CO2 resurfacing is the gold standard, most effective treatment available. However, it also has the most downtime of any resurfacing treatment. You have tried Microneedling which has subtle results. The addition of Radiofrequency to Microneedling vastly improves the results.  In my opinion your skin would respond favorably to a combination of a series of Vivace treatment and clinical skincare products.
Sending you the best of luck,
  
Dr. Bonakdar

Would Vivace or fractionated CO2 laser be better at treating my large cheek pores and orange peel texture? (Photos)

Answers (2)