Would CO2 fractional laser resurfacing help with this new acne scar? (photos)

Question

I don’t have severe acne, but any time I get a pimple it’s always been cystic. I’m very bad when it comes to picking at my skin and have caused one scar in between my eyes. The wound was created about 4 weeks ago and this is what I’m left with. I tried healing it by keeping is moist in hopes it would scar, but that didn’t seem to work. I’m so worried because this is in such an obvious place and it’s the only major scar I have.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

CO2 laser is great for acne scars ,however, your scar and acne is new and needs to heal a few more months before you consider co2 laser- it should get better on its own with just local wound care initially. if its still pretty deep after a few months, then consider the co2 laser. usually patients require at least 4 sessions of the laser for optimal results.

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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is very beneficial for making acne scars diminish. This is done by removing deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. This treatment is also beneficial for uneven pigmentation, photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, precancerous spots, and a host of other skin imperfections and benign lesions. If you believe you may be a candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can carefully analyze your skin and determine if the procedure is right for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield to promote healing. Any scarring can be improved with lasers and microneedling/prp. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing. Please first, allow your acne scarring to heal. Fraxel CO2 laser does an incredible job of
removing pigmentation, acne scarring, sun spots (brown spots), and wrinkles in just one session. You can
expect about 7-10 days of downtime with this laser. For best results, please consult with a board certified dermatologist with experience. Thank you and best of luck.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  We wouldn't recommend a Co2 laser with its down tiime at this point.  We have been able to give some of our patients that suffer from cystic acne dramatic improvement with PicoSure FOCUS treatments.  While it is FDA approved for pigment reduction, acne scars and other things, we found that it helps with cystic acne that doesn't respond to other more traditional treatments.  Please read the magazine article link below.  Best of luck.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is still early scarring, In fact its an excoriated exposed area- NOT suitable for CO2 as yet. Heal Lite, wound care, then vascular lasers can help. If there is actual scarring in 3-4 months time, CO2 can be considered at that stage- not now. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Would CO2 fractional laser resurfacing help with this new acne scar? (photos)

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