Which Laser is Right for Me - Huge Pores, Haggard-Looking Skin, Scars, Wrinkles, etc.

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

Hello,Thank you for your question. CO2 laser may be a good option for you. This is a very aggressive treatment that provides a re-surfacing to the skin. You will see improvement on the texture of your skin. However, you will need to plan for some downtime. Please consult with a local physician to determine the best course of action. Good luck!

For issues like large pores, scars, sun damage, wrinkles, and poor overall skin quality and texture, I tend to recommend a Fractional CO2 laser most commonly. I think that the Fractional CO2 laser works well to improve all of these issues with relatively short down time and a low risk of side effects such as scarring. I have had patients that come back once every year for fractional CO2 laser treatments to freshen up and rejuvenate the skin, but I do think that it provides permanent improvements.All the best,

A fractional laser is a must for this kind of problem provided your skin type is of the low risk variety.  A consultation with a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon is needed.*  

If the more superficial treatments do not work, then a deeper resurfacing with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is the answer.  As long as your skin type is light enough to allow the procedure to be done, then the CO2 laser can provide a tremendous result.  You will have a recovery time of around 7 days and possibly some redness after that (it can be covered with makeup though).  Consult you board certified plastic surgeon to see if this laser would work for you. 

Fraxel laser resurfacing may help improve the texture of your skin. Multiple sessions may be necessary. Regardless of the type of laser, you will never have the skin you had when you were a youth prior to acne, but you may get significant improvement. Risks exist so speak with your physician at length before you schedule a treatment.

There is a genetic component to pore size and unfortunately there is no way to remove pores only decrease there size and camouflage them better. Proper skin care as well as healthy lifestyle choices such as not smoking and staying hydrated are important. There are several non-invasive techniques that can resurface the skin and improve collagen and elastin content that can diminish the appearance of pores. These options include micro needling with or without PRP, laser resurfacing (given you have had these before the setting can be altered for a deeper laser which allows for more skin turn over), chemical peels and dermabrasion
 

Based
on the photo you've posted, it appears likely that you need treatments that are
more aggressive than light chemical peels and microdermabrasion, as you
mentioned. There is a range of laser treatment options that can achieve the plump,
toned skin with smaller pores that you want. As many of the specialists have
said, CO2 lasers are considered an excellent option. I offer the
Halo hybrid fractional laser because of its versatility. It is the first laser
of its kind to offer the benefits of both ablative and non-ablative laser
wavelengths so I can customize treatments for specific skin types and
conditions. The most important thing is to choose an experienced laser
specialist who understands the various options.

For years we have heard about lasers that can give a result as good as CO2 laser resurfacing with respect to wrinkles and improvement of tone and texture of the skin but without the downtime.  Unfortunately, none of these really gave the same result which is why CO2 laser remained popular for so long.  With new fractional technologies applied to the CO2 laser, the healing time is reduced but the effect is retained.  I would encourage you to discuss the use of fractional CO2 laser to address your concerns.  There will be some downtime and redness (the duration of redness persists according to how the treatment is performed but some redness is necessary to achieve the best result).  Good luck.

As you're probably aware there are limitations to answering questions by way of the internet

In order to give the best answer it would be ideal to review your medical history and at least see multiple photos

For some patients a fractionated CO2 laser would improve their appearance