How should I space laser resurfacing treatments?

Question

How far apart should laser resurfacing treatments (to reduce scars) be spaced? Should you ever do it 6 months after the first? Are there pros and cons?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Using a laser to help improve the appearance of a scar usually requires multiple treatments. I typically do not perform these more frequently than 6 weeks apart; however, there is no reason why waiting longer would lead to inferior results.

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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding laser resurfacing.  There are multiple different laser treatments, so I cannot speak for the exact treatment you are having.  However, full surface ablation, HALO, and profractional treatments will make an impact on your skin texture and pore
size.  
Everyone is different in how soon they will see
results from their treatment. You will often begin to
see smoother brighter skin within 3-6 days. Your skin actually
continues to improve over time (weeks to months) with collagen remodeling
underneath the skin's surface. Within the first 2-3 weeks, most patients will
see their pigmentation improve, followed by deeper skin regeneration that keeps
improving over the ensuing months. Our office typically recommends having treatment every 4-6 weeks. 
To be sure you receive appropriate treatment,
see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your
area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that
it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

The spacing of the laser treatments depends on your skin type. If you have a fair complexion, non-ablative resurfacing can be performed 5 to 6 weeks apart. Fractional CO2 ablative resurfacing can be done 2 to 3 months apart. If you have a darker complexion, you would need to wait longer in between treatments to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I assume you are talking about non-ablative fractional laser rsurfacing using the 1540 Erbium laser for treating scars. These treatments should be scheduled about 4-5 weeks apart.
There is no problem waiting 6 months but since results require at least 4 treatments it will take a very long time at 6 month intervals to see your result. See before and after pics below (April photo #3)

How should I space laser resurfacing treatments?

Answers (5)

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