CO2 Skin Resurfacing

The treatment is done in-office, using topical or local anesthesia alongside sedative medications. It can address wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead, or a full-face resurfacing might be performed. After the procedure, cleansing and occlusive ointment application are recommended. Post-treatment care involves cleaning treated areas with saline or vinegar solution and applying Vaseline®, Eucerin®, or Aquaphor®. Recovery times range from 5 to 10 days based on treatment intensity.

CO2 laser resurfacing distinguishes itself through its ablative nature, particularly the Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing. This profound ablative treatment results in a pronounced cellular turnover. It's one of the pioneering and most comprehensive cosmetic laser treatments available. The laser targets and eliminates the outer damaged cell layer, stimulating new collagen growth and prompting the regeneration of fresh skin. While the recovery phase might span from a week to several weeks, the outcomes are notably transformative. In comparison, some other lasers, including IPL treatments, might be less intense or non-ablative, often producing less pronounced results.

The sensation is akin to a rubber band snapping on the skin. The experience varies with treatment depth and personal pain tolerance. Intensive CO2 treatments may involve anesthesia, while non-ablative treatments often use topical numbing cream.

You'll start noticing initial results within a few weeks post-treatment. The full impact becomes evident 3-6 months after the treatment as the skin fully heals. The enhancements from a CO2 laser procedure can last for several years.

One session might suffice for some based on their specific desired outcomes. However, many patients benefit from additional "micro laser peels" at reduced settings.

A standard session often spans roughly 30 minutes, influenced by the specific area being addressed. The duration ranges from 30 minutes to a full hour for more thorough treatments.

Once your skin has recovered, it's crucial to use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet B and A rays. Opt for a facial sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. To keep your skin hydrated, apply moisturizer generously. You can reintroduce Retin-A or glycolic acid products after six weeks or following your healthcare provider's guidance.

Yes, expect 3-7 days of downtime, varying with treatment intensity.

Waiting until the skin is fully healed before resuming exercise is recommended.

After the procedure, patients might notice:

1. Milia: Small white bumps or cysts might appear in the treated areas. These can be gently cleansed away or removed by a dermatologist.
2. Acne Flares: The skin may experience acne outbreaks, which might resolve naturally or require conventional acne treatments.
3. Pigmentation Changes: Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or, less commonly, hypopigmentation (lightening) may occur. Hyperpigmentation can often be treated with bleaching creams, while hypopigmentation is more challenging.
4. Cold Sore Reactivation: Laser resurfacing around the mouth might reactivate herpes simplex cold sores. Preventative measures include taking antiviral medicine before and after the procedure.
5. Bacterial Infections: To prevent infections, antibiotics might be prescribed before the surgery and continued post-procedure.
6. Swelling: Postoperative swelling is common, which can be managed with steroids, sleeping with an extra pillow, and using ice packs within the initial 24 to 48 hours.
7. Scarring: While rare, there's a possibility of scars forming in the treated areas.
8. Effects of Smoking: Smoking can negatively impact healing, so quitting is highly recommended before undergoing the treatment.

Always consult with a medical professional for any concerns or to get personalized advice.

Those without particular skin conditions, infections, diseases, or underlying medical issues typically make strong candidates for CO2 resurfacing. Additionally, if your primary motivation for seeking treatment is age or sun-induced skin concerns, you might be well-suited for the procedure.