There are many laser skin resurfacing treatments, but one of the most effective is the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure. It offers long-lasting results as it treats signs of aging as well as other skin concerns in a minimally invasive process.
At Columbus Facial Plastics, we offer CO2 laser treatments to help you achieve the skin you want. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure and how to prepare for it.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing makes use of two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers work by removing the epidermis, or top layer of skin, and use heat to reach deep into dermis layers. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove any skin at all. The CO2 laser treatment uses an ablative laser.
The carbon dioxide laser uses heat to precisely remove a thin layer of skin in the treatment area without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The damage the laser creates to the epidermis, as well as the heat it offers to the dermis, boost collagen and elastin production, allowing healthier skin to grow.
It’s a procedure that can help treat:
- Age spots
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Uneven skin tone
- Uneven skin texture
- Photodamage
- Large pores
- Scars
- Birthmarks
- Warts
We use the CO2RE resurfacing platform for this procedure. The CO2RE laser lets us customize the exact energy levels we deliver to the different areas of your face, allowing us to treat delicate regions like the skin around your eyes or mouth.
The best candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing treatments are people in good overall physical health who have skin concerns that over-the-counter medications or other treatments can’t resolve.
People with lighter skin tones tend to be excellent candidates because they have a lower risk of hyperpigmentation. This does not mean, however, that CO2 laser treatment is only for people with light skin.
If you have an active skin infection, unrealistic expectations, very dark skin, very thick skin, a tendency for keloid scar formation, or if you have had an Accutane treatment within the last six months, this may not be the right treatment option. We can help you find the solution that works best for you.
What Are the Benefits of CO2 Skin Resurfacing Treatments?
One crucial benefit of CO2 laser resurfacing is that it can stimulate collagen and elastin production. By creating micro-injuries on your skin, this laser procedure causes your body to respond by producing more of these vital proteins. An increase in collagen and elastin can deliver longer-lasting results.
This procedure can also help with cell regeneration and turnover. CO2 laser treatments encourage new and healthy skin cells to rise to the epidermis, which can help with acne scars as well as sun damage.
Because of the highly customizable nature of CO2 lasers, we can target specific areas. We can customize the heat and energy levels to provide exactly what the various treatment areas require.
How to Prepare for CO2 Laser Resurfacing
It is crucial you schedule a consultation with us so that we can see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. We will need your full medical history, as well as a list of the medications and supplements you take. It’s particularly important that we know if you have undergone an Accutane treatment in the past six months.
You should also let us know if you have a history of developing cold sores or shingles in the treatment area so that we can start you on antiviral medication before the procedure.
If we think you’re a good candidate for this procedure, we will recommend you stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements, including aspirin and fish oil.
You want to avoid any skin irritants at least one week prior to the procedure. This list includes retinoids, salicylic acid, and other abrasive skin care options. Additionally, you should avoid tanning and sun exposure. At least four weeks before the treatment, you should avoid facial peel procedures, including chemical peels and dermabrasion.
The Procedure and Recovery Process
We perform this procedure as an outpatient treatment, using local anesthesia and a combination of sedatives we administer either orally or intravenously. In some instances, we may recommend general anesthesia. If that’s the case, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
On the day of the procedure, don’t wear any makeup, lotions, creams, or sunscreen. We will wash and numb the treatment area or administer the necessary anesthesia and begin the procedure.
The procedure can take from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how much of your face you want to treat.
After the procedure, we will apply a non-stick dressing for 24 hours. We will ask you to clean the treatment area with saline or a vinegar solution at least twice a day and to apply a moisturizing ointment. You will want to avoid exercising for about a week.
We recommend you sleep sitting up for at least the first two nights and make sure that you avoid sun exposure. The treatment area should heal within five to 21 days, and after that, you can start wearing oil-free makeup.
The results of a CO2 laser treatment can last as long as five years.
Skin Resurfacing in Columbus, OH
Laser resurfacing can give you healthier, more youthful skin by stimulating your body’s collagen and elastin production.
At Columbus Facial Plastics in Columbus, OH, we offer CO2 laser resurfacing to help you achieve the beautiful skin you’ve always wanted. Contact us to request an appointment today.
