What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing helps smooth the skin of both surface and deep irregularities without surgery. By creating microinjuries in the skin and encouraging the body’s healing process to generate more collagen, the CO2 laser is effective in treating aging concerns, scars, and more. Other benefits of the eCO2 Plus™ laser include:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves scars, including acne and injury
- Clears sun damage such as sun spots or age spots
- Reduces the appearance of pigmentation and vascular lesions
- Firms the skin for a more youthful appearance
- Brightens skin tone
How Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Work?
The eCO2 Plus™ laser is a carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional ablative laser that delivers a wide range of skin rejuvenation benefits by improving skin texture and removing pigmentation with targeted beams of light. As a fractional laser, the light energy is only delivered to small portions of the skin at once (fractions), which reduces damage to the surrounding tissues and allows for faster recovery. Additionally, the laser stimulates collagen production deep below the skin’s surface, providing improvement to structural issues such as wrinkles and scars. The laser also removes surface skin cells to improve cell turnover so that a new, healthy layer can emerge.
Our full-face CO2 laser resurfacing treatment with the eCO2 Plus™ is ideal for all skin types, skin tones, and ages; however, aggressive treatments tend to be performed mainly on skin types I-III. Due to its wide range of applications, this treatment has benefits for almost anyone. Ideal candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing include:
- Those in good health with reasonable expectations for results
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Want improvement of skin tone, texture, or aging concerns
What Can I Expect From My CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
Your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment will vary, depending on the type of skin concerns you are looking to address, as well as the intensity of the treatment. You will discuss these factors during your laser consultation. The eCO2 Plus™ can be a mild treatment with a couple days of downtime or an aggressive treatment with about a week of downtime.
For mild treatments, your laser technician will prepare you for treatment by putting a topical anesthetic on your face, numbing the skin. Once you are fully numbed, your technician will prepare you for treatment by placing protective glasses on you. Then, they will pass the device handset over your face, paying special attention to areas of higher concern, such as deep scars or wrinkles. They will also adjust the laser intensity as needed.
For more aggressive laser treatments or laser treatments performed with facelifts, you will be placed under sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort. Your eyes will be protected with metal corneal shields during the treatment. Dr. Patel will also inject local anesthesia for nerve blocks to minimize discomfort after the procedure.
After the laser treatment, we will apply healing serums to the skin and coat the lasered skin with topical ointments.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Recovery Like?
Recovery will vary depending on the intensity of your treatment session. Immediately after your session, expect some swelling and redness for up to a week. Most patients will look mostly healed by day six or seven. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help with discomfort. More intense sessions may require more downtime, with swelling and redness persisting for up to two weeks.
Don’t pick or peel any flaky skin or scabs that appear—this is part of the cell cycling process and a sign you are healing. You must also protect your skin with at least SPF 30 daily for at least three months.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQs
This will vary depending on your age, skin type, and the extent of damage you are trying to fix. Usually, we recommend around one to three sessions for ideal results, although one aggressive treatment can yield great results.
Some results will be more immediate than others, such as surface-level dullness and minor textural issues, which usually resolve after the first healing stage. Other concerns, such as wrinkles and scars, will improve after about eight weeks, as it takes time for collagen to build up in your system. Most patients can enjoy their results for up to three years.
Yes, the CO2 laser can be used for multiple areas of the body as well. Besides the face, other common areas to treat are the neck, upper chest (decolletage), hands, and scars.
You should come to your appointment with clean, moisturized skin, free of any cosmetics or skincare products. Avoid tanning or sun exposure prior to your appointment, as sunburns may mean you have to reschedule. Avoid using retinol or tretinoin and other exfoliant products one week prior. If you have a history of herpes or shingles, please let us know. There are certain items to have at home for post-care such as: a gentle facial cleanser, aquaphor, ice packs, white vinegar, gauze pads, broad spectrum SPF 30+, tylenol and benadryl. We have several skin products that we will recommend for post-treatment recovery, all of which we will review with you in person along with detailed post-op instructions.
Why Should I Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery for My Full Face CO2 Laser Treatment?
At WOW Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we know our patients deserve the best in aesthetics, which is why we’re proud to offer the eCO2 Plus™ laser. Dr. Prem Patel and his team are committed to providing the highest quality of care and service for results that stand out. To schedule a consultation, call (833) DR WOW MD or complete the online contact form.