Would fractionated carbon dioxide laser be helpful for me with acne scars?

Dr. Irwin
June 3, 2010
Re: Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser I was most interested in your article on this laser. I have acne-related scars including depressions in my skin. Also, I had some hypertrophic scars excised, which resulted in deeper depressions. To date I have done 5 treatments of Fraxel at ever increasing strengths. I have just had 2 treatments 3 weeks apart at Fraxel\'s highest level (i.e. level 12). Yet I STILL have the aforementioned scars. They have faded a bit, but they\'re still there and quite noticeable. Do you think the Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser would be a good option for me. If the answer is yes, do you know of a dermatologist located in NYC who has the necessary expertise w/ this laser? Thanks for your help, Simone

It’s a bit difficult without being able to see you or knowing your age.  But, yes, usually the fractionated CO2 is more effective than the Fraxel Restore for acne scarring.  If you are 30 years old and have minimal to moderate scarring, the Fraxel Restore could be perfect.  But if you are older or have more severe scarring, I would recommend the Deka “DOT” system for you or the Lumenis Deep Fx.   Fraxel makes a Co2 system also called the Fraxel Repair which is not as good, in my opinion, as the two other systems I mentioned for acne scarring.

An experienced, excellent cosmetic dermatologist in NYC who has a DOT system is Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas.   Good luck!  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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