Carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Carbon dioxide lasers precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal damage to surrounding structures. Carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing is an adjunct to other treatments, including tretinoin (Retin-A®) products, vitamin C lotion, alpha hydroxy acids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, collagen or fat augmentation, and botulinum toxin (Botox®) to reduce facial lines and scars.
What can be expected during and after carbon dioxide laser resurfacing?
The areas being treated are numbed with a local anesthetic. When the entire face is being treated, general anesthesia may be used. Wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, or forehead may be treated separately, or a full-face laser resurfacing treatment may be performed. A partial laser resurfacing treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes, while a full-face treatment takes 1.5 to 2 hours. A moisturizer is recommended during the healing process. You can resume using Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products approximately six weeks after the procedure, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
After the procedure, it is necessary to use sunscreen daily to protect the laser-resurfaced skin. It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays. Use a sunscreen specifically designed for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
How does CO2 laser skin resurfacing work?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing uses pulses of laser light. These rays penetrate the skin’s surface, where they are absorbed by the water in the skin cells. When this happens, the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is affected. The dermis, or middle layer, heats up, stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. As the area is treated, new, firmer, and smoother skin is replaced by the old layers. With CO2 laser skin resurfacing, a dermatologist can precisely target specific areas of the skin, so the treatment won’t affect the rest of the surrounding skin.
Skin rejuvenation with CO2 laser: benefits of this procedure?
CO2 laser can treat a wide range of cosmetic and medical skin problems, from visible signs of aging and sun damage to scarring.
Fine lines and wrinkles: CO2 laser skin resurfacing can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can be particularly effective for: crow's feet, lines and wrinkles under and around the eyes, lines and wrinkles on the forehead, laugh lines, or wrinkles around the mouth. Not only does it reduce wrinkles immediately, it also stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin condition over time.
Sun-damaged skin: UV exposure can contribute to the visible signs of skin aging, such as: wrinkles, sagging due to decreased elasticity, rough and uneven skin texture, sun spots, spider veins. CO2 laser can significantly reduce the severity of all of the above signs.
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia: This occurs when sebum builds up in the sebaceous gland. When this happens, the gland enlarges and a small waxy bump forms on the skin, usually on the face. Although they are harmless, some people have them removed for cosmetic reasons. The CO2 laser can effectively remove these bumps and prevent them from growing back. In summary, the CO2 laser is effective in rejuvenating the skin and helping to solve various skin problems. It is an innovative, broad-spectrum equipment for dermatological procedures. Combining this laser with other tools can achieve impressive results.
