Skin looks the same, crepey and scars are even more noticeable. How is this possible?

Question

I just did a co2re on the first of December. I kept aquaphor on my face the whole time. I just now finished the scabbing and flakey process. My face is slightly pink but going away as well. My face looks the same but feels tighter. My skin still look like crepes skin. Does this mean it did not work? My scars look the same and at times look worse! How is this possibLe

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures. It can take several weeks for laser results to settle. I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care and recommendations. PDT therapy can help improve redness and inflammation. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. Sun protection is essential. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks after co2 to improve this along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

Without before and after pictures, it is difficult to know exactly what is going on.  However, I do tell my patients that they need to wait 6 - 8 weeks in order to assess their results after the CORE.  It takes this long for our bodies to produce new collagen in response to the treatment.  I also tell my patients that scars often need a multi-pronged approach.  You may need microneedling, chemical peels and/or subscision treatments in addition to the CORE in order to see good improvement in the scars.Make sure that you are using the products recommended by your provider as your face heals.  Hopefully, you are scheduled for after pictures at about 6 weeks and can discuss your results with your physician at that time.

Skin looks the same, crepey and scars are even more noticeable. How is this possible?

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Skin looks the same, crepey and scars are even more noticeable. How is this possible?

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.