Does CO2 improve sun damage seen with UV photography (not visible to the human eye)? (Photo)

Question

I had a VISIA scan performed, which showed pretty significant UV spots for my age. I know that CO2 will improve the visual appearance of my skin, but would I also see a reduction of UV spots under UV photography with each treatment? I’m curious if the CO2 laser reaches the skin deep enough to reverse damage that isn’t seen by the naked eye?

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

Joel L. Cohen, MD · Answer

Same day BBL Hero and then fractional ablative resurfacing (either fractional Erbium like ProFractional or fractional CO2 like CO2RE) will give better improvement in pigment than just the fractional ablative alone (which focuses more on lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production to heal the micro channels of the fractional laser.

Does CO2 improve sun damage seen with UV photography (not visible to the human eye)? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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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.

Does CO2 improve sun damage seen with UV photography (not visible to the human eye)? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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