The CO2 laser is the most effective of all skin resurfacing options. It’s the top rung of the ladder of skin rejuvenation. As such, results with the CO2 laser are the most impressive. But most physicians either haven’t been adequately trained or don’t feel comfortable performing CO2 laser resurfacing and therefore don’t offer it as a rejuvenation alternative. The heat from the CO2 laser is intense. If small areas of the face are being treated—such as around the eyes or around the mouth—a local anesthesia is injected, much like going to the dentist, to make the procedure more comfortable. In cases where the entire face is being treated, general anesthesia or intravenous sedation is encouraged. Results with Columbus CO2 laser resurfacing will last for approximately 5 years.
Area of Improvement
Full face or partial face
Results Will Last
4-5 years
Recovery Time
Redness will persist for 6-8 weeks however the redness can be covered with makeup in 7-10 days.
Recovery Process
Treated area initially is red, raw and weepy. The new skin resurfaces the area within a few days. The area will be pink for 6-8 weeks.
There isn’t any better time than now to turn back the clock of aging. With so many available resurfacing options to choose from, facial plastic surgeons can customize a treatment plan to your expectations and lifestyle.
How does traditional CO2 laser resurfacing work?
Ablative skin resurfacing using the CO2 laser continues to be the gold standard anti-wrinkle procedure for facial rejuvenation. The CO2 laser emits an intense beam of high energy that heats and vaporizes tissue instantly. As the laser beam is guided over wrinkled and sun damaged skin, it gently removes the outer layers, leaving a red raw surface. With each pass of the laser, more layers of skin are removed. The skin color is used as an indication of the depth of the laser penetration. Your Facial Plastic Surgeon is skilled in minimizing the risks of scarring and change in pigmentation.
Vaseline or Aquaphor is applied for a few days after the procedure to expedite the healing process. Patients report a sunburned feeling for 2–3 hours, following which they have little if any discomfort. Within a few days, new skin cells resurface the raw area, resulting in a softer, smoother, more youthful appearance. Most if not all the wrinkles appear to be gone because the tissues are swollen. As the swelling subsides over the ensuing few weeks, some of these lines will reappear. Don’t panic; new collagen production takes several months and final results are not evident for 6 months.
Post-operative wound care includes cleansing the skin surface with a white vinegar solution and applying Aquaphor to maintain an occlusive seal. By 7–10 days after the procedure, most patients can resume normal activities and apply makeup. Redness can persist for up to 8 weeks.
How do I choose my surgeon?
No matter what type of cosmetic surgery you are considering, one of the most important factors in your satisfaction is the surgeon you choose. Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This ensures that your surgeon is specialized in facial procedures. Make sure your procedure is done in an accredited facility. Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure in question. The more you know about your surgeon and the procedure, the more likely you will have a successful outcome.
What is CO2RE?
CO2RE from Candella is a powerful CO2 resurfacing platform. This treatment promotes new collagen production and can be used to address a range or concerns at a variety of skin depths. The CO2RE laser allows the surgeon to customize the energy delivered to different areas of the face. This allows for a customized result for each individual patient and a customized recovery for each patient lifestyle.
Schedule your consultation:
Interested in learning more about your options for a renewed complexion? Contact us today at Columbus Facial Plastics at 614-436-8888 and schedule your consultation. We also offer non-invasive resurfacing options such as Microneedling. Dr. Stephen Nogan and his professional staff proudly serve you from Columbus, Ohio. We offer a range of procedures to help you achieve the beautiful skin you desire.
