I'm thinking of following up my C02 laser acne scar treatment with a series of treatments with the Palomar Icon 1540nm XD laser. How long should I wait before starting my first treatment? I'm told the C02 can only produce about a 50% improvement which is why I plan on following it up with the Icon laser.
August 16, 2017
Answer: Combination therapy likely will achieve superior results It sounds as though you desire to be aggressive in your therapy. There are many factors to consider, not only the devices used or time separating treatments. I have the equipment you describe and use them nearly everyday. It's excellent equipment with which I or another skilled practitioner can accomplish much with. I frequently utilize both devices during the same session. However, post Co2, I'd generally give at least 6 weeks to let a good portion of healing from the Co2 treatment occur. If your a skin type 1 to 3, you're likely reasonably safe to receive a treatment after a few weeks, provided your practitioner is fully informed of your prior therapies. In other words, it may be possible, but I'd wait for at least 80% of the Co2 results and error on the side of reasonable caution. The Palamar Icon 1540 on its' own likely won't get you to where you hope to be as fast as a combination therapy will. A combination therapy will deliver superior results. However, the delivery of a combination therapy won't help as much if performed incorrectly. For example; using the 1540 followed by microneedling and PRP simply applied topically (surface of skin) will have no where near the result as also properly injecting the PRP under the scar. When properly performed in a manner that the PRP hydro-dissects and breaks up the underlying scar tissue, conventional subcision is not required. This method better promotes normal tissue regeneration absent scar reformation. If you have not already done so, first get your acne under control. First identify and address the root cause of your acne. If you have not, you will simply be going in circles with flares and costly repairs. Warmly, Arbella Sarkis, MD
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August 16, 2017
Answer: Combination therapy likely will achieve superior results It sounds as though you desire to be aggressive in your therapy. There are many factors to consider, not only the devices used or time separating treatments. I have the equipment you describe and use them nearly everyday. It's excellent equipment with which I or another skilled practitioner can accomplish much with. I frequently utilize both devices during the same session. However, post Co2, I'd generally give at least 6 weeks to let a good portion of healing from the Co2 treatment occur. If your a skin type 1 to 3, you're likely reasonably safe to receive a treatment after a few weeks, provided your practitioner is fully informed of your prior therapies. In other words, it may be possible, but I'd wait for at least 80% of the Co2 results and error on the side of reasonable caution. The Palamar Icon 1540 on its' own likely won't get you to where you hope to be as fast as a combination therapy will. A combination therapy will deliver superior results. However, the delivery of a combination therapy won't help as much if performed incorrectly. For example; using the 1540 followed by microneedling and PRP simply applied topically (surface of skin) will have no where near the result as also properly injecting the PRP under the scar. When properly performed in a manner that the PRP hydro-dissects and breaks up the underlying scar tissue, conventional subcision is not required. This method better promotes normal tissue regeneration absent scar reformation. If you have not already done so, first get your acne under control. First identify and address the root cause of your acne. If you have not, you will simply be going in circles with flares and costly repairs. Warmly, Arbella Sarkis, MD
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August 15, 2017
Answer: Get Your Money's Worth... Thanks for your question. You really should ask the physician doing the treatments. Each doctor will have their own protocol. If you were our patient, we would encourage you to wait. It can take 6 months to see the full results from any resurfacing treatment. You are trying to remodel your skin from the bottom up. It just takes time. You probably need to wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks for your skin to heal. We would recommend waiting at least 3 months. Best of luck.
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August 15, 2017
Answer: Get Your Money's Worth... Thanks for your question. You really should ask the physician doing the treatments. Each doctor will have their own protocol. If you were our patient, we would encourage you to wait. It can take 6 months to see the full results from any resurfacing treatment. You are trying to remodel your skin from the bottom up. It just takes time. You probably need to wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks for your skin to heal. We would recommend waiting at least 3 months. Best of luck.
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