Should I get CO2 laser for this scar or IPL laser as a next step? (Photos)

Question

I had a round of C02 laser on this keloid scar on my chest 2 months after the cyst removal. The CO2 laser at first it turned red and peeled as I understood it should but it’s still has a lot of milia and redness around the scar area. Should I try IPL laser next or should I explore more CO2 laser? This is way past 8 weeks and summer is coming so hoping to do the right next step for it to heal correctly.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The central portion of the scar is elevated. Intralesional injections have been used for decades for flattening both keloid and hypertrophic scars (even those much larger and wider than what is seen in the photos. What's more the injections have a proven track record for safety and efficacy that goes way back further than the expensive "bells and whistles" light and energy-based gizmos that are so heavily promoted out there. You might wish to consider a consultation with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment expert. Injection treatment takes only a couple of minutes to perform and engenders little to no significant downtime, such as you experienced with your prior device treatments. Hope this helps save you money, time, and additional frustration.

Should I get CO2 laser for this scar or IPL laser as a next step? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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