Can 1-2 sessions of Fractional CO2 laser treatment get rid of acne scars? How much improvement can I expect? (photo)

Question

I am getting a fractional CO2 laser done in 2 weeks. My doctor told me he could "smooth out my cheeks" within 1-1 1/2 procedures. This procedure is highly expensive and I am worried that his promise of smoothing out my texture was just to make money. I had cystic acne as a teen and still have small closed comedones that don't pop and remain on my cheeks no matter what topical or oral treatment I use. my acne scars are mostly boxcar and rolling. I just want to know the best treatment option.

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

A combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, Cosmelan, subcision and fillers. Co2 is the best laser for scars, but Erbium is a great alternative. It will take a series of treatments and may need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the success of the CO2 laser depends upon the type of your scars.  Lasers  do not lift scars. If you have deep saucer or rolling scars , a procedure to lift the scars such as subcision or infini is often performed first. Should you have ice pick scars, TCA cross will lift them prior to the procedure. After the skin is prepared, the CO2 can smooth out the remaining scars. Find an acne scar expert. Ask to see photos.
Acnescarnj.com

Can 1-2 sessions of Fractional CO2 laser treatment get rid of acne scars? How much improvement can I expect? (photo)

Answers (3)

More CO2 Laser Questions

Is the CO2 (lutronic) laser as effective as the fraxel repair?

Why do doctors keep doing CO2 lasers when there are so many people who are devastated because it ruined their skin?

How much does a CO2 laser for the face cost?

CO2 fractional laser settings: I'm 6 weeks post-op and I still have micro needle points all over my face.

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS