What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been used for more than 25 years for treating the skin. An intense beam of light is emitted, which heats and vaporizes skin tissue instantly. Recently developed Carbon Dioxide, Fractional and Erbium Lasers can perform highly specific vaporization of tissue using powerfully focused light to precisely remove the layers of skin, vaporizing the ridges of scars and wrinkles and smoothing out the surface of the skin.
In addition, the skin often tightens and collagen remodeling occurs with layers of new collagen replacing the old sun-damaged collagen. The CO2 laser tightens the skin more while the erbium laser is used more for sculpting. We may use both of these lasers to maximize benefits depending on each individual’s needs.
How it Works
Patients will undergo a personal interview and clinical examination with our physicians before treatment. This is done to obtain relevant facts about your medical history, dermatologic history, and any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the recent past. We may require that you start pre-operative skincare before the procedure and an antiviral medication will begin the night before or the morning of the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, you will begin taking an antibiotic for a minimum of 5 days. A topical anesthetic cream will be applied for 2 hours before the procedure to decrease pain. Oral pain medications and injections to block the facial nerve endings may be performed just before the procedure. Please plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Results
Recovery
Our staff will provide you with a detailed aftercare sheet on your surgery day. Patients will need to soak the area using 1 teaspoon of white vinegar per 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, every 1-2 hours. Additionally, patients need to keep Aquaphor or Vaseline on their face continuously for 6 to 8 days. After soaking, leave droplets of moisture on your skin and apply more ointment over the treated area.
Patients may experience oozing of clear fluids, mild bleeding, mild to moderate swelling, and a mild burning sensation after treatment. Patients can expect to see redness for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure and will usually fade gradually over 4 to 12 weeks. Whilst infection is rare, please take appropriate precautions so that your environment is clean. If you have pets please be mindful of pet dander as it may increase the risk of infection.