What are the alternatives to fractional laser treatment?

[CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/) removes or heats more of the surface skin than many fractional approaches. It may be considered for pronounced texture change or wrinkles, but usually requires more downtime and careful wound care. It is not automatically suitable for every skin tone or pigment concern.

A scar may need a different plan from a wrinkle. Raised scars such as [Hypertrophic Scar](/conditions/hypertrophic-scar/) or [Keloid Scars](/conditions/keloid/) can worsen after poorly chosen injury, so scar control may take priority over resurfacing. A [Skin Graft](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-graft/) replaces damaged skin and is reserved for selected defects rather than routine texture improvement.

Ask for the diagnosis before choosing a device. A flat burn scar, a raised scar, fine lines around the eyes, and darkening after inflammation do not respond in the same way. Share your history of pigment changes, cold sores, poor wound healing, keloids, isotretinoin use, and sun exposure.

Discuss the treatment depth, anaesthesia, healing routine, sun avoidance, and time away from work. If the concern is [Crow's Feet](/conditions/crows-feet/), the clinician may prioritise delicate eye-area planning. Dark patches resembling [Exogenous Ochronosis](/conditions/ochronosis/) need diagnosis before a resurfacing procedure.

Have a scar or dark patch examined before cosmetic treatment if it is changing, bleeding, painful, itchy, spreading, or becoming raised. After resurfacing, seek prompt care for increasing redness, severe pain, blisters, pus, fever, eye symptoms, or a sudden change in skin colour.

What is the exact scar or skin diagnosis? Could this treatment worsen pigment or scar height? How deep will treatment go? What wound care and sun protection will I need, and what is the plan if healing is delayed?