Is MiXto Co2 laser my best option? (Photo)

Hello Cowboys72, 
Thank you very much for providing the photo of your facial acne. Have youtried any other lasers in the past? I think that the mixto CO2 laser would do wonderful job at improving the acne scarring that you do have, provided in your photo. You may start or combine with an Erbium laser as well, to see the greatest improvements.  I would definitely consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for this procedure or a dermatologist. Wish you all the best of luck!

Dear patient,
I have performed over 1000 Mixto Co2 fractional lasers in the past 7 years. This laser is very versatile and can be dialed up to be very strong and go deep or be very superficial.
You have scars that are partially rolling and atrophic. The best option is a combination therapy that uses subcision to release the fibrous bands that are pulling the skin down. The superficial skin is treated with the mixto laser at aggressive setting. Finally a few drops of a filler such as Bellafil or Sculptra is injected directly into the scars so that the adhesions don't re-attach. I hope this was helpful.

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

Thanks for your question.  Mixto is just one of many companies that makes a good quality CO2 laser. CO2 laser is the "gold standard" or most effective treatment for acne scars in some cases, but other options also might work for you.  We have had a lot of success treating acne scars with subcision done in our dermatology office, a series of fairly aggressive microneedling procedures, or TCA peels.  CO2 laser remains popular and has excellent results when performed by someone who has extensive training and experience in it, but does have some down time if you can afford to take it.  Best of luck, and see your board certified dermatologist for expert advice as we are specialty trained in acne management and skin issues.

I do own the Mixto laser, however this would not be my preferred method of scar revision. With your scar type the use of manual subcision and TCA Paint would give superior outcomes compared to MixTo alone. Certainly fractional ablative lasers and or RF can help as a secondary or even tertiary modality. Dr Davin S. Lim, Brisbane. Australia.