Fractional CO2 laser vs Profound RF-which would you recommend ?

Question

I am a 56 year old female looking to improve overall texture and tone to my skin, get rid of fine lines, and have it look smoother and all one color as well as tighten the skin. Would you recommend a fractional CO2 laser OR profound.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Profound RF is great for texture, and improvement to fine lines and wrinkles because it increases collagen and elastin production. As far as your skin looking smoother and all one color, I would recommend having a full facial overhaul with skin care products as well as a laser resurfacing treatment with Co2.

I hope this helps. Be well.

I hope this helps. Be well.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fraxel and/or Co2 are best for resurfacing, but erbium is a good alternative. I always combine lasers with microneedling/prp and sculptra for more robust outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

It depends on your skin conditions and skin type. This is why a consultation with an experienced physician is always a must.
Ablative CO2 fractional laser is the best in improving skin texture, wrinkles and laxity. But it can only be performed in skin type up to 3 and sometimes 4. RF instead is color blind so it can be done in darker skin tone very safely.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is by far the best for your situation. I don't recommend multiple treatment types done at the same time, as some may not be necessary. A very important point to keep in mind: any treatment is only as good as the experience and skill of the doctor performing it.  Make sure your doctor has the skill and the experience, and don't rely solely on before and after pictures. If I am going to show you before and after photos, will I show you my best or my worst? Can anyone show you your result? No. Just be prudent in your selection.

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

For rejuvenation purposes such as this, fractional CO2 is still hard to beat, especially for lighter skin types.  I like the Lumenis Ultrapulse or Candela CO2RE.  There is a 5-7 day down time, but results can be outstanding, and certainly worth the procedure and downtime.  Seek an experienced laser specialist.  Best wishes, Shobhan.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

CO2 will give you a more predictable outcome than RF using Profound. Yes, the initial thoughts that high energy RF via insulated needles with ePrime or Profound can tighten skin, but results are extremely viable. CO2 on the other hand is extremely predicable in its outcome. Like others have eluded, see a Board Certified Plastics or Dermatologist trained and competent in this procedure.80% Specialist, 20% device. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Fractional CO2 laser vs Profound RF-which would you recommend ?

Answers (7)

More Fractional Laser Questions

Best treatment for inner thigh burn scars from laser.

What could be causing redness and swelling after cream application?

CO2 fractional laser vs. microneedling for acne scars. (Photos)

What should the intervals be for fractional laser resurfacing for someone in their 20s?

Does the 1540 fractionated non-ablative laser damage the hair follicles on the face?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS