Fractional CO2 laser treatment and microneedling are two of the most common in-office procedures dermatologists use to deal with acne scars. Experts in acne scar treatments like SozoClinic.sg knows how to deal with each type of acne scar the right way, and they’re here to show you which of the two acne scar treatments will work the best for you.
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Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment is a non-invasive type of acne scar treatment that aims to remove the outermost layers of the damaged skin. The primary function of laser treatment is to break up scar tissues formed by healed acne breakouts from the past. This procedure doesn’t completely eradicate acne scars, but it reduces their appearance significantly.
Lasers, by design, utilises light as energy, and dermatologists use them to specifically target affected areas of the skin. Fractional CO2 lasers can also treat other skin problems such as sagging skin, warts, and hyperpigmentation.
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment is excellent for treating deep scars and pitting. It’s also less harsh than other types of scar treatments dermatologists use today.
How It Works
Dermatologists use a tube filled with carbon dioxide to deliver infrared light to the targeted tissue. Once the skin absorbs the infrared light, it vaporises the damaged tissues, eliminating damaged skin cells from the affected area. The damage done by the laser results also plumps the skin and promotes collagen production.
Pros
- It can solve deep scarring and pitting. This treatment is excellent for deep and indented scars. This treatment triggers collagen regeneration which causes the skin to tighten up and give it a firmer and taut appearance.
- Less harsh than other acne scar treatments. This treatment is non-surgical, meaning no incisions or open wounds are involved. This also means that the pain will be minimal.
- Fractional benefits. This treatment will only impact the affected tissues and not the adjacent tissues around them. This translates to a less intense healing process, faster downtime, and gentler recovery.
Cons
- It can’t remove acne scars altogether. The fractional CO2 laser can only make acne scars less noticeable, but it can’t eliminate the scars completely.
- Medical consultation is necessary before treatment. Suppose you smoke, get cold sores, take any medications or supplements, or have severe medical conditions like diabetes. In that case, you need to inform your dermatologist about it first.
- Sun protection after the treatment is non-negotiable. After having laser treatment, you need to take extra steps to protect your skin from the sun. If the sun’s harmful rays hit your skin, you might develop new scars.
Why Choose Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is ideal for individuals who want to reduce the appearance of their acne scars, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other skin similar conditions. Dermatologists also recommend this procedure for people who have non-responsive skin because of a bad facelift.
Why Avoid Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
While this laser treatment is gentler than other acne scar treatments, it’s not for everyone. There are some restrictions for people who want to undergo this procedure. If you suffer from extensive acne breakouts, have open wounds, or have any infections, you should steer clear from this treatment.
Individuals with severe medical issues such as diabetes should think twice before attempting to have a laser treatment. As mentioned earlier, you need to have a medical consultation first, so the dermatologist knows if you’re qualified for the procedure or not.
Microneedling
Microneedling acne scars involves methodically pricking your skin to force it to heal. Experts believe that doing so will promote collagen formation and heal the wounds created by the needles. Known to many as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can help people looking for ways to reduce their acne scars’ severity.
How It Works
In this procedure, the dermatologist will use tiny needles to gently apply pressure on the affected skin, creating thousands of microdermal wounds. These injuries will force the skin to begin the healing process and increase collagen production, promoting healthy skin cells turnover.
This procedure depends on healthy skin response, and younger patients are ideal candidates because they renew cells faster.
Pros
Lessen the appearance of acne scars. Wounding your skin for scar healing seems counter-intuitive. Still, experts support the science of pricking the skin to reduce acne scars significantly. Our body responds to microdermal injuries by generating tissues rich in collagen.
Keeps up with collagen decline. Collagen tends to decline as people age — this decrease in collagen production results in skin conditions such as wrinkles, sags, and age spots. Microneedling can spike our body’s collagen production to keep our skin smoother and free from imperfections.
Reduces skin discolouration. Microneedling can solve melanin imbalance that causes skin discolouration and pigmentation irregularities. The injuries done by the procedure will result in new layers of skin that are more uniform in colour and texture.
Cons
There are some side effects. One common side effect of microneedling is minor skin irritation right after the procedure. Aside from that, you should also expect skin redness for a couple of days. Some rare side effects like bleeding, bruising, and infection require medical attention.
Beauty products are not allowed for the first few days. Applying beauty products such as makeup, moisturiser, and sunscreen is not allowed after the procedure. You’d have to wait for 2 to 3 days before you can apply effects on the affected areas again.
It can potentially create more scars. If your skin scars easily, you should tell your dermatologist about it. Microneedling can be counterproductive in your case. The procedure could result in more scars on top of the ones from healed acne breakouts.
Why Choose Microneedling
Microneedling is ideal for people who are not only looking to reduce their acne scars but also improve their skin texture. It’s true that this procedure significantly reduces scarring, but it also softens and smoothens the affected area. Aside from scars, microneedling can also care for blackheads, enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Why Avoid Microneedling
An ideal candidate for microneedling is someone who has skin conditions that are treatable with microneedling. Individuals with acne breakouts, active inflammation, and other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema should avoid this treatment altogether.
Pregnant women and individuals undergoing radiation therapy are also advised to avoid microneedling.
Which Acne Scar Treatment Is For You?
The best way to know what scar treatment will work for you is to consult your dermatologist. They know what procedure will work effectively based on your skin type and health condition.