Fractional co2 vs. Picosure focus for acne scar?

Question

Doctors, can someone tell me the difference between the two lasers in terms of result, number of tx required, collagen remodelling capability, etc? I understand that picosure has zero to minimal downtime and does not use heat energy. Are both lasers equal in terms of end result? Will lets say 3 pico is equally the same with 3 fractional co2? Or if one of the laser yeilds faster results in days/weeks/months?

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. Picosure  penetrates the skin to create areas of localized thermal damage. However, PicoSure technology combines a dual approach when treating skin conditions: a photo thermal process and a photomechanical impact based on ultra-short pulse duration. This combination of photothermolysis and intense photomechanical impact, known as Pressure Wave™, breaks up the intended target while allowing the surrounding area to remain undamaged. With the addition of the FLA, each pulse is redistributed into microscopic patterns of ultra-high fluency tightly focused regions, embedded in a low fluency background . It is this combined effect that restores normal skin elasticity in the scar tissue and thus reducing the appearance of the scar, whereas c02 fraxel works on the principle of micro needling which creates injury to the skin which helps in collagen remodeling and resurfacing , thus works on acne scars. For acne scars fraxel still holds an edge as it clears of the skin faster but it comes with downtime. 3 pico might be equal to 2 fraxel. Hope it helps.All The Best

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

Picosure will not help acne scarring as there is no ablation, and the deep heating really only does a small amount of rejuvenation.  fractional co2 is the gold standard for acne scars but has more downtime.  I suggest seeing an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jennifer Chwalek, MD · Answer

Hi- Acne scars can be treated with a variety of lasers.  The degree of improvement you see will also depend on the type of acne scar you have and how severe the scarring is.  For this reason it would be a good idea to have a consultation with someone who specializes in laser surgery and who has several devices.  In general, CO2 lasers are the gold standard when it comes to treating scars, wrinkles and photorejuvenation; but there is more downtime associated with a fractional CO2 treatments (than a picosecond laser or nonablative laser). It typically can take weeks even months to see results and depending on how severe your scars are you may need to do a few treatments.  Picosecond lasers have also been used to treat acne scars with some success. With these lasers there is no significant downtime.  There are no published studies comparing both lasers. However, I've used both lasers and from my experience I've seen much more dramatic improvement with fractional CO2 resurfacing. If your acne scarring is more mild you may see improvement with a picosecond laser (but I would expect to do multiple treatments over the course of several months). If you're concerned about downtime with the fractional CO2 you may also want to consider microneedling, which can be a good treatment for acne scars.  Best, Dr. Chwalek

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Bottom line, Co2 works much better, however side effects in ethnic skin types are higher- namely PIH or skin darkening. I do use PICOSURE FOCUS for early scars, or dark scars in ethnic skin types. Video explains lasers and other methods to treat scars. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Fractional co2 vs. Picosure focus for acne scar?

Answers (5)

More CO2 Laser Questions

Is it OK to have fractional CO2 after PicoSure Focus?

Experience using Lumenis Acupulse CO2 Laser?

What is better-- fractional or non-fractional CO2 laser?

Will CO2 laser treatment worsen melasma?

CT scan after CO2 laser

Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS