Fractional CO2 - cannot do on red and thin burnt scar? (Photo)

Question

I went to see doctor to do fractional co2 today. but the doctor keep recommending me to do another laser. She siad its because my skin is too red and thin and if I do fractional co2, it will make my skin burn and worse. But I researched online and they says you can do fractional co2 on the fresh scar like right after surgery etc. My skin is burnt from chemical peeling and the wound is closed already and its just the color is red. Isnt the best option for burn scar is fractional co2?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

In general, fractiional CO2 laser is a superficial burn that will affect scar texture such as rough, raised, or bumpy scars. Scar erythema (redness) can improve after CO2 laser but that is not really the intention. The best thing for that broad area is unfortunately time. You could also try a PDL or IPL laser if you want the erythema to decrease faster.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Fractional CO2 - cannot do on red and thin burnt scar? (Photo)

Answers (2)