Which laser skin resurfacing is best for me?

Question

I'm curious which of the laser skin resurfacing treatments I should try. I have mild acne scarring and I would like to see improvements with my pore size, skin elasticity and especially help with reducing my under eye circles. What are my options and general prices?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 acne 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

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The ideal patient for skin resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin. Prices vary based on laser, office, procedure and local market. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon because you seem to be a candidate for laser skin resurfacing.
Best wishes,

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi,
CO2 laser resurfacing is the best "bang for your buck" for acne scars.  Having said this it will likely take a combination of treatments and sessions to improve the acne scars.  Micro needling with PRP, subcision with filler are all on the table in terms of treatment.  You will likely need to maintain once improved!  Speak to an expert!
Hope this helps

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Co2 is best for acne scarring, but Erbium is a great alternative. However, a combination approach will give the most improvement to acne scars. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. It may take a series of treatments and may need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Laser skin resurfacing has been around for decades and can do a wonderful job of rejuvenating skin. The problem is the risks and the downtime with the older technology. The other problem is a lack of impressive results with many of the newer "no downtime" technologies. I personally love the Halo laser by Sciton. We get great results with minimal risk and downtime. Combining it with broad band light (BBL) is even better. See someone with extensive experience.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

Fraxel® is the current gold standard treatment for all types of skin resurfacing. Please consult a board certified aesthetic dermatologist for a consultation.

Steven M. Daines, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser resurfacing is a fantastic tool for improving fine lines, brown spots, and skin texture. There are many different types of lasers to choose from. In my office I have excellent results with the Deka Dot fractional Co2 laser. Selecting the proper settings for the individual patient and managing their skin before and after the proceduee is critical for maximizing results. In your case, you should not expect a laser to make meaningful improvements in dark under eye circles. This is usually better accomplished with eyelid surgery or under eye fillers.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can treat acne scars by doing a series of treatments via LightPodNeo Aerolase laser or PicoSure laser. The PicoSure laser is FDA-approved and is gentle on your skin, with minimal discomfort or downtime after treatments. PicoSure works by sending ultra-short pulses of laser energy into the outer and inner skin layers. The Aerolase laser aims laser technology Into both the outer and inner layers of your skin. As it penetrates the deep layers of your dermis, it helps to combat bacteria and any other infections.  It is difficult to determine the best course of treatment without photos. I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Sumeet Thareja, MD · Answer

In my opinion the ICON 1540 laser is the safest and most effective option for you.  It helps reduce pore size and treat scarring.  Generally 3-4 treatments are required in 3-5 week intervals.  Reach out to a local dermatologist to learn more.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Its pretty difficult to recommend a laser without at least a photo and medical history. Determining which device to use depends upon a number of factors including problem to be solved, medical issues, downtime and skin type/color. Either ask the question again with uploaded photos or see an experienced doc to evaluate

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