A. I would suggest that you consider Fractional CO2 resurfacing. I use the Lumenis Active/Deep FX (also known as Total FX) system. This is an ablative procedure, so be prepared for a week of downtime (oozing and red and no make-up allowed), but it will give you the most dramatic and long lasting results.
Q. I have sun damage and wrinkles and want to do a laser treatment. After doing some research, I am confused as to whether I should do Fraxel or Active FX. Which is better?
A. Well, in some ways, this is like choosing between a great fish and meat dish on the menu. Both are good. Both work great for sun damage and wrinkles. In general, you will get more improvement of pigment and wrinkles with fewer treatments of Active/ Deep FX than you will with Fraxel. The new Dual Fraxel is the best version so far and does in one treatment what 3 old Fraxel Restore treatments would do, but it still gives less dramatic improvement than one treatment with fractional CO2. The trade off is the oozing and downtime when you cannot wear any make-up for a week with Active FX. In a pinch, you can put make-up on after one day with the Dual, although you don't look really good for 5 days.
Q. I am an African American female with acne scars. I have had mild keloids on my chest when I picked some acne blemishes, but there were keloids after I got ear and body piercings. Can I get Fractional CO2 resurfacing?
A. In my opinion, you are not a candidate for CO2. The keloid risk for facial resurfacing is small, but the risk of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation makes me think Fraxel Restore or Cooltouch C3 are better options.
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