Skin still red 1 year after CO2 laser treatment on scars located on my areolas. Are these scars now permanent?

Question

In June of 2017, I received one treatment of co2 laser therapy on gynecomastia scars located at the bottom of my aerolas. Weeks after redness has still persisted and because of this I ceased additional treatments. It has now been over 12 months and I see little to no improvement in the redness of the scaring from the co2 laser. Are these scars now permanent? Will it take more time? What can be done to fix this issue? Thanks

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Redness can be improved with lasers (ProYellow, Excel V and VBeam) and microneedling/prp. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sarah B. Sawyer, MD · Answer

Hi there. In my 15 years of laser experience I have always gotten great results with my pulsed dye (VBeam) laser for red scars. In addition to blunting the inflammation, you can get improved results in the actual scar. Low energies are recommended and multiple treatments, but this is the course I would take. Hope this helps! Dr. Sawyer

Skin still red 1 year after CO2 laser treatment on scars located on my areolas. Are these scars now permanent?

Answers (2)