Fractional CO2 laser as a spot treatment

In our practice we do not spot treat with the fractional laser, unless it is only the eyelids. We recommend treating the entire face, and may treat certain scarred areas deeper at the same time.

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

As a general rule spot treatment per se is not typically done but it really varies based upon the severity etc.  Most of the time you at least want to treat the entire cosmetic unit.  Those cosmetic unit examples would include: entire face; nose; forehead; around the eye; around the mouth; etc.The cosmetic unit is based upon similar skin types/ characteristics within a general area.  Thus I would expect a cosmetic unit treatment at a minimum.