Pulsed dye laser after CO2 laser or between treatments or after? (Photos)

Question

I just had fractional CO2 laser done and I'm thinking of doing PDL to reduce some pink tone in my cheeks from acne scarring. Here are my before pictures. Will PDL help with this pink tone? How many treatments would I need? Should I wait until after a second co2 laser treatment before trying PDL or does it not matter if I do PDL in March and get CO2 laser done next September? I had one co2 laser treatment laser December.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not unusual to experience some skin redness for a time after a CO2 laser treatment. Chances are, the redness will subside without intervention before your next CO2 treatment. If the redness really bothers you and your next CO2 treatment is some time away, you can talk to your doctor about a possible PDL treatment in between to help manage the redness.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert and going over your treatment plan.  redness can be treated with any vascular laser.  I suggest seeing an expert for a proper treatment plan.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Maki Goskowicz, MD · Answer

I would recommend you discuss your treatment plan with your physician.  As there can be residual redness from some treatments for acne scars, you should address your scars first, then work on redness and discoloration later, if needed.  If it really bothers you to be red between your scar treatments, and the treatments are pretty far apart, then you could consider a vascular laser in between.  Good luck!

Pulsed dye laser after CO2 laser or between treatments or after? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness and Acne Scars

Answer: Redness and Acne Scars

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Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

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Pulsed dye laser after CO2 laser or between treatments or after? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Redness and Acne Scars

Answer: Redness and Acne Scars

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

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