Why did a fully ablative CO2 laser do nothing for me? (Photo)

Question

I had a fully ablative CO2 laser treatment done one year ago. i literally couldnt leave my house for a month, it was definitely a very aggressive treatment. My doctor told me it would take up to six months to see full results, obviously I wasn't expecting a 100% improvement, but I literally see no difference. I spent 5,000 dollars and lost a month of my life for nothing. can anyone tell me why it didnt work and what would give me better results. i included pictures of the procedure and my scars

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For this type of scarring, a combination approach and a series of treatments is needed. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision, fillers and radiofrequency treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Without knowing the settings and technique, it's hard to know why you didn't respond as expected.  I will tell you that the type of scars I see are ice pick scars which happen to be very difficult to treat.  Seek out a expert physician who can do TCA CROSS on these lesions.  Much easier treatment and you will likely see improvement very quickly.  Acne scars come in many varieties and a combination approach will typically yield the best results.  Best of luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question annebaylee. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Fractional
CO2 laser resurfacing is an outstanding treatment that can address multiple
aspects of aging in a single treatment. Acne scars respond slowly. For my patients I recommend a series of three or more treatments, which are spaced every 3 months. Full results are seen 6-12 months after the final treatment. Patience is important. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

Using the C02 laser, a very powerful device, is an art and science. We obtain fantastic results with the use of C02 laser for resurfacing, skin rejuvenation, acne scars, etc. Your skin must be adequately prepped before laser resurfacing to obtain the best results and the right settings on the laser with the right number of passes must be performed to seek the result you were probably looking for. Poorly hydrated skin does not respond well to C02 laser because the C02 laser uses water in the skin as its target to vaporize.

Why did a fully ablative CO2 laser do nothing for me? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Many doctors don't know how to use a C02 laser the right way

Answer: Many doctors don't know how to use a C02 laser the right way

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Why did a fully ablative CO2 laser do nothing for me? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Many doctors don't know how to use a C02 laser the right way

Answer: Many doctors don't know how to use a C02 laser the right way

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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.