WHAT IS CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing stimulates new collagen growth for smoother and tighter skin in the treatment area. CO2 laser devices work by delivering focused columns of strong laser heat energy into the skin, causing water within the skin cells to rapidly heat. The heat creates controlled damage to the surrounding tissue to trigger the body’s natural healing response.
Over the course of three to seven days, the skin self-exfoliates to expose fresh, new skin with improved tone and texture. In just a few weeks, you’ll be fully healed with brighter, more youthful looking skin. Collagen production will increase over time for gradual, ongoing improvements.
CO2 lasers can be used all over the face and body. In fact, we can actually take the CO2 laser right to the eyelash line, for precise results that are also perfectly safe.
Karmalites Doctors often uses CO2 lasers as part of complex combination treatments for conditions such as acne scarring or to improve the appearance of surgical scars in procedures such as facelifts, eyelifts, neck-lifts, or mommy makeovers (tummy tucks
and breast lifts). CO2 laser skin resurfacing can also treat scars from traumatic injuries and burns.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an aggressive skin rejuvenation treatment. Dr. Emer will ensure your comfort during the procedure by administering nitrous gas, nerve blocks, topical creams, and/or oral medications as needed.
Before beginning your laser skin resurfacing procedure, the treatment area will be cleansed, and you will be given eye protection to wear for the duration of the laser skin resurfacing session.
Dr. Emer will then calibrate the laser device to most effectively treat your unique skin. He will meticulously direct the laser device across the treatment area to vaporize damaged, superficial skin cells.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Downtime can be minimal or extensive depending on the intensity of your treatment. Redness and swelling are normal after laser skin resurfacing. Patients may appear to have a mild to severe sunburn, with similar discomfort to that associated with an actual sunburn.
The most aggressive CO2 laser skin treatments can cause a crust to form over the skin. It is important not to pick at the crust in order to prevent scarring.
Within a week or less of your procedure, the dead skin will start to peel away. The new layer of skin that is revealed after peeling will be pink initially. As you continue to heal, the pink color will fade.
CO2 LASERS FOR WRINKLES & SUN DAMAGE
Sun damage and wrinkles are two of the most common signs of aging that affect our skin. Sun damage can be the beginning stage of actinic keratosis, a form of precancer that can lead to the development of squamous cell carcinomas.
Actinic keratosis appears as scaly patches on the skin. CO2 laser skin resurfacing can remove these rough patches to prevent skin cancer and improve skin texture.
Wrinkles form as our natural production of collagen declines with age. CO2 laser skin resurfacing promotes increased collagen production in the dermal layer to minimize deeper wrinkles and encourage firmer, tighter skin.
Targeting the top layers of the skin, carbon dioxide and an ultra-pulse beam is used to eliminate aging and damaged cells. Microscopic heat channels are created to promote collagen production, and blood vessels are cleared and tightened, giving off a renewed texture and brighter complexion.
