Would CO2 laser be a good option to treat my acne scar? (Photo)

Question

I'have acne scar on my cheek and it really bothers me, even though some people say it is not that visible. I believe it is ice pick (it has some dents), but not really sure. I use vitamin a cream for at least one year and I've done a course of 4 sessions of microneedling + PRP, but I didint notice results. Would CO2 laser be a good option to treat it? Im 36 years old, by the way.

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

CO2 is the best laser for scars, but Erbium and Halo with Profractional are great alternatives. It may take a series of treatments to see improvements and to maintain. Keep in mind that a tailored combination approach will give you the most improvement with acne scars. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Exuberant.  We use several treatments to help with acne scars like yours.  We would likely start with TCA cross on the left cheek (second photo) as this has some deeper indents.  Any ice pick scars, we use TCA cross first and then move to fractional resurfacing as a second step.  Finally for some deeper wider scars we use subcision with dermal fillers.  Best of luck.

Would CO2 laser be a good option to treat my acne scar? (Photo)

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Would CO2 laser be a good option to treat my acne scar? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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