Can I have CO2 laser resurfacing on a new scar?

Question

I recently had ACDF surgery, which has given me a scar along my neck, 5 weeks ago. It went well and the scar is healing. Before having this surgery, I was planning on getting CO2 laser surgery on my face and neck for acne scars, slight wrinkles and general complexion issues that I'm unhappy with. But now I'm wondering if I need to postpone my plans until this scar has had some time to finish healing, maybe 6 months, or more. Please could someone share some advice. Thanks

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

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

Your laser surgeon should be comfortable going over that scar at the time of the planned treatment.  Fortunately, most ACDF scars heal very nicely with time and massage due to their location on the body.  Even if your surgeon does not want to laser that area for whatever reason, you should still do well.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Lasers like co2 can be done immediately after suture removal to help scars.  If 5 weeks has gone by it's totally safe if done by an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Great question and understand your concern after your procedure. As my colleagues have agreed, the physician performing the CO2 procedure should be very confident and comfortable going over that new incision scar at the time of the planned treatment, as soon as the stitches are removed.  5 weeks is more than enough time allowed for the treatment. Enjoy it, your skin is going to look wonderful! Best, Dr. Eviatar.

Parham Gharagozlou, MD, FACP · Answer

yes you can use co2 for scar treatment and it is not too soon. However you might discuss with your physician as erbium lasers arr used more often for scars. Co2 had been used widely for scar treatment as well. My advice ; if your doctor felt you arr candidate dont wait too long. We like yo tackle scars early on

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Can I have CO2 laser resurfacing on a new scar?

Answers (7)

Answer: Laser After Surgery

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Answer: Laser scar treatment.

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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