PRP with micro needling or CO2 Laser to reduce acne scars? (photos)

Question

Cyctic. I had PRP done with micro needling. I only had one session of PRP and now my medical aesthetician is recommending that I go for Co2 Laser, which according to them could reduce my scars by 80% and then use PRP. Is Co2 a good option for my skin type? My skin is light brown. P.S I did see a slight improvement with with the PRP and was wondering if two more PRP sessions with micro needling be a better option than Co2 Laser. Thank you and I would really appreciate your feedback. -Sameen

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

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for this question. Acne requires lifetime treatments and a series of PRP injections followed by a series of microneedling is likely to results in the best outcomes. CO2 lasers have a long recovery process. Deeper lesions respond well to filler injection/subcision.
Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Shalini Gupta, MD · Answer

I think you could try the PRP Microneedling method a few more times if you are encouraged by the results.  Also consider dermal fillers such as bellafill to help with some of the depressed areas.  Other good options that are not as invsive as CO2 laser (which could cause permanent color changes in your skin) would be Profractional, Fraxel laser, and Venus Viva.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

Microneedling with platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a good treatment for acne scars with little downtime. The improvement is usually mild to moderate. You might benefit from subcision and filler for your more depressed scars. CO2 laser resurfacing is the most intense treatment for acne scars and the improvement can be moderate to significant. I don't make any promises in terms of a percentage improvement. Another option to consider is Fractora. This device combines the benefits of microneedling with the benefits of applying energy to the skin (like a CO2 laser) to induce neocollagenesis. The downtime is less than with a CO2 laser and it is safe for all skin types. Best of luck.

PRP with micro needling or CO2 Laser to reduce acne scars? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Consider #fractora for acne scar improvement

Answer: Consider #fractora for acne scar improvement

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Everything you need to know about PRP Injections

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PRP with micro needling or CO2 Laser to reduce acne scars? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Consider #fractora for acne scar improvement

Answer: Consider #fractora for acne scar improvement

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP Injections

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