The acne scar co2 laser treatment is performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It is considered state of the art technology for laser surgery and is revered by laser surgeons. Is ease of use and precision is unmatched. This laser treatment is best suited to atrophic scars or depressed scars that don't have deep pits. More surface or facial scars respond well to the treatment.
Scars that have already been treated will be more difficult to treat with the CO2 laser. If you are on Accutane (isotretinoin, roaccutane) or have taken Accutane, you should stop it for at least 6 months before using the co2 laser treatment. Do not go on this treatment if you have a skin infection or inflammatory disease.
What is acne scar co2 laser treatment?
A laser beam passes through a carbon dioxide (CO2)gas-filled chamber and performs collagen remodeling. The laser removes one layer of skin at a time, which can eliminate more surface scars. The heat from the laser also makes the skin tight and smoothes out scars.
The surgeon may give you some intravenous anesthesia before the procedure.
How long does it take to see results?
You likely will see results at about 18 months. The best results occur when this type of laser resurfacing is used in combination with other treatments, like topical creams that help to speed the healing process. Laser treatment is great for getting rid of more shallow boxcar scars, reducing wrinkles, and smoothing out and tightening existing scars.
Does acne scar co2 laser treatment have disadvantages?
This method for acne scar treatment does have its downsides. For one, healing is painful and takes a long time. Some people experience redness for many months, while others experience changes in skin color. In darker skin, the acne scar co2 laser treatment can cause noticeable skin color changes.
Helpful healing tips after acne scar co2 laser treatment
Carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser resurfacing of atrophic scars
-Work with your dermatologist to find a topical cream to help your healing process along.
-Use ice or a cooling mask if necessary.
-Always keep your skin clean.
-Make sure you see your surgeon or practitioner for follow-up.
-Treat any side effects or complications right away.
Alternative laser treatment - Erbium:YAG laser
The Erbium laser is not as harsh as the co2 laser. It produces less heat and therefore results in less redness and faster healing. However, it does not perform collagen remodeling as well as the co2 laser.
Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own face skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your- best-acne.treatment.com/
2 comments:
Hi... 10 years ago I had CO2 laser skin resurfacing above my lips and around my mouth; the problem is I no longer tan where the surgeon used the laser. For the last 10 years I mostly have stayed indoors in the summer because it looks so stupid if I get any sun at all. What do you think is the best option to fix this as I\'m sick of hiding all summer. I have considered IPL but am afraid that as soon as I go outside the problem will return, maybe the solution would be to have my face completely lasered again and maybe if my whole face is done then the pigmentation might be uniform. What do you suggest? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If melanocytes in lasered area are gone, they are probably not coming back, however lasering the rest of your face will not necessarily have the exact same de-pigmentation effect, so you may end up with two different areas of abnormal pigmentation. I think de-pigmentation is not the right reason to use CO2 laser. There are substances (skin lighteners) that inhibit tanning / pigmentation (e.g. hydroquinone, kojic acid, etc) but if you use them, be very careful with sun exposure and use good full-range sunscreen.
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