Is Co2 laser a good option for crepey stomach skin? (Photo)

Question

I’m 36 and have some crepey skin on my stomach that I think is from sun damage. I wanted to ask if an ablative laser or a fractional laser treatment would be better for this, and what you would recommend. I have a tanned skin all year around.

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

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

CO2 laser can improve crepey skin by stimulating collagen, but it’s a more aggressive treatment — especially on the body, where healing is slower than the face.
Ablative CO2 carries a higher risk of pigment changes in darker or recently tanned skin. In many cases, fractional or non-ablative options may be safer, but it depends on your exact skin type and how much laxity you’re trying to improve.
The best next step is an in-person evaluation with a laser-experienced dermatologist who can assess your skin tone, degree of crepiness, and discuss risk vs. downtime before choosing a device.

Is Co2 laser a good option for crepey stomach skin? (Photo)

Answers (2)

More CO2 Laser Questions

My under eye and upper eye lid shows aging - will C02 help? (Photo)

Will CO2 laser help my under eye wrinkles much? (Photo)

Significant facial sun damage - what is the best way to treat this? (Photo)

29F with prominent under eye creases when smiling, genetic under eye hollows & strong cheeks. CO2 Laser or Lower Bleph? (Photo)

Will C02 laser make my nasolobial folds worse? (Photo)

Bumps under skin - will C02 laser be effective to treat this? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS