Do I have festoons? Would CO2 laser resurfacing help?

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

Given your dark skin you have to be VERY careful about co2 laser resurfacing.  It is likely a noninvasive option such as clear + Brilliant or Fraxel with microneedling followed by Venus Legacy treatment would be best.  These are very difficult to treat in general and co2 resurfacing would be risky with your skin type ( risk of scarring and pigmentation changes).  See a cosmetic dermatologist with experience.  Best, Dr. Emer.

I would definitely not use the CO2 laser on your skin. You would very likely develop significant and possibly long term hyperpigmentation. I believe fillers may be a better option, but I would have to examine you in person to make that determination..

I personally would go Fractional CO2 5-10% density at maximum, possibly 4 treatments, spaced 5 weeks apart. Definitely NOT fully ablative CO2. The other option is erbium with some coat (like Scition).If you keep the CO2 density to a sensible level, PIH is slim. Fillers can blend the festoons in as well, and that would be my next step after the CO2 Fractional. See someone who performs lasers on your skin type on a regular basis. CheersDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia.