What results should I expect after CO2 resurfacing?

Question

Had fractional CO2 laser resurfacing two weeks ago, 40% coverage for acne scarring (light rolling scars, very shallow boxcars, some very shallow icepicks). Mostly healed now, so far no improvement. I've heard the line that it takes up to 6 months to see the full results, but what percent of the results approximately should I expect to see at the 1 month mark, 2 month, mark, 3 month ark, etc.

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I love this question.  with every treatment for scars there is improvement, however with acne scars there is no cure.  one co2 laser is the START of your treatment plan, and I have all my patients get a non ablative laser or peel with micro needling 6 weeks after and every 6 weeks thereforward to build on the initial plan.  you may need fillers, submission, TCA cross etc to boost the results.  this is a long term process and you just started with your FIRST big treatment.  please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser works very well for skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, lines, acne scars (except ice pick scars). The results are very predictable but depending on the damage to be corrected and the patient's skin health, results can vary. Some patients see improvements within two weeks, others in few months. Some patients need another treatment. Asking for what percentage and at what time your face will improve is not possible. You need to discuss your concerns with the physician who performed the procedure.

What results should I expect after CO2 resurfacing?

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What results should I expect after CO2 resurfacing?

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