How many sessions of carbon laser peel do you typically need to see improvements with acne and congestion?

Question

I am considering getting the carbon laser peel for acne and congestion. How many sessions do typical patients normally require to see improvements with their acne and congestion? Also can you expect to have breakouts post procedure? I mostly suffer from adult hormonal acne and whiteheads on my cheeks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Although you can do a superficial “peel” using a CO2 Laser, the most common, especially for acne scars, is a leveling peel that takes off all the epidermis and about half the dermis. The superficial ones rarely do anything for acne scars whereas the leveling ones do an excellent job and it only has to be done once. Another option is a CO2 Laser that is modified to what is called Fraxal laser. This simply pokes holes in the shin. It, or its equivalent, micro needling, cause production of collagen that eventually corrects the problem. No matter what you do, the first thing you need to do is start tretinoin to begin stimulating collagen in the dermis. Make sure you see someone who not only understands the different treatment modalities but also skin rejuvenation in general.

How many sessions of carbon laser peel do you typically need to see improvements with acne and congestion?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Peel

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

How many sessions of carbon laser peel do you typically need to see improvements with acne and congestion?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Peel

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