CO2 Laser Treatment

Laser skin resurfacing with the Fractional Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser is one of the most effective procedures to improve skin quality and texture, while reducing fine and moderately deep lines. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing yields dramatic improvement in skin tone and texture. It even out pigmentation and eliminates sunspots, as well as smooths lines, including those around the mouth and eyes. By physically removing the top layers of damaged skin, CO2 laser resurfacing also has a medical benefit, removing pre-cancers and stimulating the growth of healthier younger skin.

What is the CO2 laser used for?

Because fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing targets lines, texture, tone, and brown spots, it’s used to overall rejuvenate the skin. It corrects color problems, eliminates fine lines, and tightens the skin, giving the entire face a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Although it is most often used to treat the face, the CO2 laser can be used to also improve:

• • Neck
  • Chest
  • Arms
  • Hand skin
  • Combined with surgical lifting procedures making it looks much more natural
  • Softens and eliminates vertical lines around the mouth and tightens eyelid skin

How does it work?

The fractionated CO2 laser works by focusing microscopic beams of light into the skin in a grid pattern. Because the laser targets water, a major component of the skin, it immediately vaporizes tissue when fired. Vaporized tissue removes brown spots and sun damage, and the resulting micro-wounds created by the laser stimulate a wound healing process that leads to collagen synthesis. This smoothens lines and tightens skin. Because there are small areas of “normal” skin between the micro-wounds, healing is accelerated. Typically, pink new skin is visible 5-10 days after the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for CO2 laser?

Healthy patients with realistic expectations who are seeking total skin rejuvenation or treatment of scars from surgery or acne are excellent candidates for fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. If you have active inflammatory skin conditions you may require treatment of these conditions before lasering and if you have very dark skin it is not the treatment for you because of the risk of changing the skin’s native color.

Before treatment:

We will define the problem areas and the treatment pattern to be used and take baseline pre-procedure photographs. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and having a family member or friend with you to drive you home after the procedure. Before treatment, you will receive an entire briefing of what to expect, potential risks and side effects, and how to care for yourself after the procedure.

The procedure:

A combination of topical and injected local anesthetic will be used to maximize your comfort before the procedure. General anesthesia is unnecessary and puts you at increased risks. Once numb and comfortable, your dermatologist will use a combination of treatment settings specifically tailored to your skin type and degree of rejuvenation desired. The whole procedure typically takes 1.5-2 hours.

After the procedure and results:

You will receive detailed instructions for postoperative care. Following these instructions is essential for maximizing your comfort, for achieving the best results, and to avoid complications.

After your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, you will look like you have a bad sunburn and your skin will be warm. Initially, swelling is usually most significant around the eyes. It is normal for the skin to be moist and even contain some crusting. Over the course of 3-5 days, the old damaged skin will begin to come off and light flaking will continue for up to 10 days. Although your skin can remain pink for a few weeks, most patients are able to apply make-up in 7-10 days post-treatment. Although your skin will be visibly tighter and smoother in 1 week after the procedure, final results are typically seen at 3-6 months later as it takes time for new collagen to synthesize.