CO2 Laser Acne Scar Removal

Searching online for before and after photos of CO2 laser for acne scar removal will bring up pages and pages of dermatologic surgeons. It is important to note that in before and after photos of CO2 laser use for acne scar removal, the before photo usually shows someone without makeup, in bad lighting, and frowning. Then in the after photo, they have makeup and so on. You should look past these factors and try to judge the job done on the acne scars only, not how good they look overall. Also, it may be one way by which you can judge the doctor, but there are many other factors to consider before laying yourself under his or her knife.

It is important to make sure the surgeon has all the right certifications and hospital priveleges. When you meet with them, they should fully answer your questions, and be rational and realistic in their promises to you. It would help if you also are realistic, and so reading about CO2 laser for acne scar removal is an important part of getting yourself ready for this major decision.

Dermatologists have been using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for acne scar removal since 1964. It is one of five types of lasers that are now in use. But even among CO2 lasers, there is great variation among surgeons as to how they actually use the laser, which may affect the final results. First, there are two types of CO2 lasers, ultra-short pulse beam and the scanned/shutter system. Both deliver a short hot pulse of laser light directly to the cells that the surgeon has targeted, but they deliver the laser light in different ways. Variation also exists in the preoperative procedures, the number of laser passes delivered, whether or not the burned tissue is removed between the passes of the laser, the degree of pulse or scan overlap, and postoperative wound care. Before the operation, the surgeon may prescribe antiviral cream and antibiotic cream, but the latter seems to be not as important. They may choose to use nerve blocks, or just anesthetic cream to make you more comfortable. There’s no agreement among all surgeons on the numbers of passes or degree of pulse/scan overlap. Some research has suggested that removing the dead tissue between passes of the laser makes the treatment more effective. Postoperative treatments are of three kinds: a closed dressing, a closed dressing with some topical creams, and topical creams only. The whole purpose of these postoperative treatments is to keep the area moist. Hopefully, if all goes well, new smooth skin will grow in where there was scarred skin before.

The CO2 laser for acne scar removal is best for those acne scars which are not too high or too deep. If the scars are too big, then another technique may be used before or after laser treatment. CO2 laser works best for acne scar removal on the face, because the face has the highest concentration of hair-follicle units, which will provide the cells that will replace skin that is being abraded.

Some previous treatments will make it less likely that CO2 laser for acne scar removal will work for you. Isotrentinoin within 6 months to a year makes scarring more likely. Previous laser resurfacing, or phenol peel, or even dermabrasion would make the area less able to heal quickly. You should be cautious about CO2 lasers for acne scar removal if your skin has a tendency to form keloid (raised) scars, or if you have had previous radiation and sun exposure to the area, or if you smoke.