What to Know About CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- Posted on: Feb 8 2023
Whether it’s age or lifestyle, nothing can be more frustrating for many men and women than seeing wrinkles, lines, and blemishes on their faces. These issues can not only make you look much older than you are, but they can also make you feel self-conscious about the way that others may see you. While there are many different options available to you for correcting these skin concerns, one of the most trusted methods is laser treatments. Below, we will dive a little deeper into one of the best laser treatments, a CO2 laser, to combat age-related and lifestyle-related skin issues to help you look and feel your absolute best.
What Exactly Is a CO2 Laser?
There are two laser options when it comes to cosmetic treatments for the skin. The first is an Erbium laser, and the second is a Fractional CO2 laser. While both of these laser treatments work in similar ways, CO2 lasers are generally considered the best to treat deeper and more extensive skin issues. That’s why CO2 lasers are the go-to for many cosmetic practices, including Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa.
The CO2 laser is an ablative procedure that exfoliates the skin. This means that the laser actively removes the outermost layer of the skin, allowing new cells to replace the old ones and for healthy skin to become more visible. However, the benefits of this procedure do not end there. Instead, CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the deep layers of the skin. These proteins act to strengthen and tighten the skin, which means that more collagen and elastin will result in healthier and firmer skin on the face.
How Is This Procedure Performed?
For your procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment areas. Once this topical anesthetic has set in, your provider will direct pulses of laser light to the treatment areas. This light penetrates the outer layers of skin, essentially destroying them. Unlike other resurfacing treatments, like chemical peels, the damaged outer layers of skin will be removed during your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. In general, CO2 laser treatments will take up to 90 minutes in total, including the time between the application of the anesthesia. Once the treatment is finished, you can begin your recovery process with the confidence that your skin will soon look soft, smooth, and beautiful.
What Can I Expect for My Recovery & Results?
Because CO2 laser resurfacing uses an ablative laser to remove the top layer of your skin, there will be a recovery period. This period is usually one to two weeks, though the recovery time depends largely on the specific patient and treatment. Immediately after surgery, we use occlusive dressings to cover the skin for three to four days, which greatly reduces discomfort and accelerates healing. During your recovery period, your skin may feel sensitive and itchy, but this will subside as your skin continues to heal. To alleviate any discomfort and to ensure optimal results, it is important to follow all of your post-treatment instructions, which may include an ointment, ice, and pain medication.
Whether your skin frustrations are limited to wrinkles, stretch marks, or skin laxity, or you have more specific issues like acne scars, birthmarks, and sun-damaged skin, you can look forward to a clearer and smoother complexion after your CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment. No longer will you feel self-conscious about your appearance; now you will be able to look at your reflection and smile at what you see!
To schedule your consultation or to learn more about CO2 laser resurfacing, call Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa today at 239-379-8924, or fill out our online contact form.
Posted in: Facial Rejuvenation