Microneedling with PRP vs CO2 laser?

Question

I recently had microneedling + prp done with Skinpen and I’ve seen some improvement, however I’ve been told that I need a few more sessions. Since each session has almost the same price as CO2 isn’t it better to go for the laser if I’m looking for dramatic results? I have very enlarged pores and some ice picks in the cheek area, that’s my major concern. Thanks

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

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Microneedling is recommended in a series of three.  Collagen and elastin is stimulated in the "cell engine" reticular  dermis.  The downtime for Microneedling is minimal, less than 12 hours vs Co2 laser.  Dramatic results takes time with any method that is not surgical.  Ice pick scars can best be treated with filler.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Microneedling with PRP is a great treatment option for acne scars. The benefit of the microneedling versus CO2 laser is that the microneedling has minimal downtime. I usually recommend that my patients start a series of 4 microneedling session spaced at 1 month intervals.

Pamela Kulback, MD · Answer

Hello, PRP with microneedling ( Vampire Facial) is an excellent treatment to improve skin health and treat scars. It takes time and may not completely resolve your scars. It will improve your large pores. The advantage is no downtime,unlike a CO2 laser. I would recommend treating your skin condition with radiofrequency microneedling ( Fractora) which has a more intense microneedling effect and results similar to CO2 laser, again without the down time. I would also use  PDO threads in the ice pick scar areas of your cheek ,which will give you lasting results, with filler to complete the treatment if not totally resolved with the threads and Fractora.
Pamela Kulback MD

Microneedling with PRP vs CO2 laser?

Answers (4)

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