Scar from wart removal - no difference after 3 fractional C02 treatments. Can this scar be improved? (Photos)

Question

I have a surgical scar from removing a wart above my eyebrow. I have already done 3 fractional co2 and I haven't seen any difference? could the scar have atrophied and can't be filled?"

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, I am hardly surprised by the wasted time and money on the fraxel treatments. As any of my regular followers can tell you, I have been cautioning readers for many years already that the relatively expensive "bells and whistles" fraxel laser and RF treatments are backed far more by device manufacturer and social media influencer-backed hype than any hard science. Sorry. From the photos, it would appear that a portion of the scar is indented. Subcision can be used to elevate and smooth this. There also appears to be tram track-like stitch marks (a common occurrence following suturing in areas subject to muscular tension or movement). Professional performed manual microneedling can help to better blend surface irregularities, such as these, with the surrounding normal skin. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Scar from wart removal - no difference after 3 fractional C02 treatments. Can this scar be improved? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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.

Scar from wart removal - no difference after 3 fractional C02 treatments. Can this scar be improved? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.