Can I have ablative CO2 laser after spot dermabrasion? If so, how long should I wait?

The short answer is yes, you can have an ablative CO2 laser after spot dermabrasion. The timing will depend on the depth of both your procedures and how quickly you heal between treatments. Keep in mind that scar revision therapy often requires a combination of treatments customized to your precise needs and desired results. I encourage you to work with a board-certified dermatologist who has the expertise in laser treatments necessary to tailor your treatment for the best outcome. In my office, I use more than 50 lasers for just this reason. Personalized treatment plans are the key to the best results. 

Thank you for your question, acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. Generally speaking, we often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. - Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. - Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. - Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2 or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. - TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.- All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time.
For darker skin types, it is important to avoid strong lasers such as CO2/Erbium and Fraxel as they can cause hyperpigmentation. Instead, scars in darker skin types can be improved with a combination of microneedling RF (Fractora, Intensif, Infini), Aerolase or Laser Genesis, microneedling with PRP, skin lightening, peels like Cosmelan, and a proper skin care protocol (hydroquinone, vitamin c, kojic acid, azelaic acid, retinol). Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

I appreciate your question. It is possible to have an ablative CO2 laser treatment after spot dermabrasion. The time frame will depend on the depth of the dermabrasion treatment. You want to make sure the area has fully healed before adding the second procedure. I recommend scheduling an assessment with a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate you in person and determine the best timing for this treatment plan. Make sure the doctor has extensive training and experience in ablative treatments as well, to ensure a safe and successful procedure.