CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing removes the top layers of skin tissue

CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing removes the top layers of skin tissue, improving overall skin health and appearance. CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an aesthetic treatment that uses a high-energy beam of light to reduce age spots, sun freckles, liver spots, fine lines and wrinkles, scarring and uneven skin tone by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and skin renewal. This type of laser resurfacing does not impact or harm the surrounding skin areas. It uses a very short pulsed blue light or continuous blue light beams delivered in a scanning pattern to precisely remove thin layers of the skin with minimal damage.

CO2 fractional laser machine is an effective procedure for the treatment of loose skin, dull skin, roughness, oversized pores, acne scars, excess pigmentation, sun damage, and wrinkles. For patients looking to improve the weathered and worn-out appearance of their skin, this revitalizing treatment offers impressive results. This cutting-edge option can be used to rejuvenate the skin of the face, hands, neck, arms, and chest. It is safe for all skin types and creates long-lasting benefits.

The Science Behind CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser machine for skin is an ablative procedure, meaning tissue is removed during the treatment process. This allows for more effective reduction of harsh skin issues than non-ablative procedures. During a treatment session, the heat of the laser is used to remove the damaged skin cells in the skin layers. It is powerful enough to travel down to the deeper skin layers. This signals the body to create fresh new skin cells and new collagen protein, resulting in youthful and beautiful skin with improved health, smoothness, and elasticity.

The Benefits of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Unlike surgical procedures such as facelifts, this treatment will not require several weeks of painful recovery time and carries a lower risk of complications. No scalpels are needed and no incisions will be made. Unlike other ablative laser treatments, CO2 fractional laser resurfacing does not remove the entirety of the skin layer. It is fractional, meaning several microscopic sections of skin cells are removed from the skin layer. The undamaged sections of skin can then work to heal the damage more effectively. Fractional procedures result in a shorter and more comfortable recovery time.

Ideal Candidates for CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

CO2 fractional laser resurfacing works for people who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scarring, pigmentation, age spots, sagging skin, warts, and sun damage. Dermatologists also recommend it to patients with non-responsive skin after a facelift. However, CO2 fractional laser resurfacing might not be ideal for people who have taken the acne medication isotretinoin for the past year and those with keloid scars. It is not recommended for people who have undergone laser resurfacing before, have a weaker immune system, have undergone radiation therapy on their face, or are at high risk of getting cold sores.

Your Consultation

Your doctor will ask you about current and past medical issues, current and recent medications, previous cosmetic procedures, and typical reaction to sun exposure during the consultation. They will also inspect the target area of treatment to evaluate your skin issues. Patients must discuss their motivations and cosmetic expectations from CO2 fractional laser resurfacing. Your doctor will also tackle potential complications, after which you will decide if the procedure is suitable for you. You will be informed about what to do during the recovery and what the results might be.

Overview of the Treatment Process

At the start of this CO2 fractional laser procedure, anesthesia will be administered in the form of a topical numbing cream to numb the targeted region of the skin. Once the cream has taken effect, a handpiece will be used to apply laser energy to the region. This produces a sensation that some have described as being similar to an extremity falling asleep.

CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Aftercare

After your CO2 fractional laser treatment session is complete, you will be free to return home and rest. Avoid sun exposure while you are healing and recovering, as it can damage the weakened skin tissues. For the first 48 hours after CO2 fractional laser skin resurfacing, apply an effective moisturizer to the skin carefully in order to promote healing. Facial redness will fade to a light pink during healing. Once you have returned to work and your daily schedule, you will be able to see results slowly appearing in the form of healthier and smoother blemish-free skin as new collagen is produced. After six months, the full results will be apparent.

What to expect

During CO2 fractional laser skin resurfacing, you can expect a mild to moderate level of discomfort, typically managed with topical anesthesia. Following the treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, and peeling in the treated area for several days to a few weeks, gradually improving skin texture, tone and appearance as collagen production increases over the following months. However, multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. Please note that this treatment requires downtime while your skin is healing.

A CO2 Fractional laser uses carbon dioxide to resurface one's skin as it removes layers while enabling surrounding skin intact to facilitate healing. People seek treatment with a CO2 fractional laser to help remove “age spots”, also known as liver spots, freckles, and lentigines. A CO2 laser also helps to eliminate fine lines on the face. The fractionated method using lasers also improves skin texture irregularities, helps to eliminate scars, improves uneven skin coloration, helps eliminate wrinkles and it helps to reduce collagen layers on the chest, neck and face.

What does the Recovery Time Look like for Patients Who Get the CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment?

Recovery time will vary on several factors that include your medical history and the condition of your skin. But more people take 7 to 14 days to completely heal. Undergoing a CO2 fractional laser treatment is the equivalent of having multiple non-invasive treatments at once, so it saves you a great degree of recovery time. While the recovery time is significantly shorter than those recovering from traditional facelifts, it is still a good idea to keep activities to a minimum while getting plenty of rest over the next two weeks. Your physician, based on your medical record, will possibly give you some medication to help keep you comfortable, as well as come special creams and lotions for your face and neck. But most people who seek the CO2 fractional laser treatment are back to their usual routine after a week's time, while others need two weeks to fully recover.

Does CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment Require Pre and Post Treatment?

When investing in the Co2 fractional laser treatment, you will be having an in-office procedure that will require pre and post-treatment medications to facilitate comfort and healing during and after the procedure. In fact, most patients benefit from a topical anesthetic applied to the areas that are receiving the laser treatment, and in some cases local anesthetic is given through an injection, or tumescent anesthetic along with prescribed sedatives might be prescribed to make the patient comfortable. Again, the doctor will help you make the right decision based on your current medical history and needs for a comfortable and graceful recovery.