Fractional CO2 Resurfacing VS Non Ablative 1550 Diode Resurfacing for Mild Acne Scars/pores?

Question

I have discussed resurfacing treatments with my doctor, they offer both of the methods mentioned in the title. I have mild acne indents, small open pores on my cheeks leftover from previous acne that I want to remove and have smoothed out. you can't see them unless close up, but they bother me. Which procedure is more effective? Doc says I will not need downtime with the non ablative, but about 1 week with the co2. I had E-Matrix but wasn't impressed overall, but I can't take too much time out now.

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. 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

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Certainly, the fractional CO2 would be more effective than the non ablative treatment.  Yes, some down time may be necessary.  For even greater improvement, consider a croton oil-phenol peel or non fractionated CO2.  It is your call balancing down time vs effectiveness of the procedure.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

It all depends on who you listen too. IMO these modalities will get you little results. You need a multilayered approach with co2 laser resurfacing as part of the equation. I would research different doctors approaches to find out their philosophy and their before and afters.

David Goldberg, MD · Answer

Acne scarring can be significantly improved with both ablative and non-ablative lasers. A fractional ablative laser, such as Fraxel Repair or Sciton ProFractional, uses an ablative approach, requiring up to a week of “down time.”  The advantage of this treatment is that it often requires a single (occasionally 2-3) , aggressive session to achieve desired results.  Although the initial redness after treatment will require time to completely heal, makeup can help lessen and cover up the redness. On the other hand, non-ablative methods, such as Fraxel restore, provide near-comparable results without down time; however, multiple treatments are required. For a single treatment option, I recommend the Fraxel Repair. Timing this over a long weekend may solve your “down time” issue, since redness will diminish after the initial couple of days.  If this is not possible, the non-ablatives remain a great alternative for acne scarring.

Fractional CO2 Resurfacing VS Non Ablative 1550 Diode Resurfacing for Mild Acne Scars/pores?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

Answer: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Fractional CO2 Resurfacing VS Non Ablative 1550 Diode Resurfacing for Mild Acne Scars/pores?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

Answer: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.