Ask Dr. Schultz
Is there a better laser for ice pick scars?
Six months ago, I had co2 laser resurfacing performed on my face to help minimize my ice pick scars. It was done 3 times. My scars did not improve that much. Is this type of laser the most effective or is there more that I can do to minimize my scars more? Thank you.
CO2 lasers are much more effective for shallow, gently sloping crater shaped scars than ice pick scars. Ice pick scars are much better treated by very small “punch excisions” (2-4 mm) and tiny sutures of each ice pick scar, all done with local anesthesia. Afterward, for one week, patients then cover the treated areas with antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. With this, we get great results.