Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Why We Love the MIXto CO2 Laser for Acne Scar Treatment

Acne is more than a cosmetic annoyance – it is a medical condition caused by a combination of bacteria, excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. For teenagers, persistent breakouts can feel devastating, affecting confidence and self-esteem during some of the most formative years of their lives. And acne doesn’t always end with adolescence. Millions of adults deal with stubborn, frustrating, and embarrassing acne well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Even after the active breakouts finally clear, the scars they leave behind can serve as an unwelcome daily reminder.

Over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and spot treatments may offer temporary improvement for mild breakouts, but they simply don’t have the strength to address the underlying causes of acne – or to repair the damage it leaves behind. That’s why seeing a board-certified dermatologist is essential. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg treat both active acne and the scars it produces – using the latest and most advanced treatments tailored to each patient’s skin. Among the many laser acne scar treatment options that we offer, the MIXto CO2 laser stands out for its ability to deliver deep, lasting improvement with less downtime than older laser systems.

Why You Need a Dermatologist for Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Many people spend years – and hundreds of dollars – trying to fade acne scars with drugstore products like retinol serums, vitamin C creams, and exfoliating acids. While these can help brighten the skin’s surface, they cannot reach the deeper dermal layers where acne scarring actually occurs. Acne scars form when the skin’s collagen structure is damaged during an inflammatory breakout, leaving behind depressions, pits, or raised areas that no topical product can fully correct.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) confirms that professional treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microneedling are far more effective than at-home remedies for acne scars. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan specialize in laser acne scar treatment, offering patients a thorough skin evaluation and a customized treatment plan for the smoothest, most even results possible.

It’s also worth noting that treating acne scars before the underlying acne is under control can lead to disappointing results. That’s why Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg take a comprehensive approach, addressing active breakouts first and then developing a laser acne scar treatment plan once the skin has stabilized.

How the MIXto CO2 Laser Works

The MIXto CO2 laser is a fractional carbon dioxide laser system that uses patented scanning technology to deliver precise columns of laser energy. Unlike traditional CO2 lasers that resurface the entire skin surface at once, the MIXto divides the treatment area into four quadrants and delivers energy in a non-sequential pattern. Each section of skin has maximum time to cool between passes – reducing discomfort and thermal damage while achieving powerful results.

When the CO2 laser energy contacts the skin, it vaporizes the outermost damaged layers and penetrates into the deeper dermis where acne scars originate. This controlled injury triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating new collagen and elastin production. Over the weeks and months following laser acne scar treatment, the skin rebuilds itself with smoother, healthier tissue – with new collagen production continuing for up to 12 months.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in upper east side Manhattan, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg carefully calibrate the MIXto’s depth, energy level, and density settings based on each patient’s scar type and skin characteristics – ensuring that every laser acne scar treatment session is both safe and effective.

How the MIXto CO2 Laser Treats Acne Scars

Acne scars come in several forms, and each type requires a slightly different approach. Ice pick scars are narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis. Boxcar scars are wider depressions with sharply defined edges. Rolling scars create a wave-like, uneven surface. The MIXto CO2 laser is especially effective for laser acne scar treatment because its fractional energy can be precisely targeted to match the depth and shape of each scar type.

For deeper scars like ice pick and boxcar varieties, the MIXto’s CO2 energy reaches into the mid-to-deep dermis, breaking down old scar tissue and stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers that gradually “fill in” the depressed areas. For shallower rolling scars, the laser smooths the skin’s surface while tightening the underlying tissue through immediate collagen contraction. Research published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences confirms that fractional CO2 lasers trigger both elastin regeneration and collagen remodeling to a greater degree than non-ablative laser systems – making them the preferred choice for moderate to severe acne scarring.

Board-certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan often see visible improvement in acne scars within two to four weeks of laser acne scar treatment, with continued smoothing and refinement over the following three to six months as new collagen develops beneath the skin’s surface.

Benefits of the MIXto Over Other Laser Acne Scar Treatments

There are many laser systems available for acne scar treatment, from non-ablative fractional lasers to fully ablative CO2 systems. So what makes the MIXto stand out? The answer lies in its ability to go deeper than superficial treatments while offering a gentler recovery than older CO2 lasers. Non-ablative lasers work beneath the skin’s surface without removing the top layer, which means less downtime – but also less dramatic results for moderate to severe scarring. The MIXto CO2 laser delivers the deeper tissue remodeling needed for significant laser acne scar treatment results.

At the same time, the MIXto’s fractional approach avoids the harsh drawbacks of traditional fully ablative CO2 resurfacing. Older CO2 lasers treated 100% of the skin’s surface, often requiring two to three weeks of recovery with significant swelling and a higher risk of complications including prolonged hyperpigmentation. The MIXto’s quadrant scanning technology reduces recovery time to approximately five to seven days – allowing patients to return to their routines much sooner after laser acne scar treatment.

Another important advantage of the MIXto is its safety profile across a wider range of skin tones. Traditional CO2 lasers carried a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker complexions. The MIXto’s precise energy control and fractional delivery reduce this risk, making laser acne scar treatment accessible to more patients. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg value this versatility, as they treat patients of all skin types in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The MIXto also uses a “CW Chopped” energy delivery system that produces a thin coagulated layer during laser acne scar treatment, resulting in less bleeding, reduced swelling, and a lower risk of infection – contributing to a more comfortable experience and smoother healing.

Laser Acne Scar Treatment | Manhattan

If you are living with acne scars that make you feel self-conscious, you don’t have to settle for over-the-counter products that barely make a difference. Schedule an appointment with board-certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan to learn how the MIXto CO2 laser can help you achieve smoother, clearer skin. Whether your scars are from teenage breakouts or adult acne, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg will create a personalized laser acne scar treatment plan designed to give you the results – and the confidence – you deserve.

Manhattan Laser Acne Scar Treatment: 212-405-8202