Could scars on nose be fixed with TCA CROSS or CO2 laser? (photos)

Question

So I just did TCA CROSS today and the dermatologist said linear scars that are on the left side of my nose and what it looks to be enlarged pores/ice pick scars that are on the top of my nose won't get any improved from TCA CROSS and didn't even bother trying on it. He only did it on my temples and cheeks. I found that little weird. I feel like he didn't want to take a risk on my nose. Or if that's true, would CO2 Fraxel help get rid of these scars that are on my nose? Thank you very much!

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

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In  my opinion, TCA cross can be utilized on the nose to treat narrow scars, pits and ice pick scars. I do not recommend the cross technique for enlarged pores. Standard chemical peeling or fractionated laser can be more effective. CO2 laser can be combined with the TCA cross. Better results are obtained with the laser after several TCA sessions. Find a scar expert. Ask to see photos.
Jeff Rapaport MD
Core Aesthetic Realself

Could scars on nose be fixed with TCA CROSS or CO2 laser? (photos)

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Could scars on nose be fixed with TCA CROSS or CO2 laser? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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