Which is better for sun damage? CO2 Facial or Vampire Facial?

Question

I had horrible sun and acne damage on my face. I went and got a Fractora treatment. It's much like the Fraxel facial. It was so painful and quite a bit of downtime and I would prefer to not do it again. I was researching the vampire facial to try next. Which facial would I see better results with to get rid of the sundamage and uneven skin tone?

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

Both sun damage and acne scarring need a combination approach. Sun damage can be improved with a combination of lasers (Fraxel, IPL) and microneedling/prp. Acne scars can be improved with a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. Co2 is best for scarring, but Erbium is a great alternative. It is best to make a formal consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist who can come up with a long term solution. It will require a number of combinations and long term sun-protection. Best, Dr. Emer.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question.  You have so many treatment options for both hyperpigmentation and acne scars.  We have over a dozen treatment options from peels, microneedling to lasers to treat various skin issues.  You really need a consultation in a medical setting where they have several options.  Our no downtime option would be a series of treatments with the PicoSure Laser FOCUS lens.  With all of the laser options available, we haven't done a microneedling in over 2 years.  There so many better options without the risks and downtime of it.  In addition, most facilities are not doing the vampire treatment correctly where you are risking infection and other complications.Please seek out a medical consultation for the best results.  Best of luck.

Ana Carolina Victoria, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Sun damaged skin can make you appear older than you really are.  Reversing these premature aging signs should target different aspects including sun spots/hyperpigmentation, loss of collagen, and the evenness and texture of your skin.  Of course the stronger the laser, the longer the downtime,  but quicker results.  You should see someone who has an array of lasers and treatments at their disposal to come up with a treatment regimen that is right for you.

Which is better for sun damage? CO2 Facial or Vampire Facial?

Answers (4)

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