CO2 Laser for Blackheads?

Question

Is Fractional CO2 laser effective for blackhead treatment?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding blackheads.  While laser treatments offer wonderful results, they would be a bit aggressive to treat blackheads.  I would recommend good skin care.  We recommend gentle facial cleansers, tretinoin (retin A) and Koji Pads.  Koji pads contain Salicylic acids that will help prevent blemishes, as well as Vitamin C and E, and Arbutase which will help brighten the skin.  You may also want to consider getting a facial or two for a professional to extract some of your blackheads.  Be sure to see an experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.  I hope this helps.

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

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

While lasers are useful, it would be best to start with topical care first.  Start with a retinoid, such as Retin-A, followed by gentle peels such as glycolic acid.  Good luck.

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

Due to all of the peeling that occurs with the Fractional CO2 generally the more open pore will not trap the sebum and sebaceous material that results in the black head.  An alternative however is an aggressive microdermabrasion and glycolic peeling with pore extraction.  This alternative might prove much less expensive.

CO2 Laser for Blackheads?

Answers (4)

Answer: The Fractional CO2 is useful for opening pores

Answer: The Fractional CO2 is useful for opening pores

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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CO2 Laser for Blackheads?

Answers (4)

Answer: The Fractional CO2 is useful for opening pores

Answer: The Fractional CO2 is useful for opening pores

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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.