CO2 laser or Sciton Profractional for this scar? (photo)

Question

I do not know for resurfacing which laser is a better option. Will excision to make the scar become a fine line is also a choice in this case.

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

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question Stephanie25. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is an
outstanding treatment that can address multiple aspects of aging in a single
treatment. Fractional laser resurfacing can be used for atrophic or indented scars. There are multiple types and all are appropriate: Erbium:YAG, Erbium:YSGG (Pearl), and CO2. CO2 generates the most heat and stimulates collagen formation faster and with fewer treatments in my experience. Caution must be used in patients with darker skin types to prevent hyperpigmentation. Please consult with a doctor for specific
recommendations. Good luck!

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

Either one session of fully ablative laser resurfacing of the whole nose, or multiple smaller sessions of fractionated co2 or erbium pro fractional should provide good improvement for this one.  It is difficult in this photo, but perhaps even a few sessions of TCA CROSS may improve things with minimal downtime.  Surgery in this area may worsen the scar or require a skin graft or flap for closure, so really that is a last resort.

CO2 laser or Sciton Profractional for this scar? (photo)

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CO2 laser or Sciton Profractional for this scar? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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