Infini or CO2 laser better for shallow box scars and large pores? (Photo)

Question

My cheeks have large pores with orange peel texture and (shallow?) box scars. Is Infini RF or CO2 laser (full ablative or fractional) a more ideal treatment? Thank you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Both modalities obtain good results. The CO2 laser with full ablative has a longer downtime and more prolonged redness with the possibility of hyper pigmentation. The infini will require at least 3 treatments but with no downtime. I have found the combination of both treatments may give even better results. Please be aware that you should expect only a 50 to 70% improvement in your scarring.

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

Both devices will likely give you a results when performed by an experienced physician, over a series of treatments.  However, with your skin type and level of scarring, Infini will likely be less downtime, less risk of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation and still provide excellent results.  Best wishes, Shobhan.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Both methods can give you results- up to 70% improvement is our baseline. There are many other lasers and methods to improve your skin, see the Specialist above in Singapore for their thoughts, as they are prominent and experienced dermatologist. 
Acne scar revision is a sub-specialised field. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments and not just one device. The web reference below will take you to a resource to help you understand acne scar revision at a specialist level. I embedded all the videos in one page to help. 
  
For example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars can be treated with TCA CROSS peels, mixed scars, rolling, and atrophic scars treated with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, PRP and INFINI radiofrequency. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, or with HA dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that we use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision of focal scars. 
  
The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! All the best, 
  
Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.

Infini or CO2 laser better for shallow box scars and large pores? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: See Prof C.L GOH or Dr Joyce Lim for scars

Answer: See Prof C.L GOH or Dr Joyce Lim for scars

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Infini RF

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

Infini or CO2 laser better for shallow box scars and large pores? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: See Prof C.L GOH or Dr Joyce Lim for scars

Answer: See Prof C.L GOH or Dr Joyce Lim for scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Infini RF

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