Is a fractional CO2 laser treatment followed by IPL treatments best to treat my minor boxcar scarring and rosacea? (Photo)

 Fractional CO2 and IPL treatments can often times be done together in one session to treat both acne scarring and the hyperpigmentation that is often associated from it.  IPL therapy is a great treatment for rosacea as well.

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

In my opinion, lasers don't lift scars. Utilizing infini or subcision with the CO2 laser will most probably get a better result. IPL and Vascular lasers are good for the redness and telangiectasia of rosacea. The CO2 laser should be performed first and then IPL a few weeks after the CO2. Find a laser expert. Ask to see photos.

Thank you for your question. CO2 treatments are great for acne scarring and sun damage. IPL laser treatments greatly improve rosacea as well as sun damage. A combination of the two treatments would significantly improve all of the issues you are experiencing. Please consult with a Board certified Plastic Surgeons office to determine if these treatments are right for you.  

Thanks for the photo! IPL is actually the gold standard treatment for treating rosacea. It is important to realize that rosacea is a chronic disease so we are unable to cure it, but we can do an excellent job in keeping this under control using IPL treatments. I suggest to my patients that once the redness and broken blood vessels are under control (could take up to 3-5 treatments), then it is advisable to do a maintenance treatment every 6-12 months depending on your level of control. Either a CO2 or Erbium fractional laser should improve the boxcar scars. I would suggest you consult a cosmetic physician who is experienced in IPL and fractional laser scar treatments since you can have both treatments at the same time. Best wishes,  Mary Beth Mudd