Laser Skin Resurfacing Done on All Parts of my Body? Ex: Back

Question

I have dark acne scarring on my chest, back and forearms and I was wondering if it was possible to have laser skin resurfacing done on these parts of my body. If not, is there another procedure that you would recommend?

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

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The face is unique because of the high concentration of pilosebaceous units. These allow the skin to heal a resurfacing procedure. Fully ablative lasers such as CO2 or Erbium YAG cannot be used off the face. Even ablative fractionated lasers such as Luminus Deep FX or Fraxel Repair should be used with extreme caution off the face and at lower fluences and densities. Nonablative lasers (fraxel restore/refine) or a broad band light source (IPL) can be used. However discuss with your surgeon the problems that need to be addressed and your expectations as the results with these non ablative modalities is often very subtle.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Fraxel nonablative laser is commonly done on the chest, back, arms and legs, not just the face. Fraxel Restore and Fraxel Dual are done below the neck but at conservative settings and are often done as a series of treatments.

Myles Goldflies, MD · Answer

You might try a test of treating some of these scars with a fractional laser.  If this works, you have your answer.  Definitely not resurfacing.  You may also try spot treatments with BBL/IPL targeting the excess pigment.  If the dark scarring is changed to a more normal color, then you can decide how much the skin texture change from the scars bothers you.  If it still does, move on to a fractional laser.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No the risks are too high on thicker skin to cause scarring or pigmentary changes. Be careful out there you may find someone to do all the body but the risks are too high. From MIAMI Dr., B

Laser Skin Resurfacing Done on All Parts of my Body? Ex: Back

Answers (6)

Answer: Resurfacing not a choice for acne scars outside of the face

Answer: Resurfacing not a choice for acne scars outside of the face

Answer: Laser skin resurfacing done on all parts of my body

Answer: Laser skin resurfacing done on all parts of my body

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Laser Skin Resurfacing Done on All Parts of my Body? Ex: Back

Answers (6)

Answer: Resurfacing not a choice for acne scars outside of the face

Answer: Resurfacing not a choice for acne scars outside of the face

Answer: Laser skin resurfacing done on all parts of my body

Answer: Laser skin resurfacing done on all parts of my body

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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