What is it CO2 Laser?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a type of laser treatment that uses concentrated light to remove the superficial layer of your skin while protecting and preserving the deeper layers below.

How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?

With CO2 laser resurfacing, pulses of laser light are used. These beams can penetrate deep into the skin’s surface, where water in the skin cells absorbs them

When this happens, the epidermis, or top layer of skin, is vaporized. The dermis, or middle layer gets hot which stimulates the growth of collagen fibers. As the area heals new firm & smooth skin replaces old layers

CO2 laser resurfacing allows the practitioner to target specific, problem areas of your skin only, so that the other parts won’t be affected.

How to prepare

Your dermatologist will tell you how to prepare for treatment. Typical preparations include

• avoiding tanning or heavy sun exposure for 4 weeks before treatment
• not using medications that cause sun sensitivity, such as doxycycline, for 3 days before treatment
• taking an antiviral medication for a few days before and after treatment if you have a history of herpes or shingles
• quitting smoking for 2 weeks before and after treatment, since smoking can interfere with healing

The procedure

Here’s what you can expect on the day of your CO2 laser treatment:

1. This outpatient procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the issue being addressed and the area of skin receiving treatment.
2. CO2 laser resurfacing does involve some pain. The level of pain you experience will depend on the depth and extent of resurfacing, the skill of the dermatologist or surgeon, and your own pain tolerance.
3. You’ll receive a combination of local anesthetic and a sedative to prevent pain and help you relax. For extensive resurfacing, you may receive general anesthesia so you sleep through the treatment.
4. Before the treatment begins, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned and you’ll receive special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser.
5. During the treatment, the dermatologist or surgeon will move the laser wand slowly over the area of skin being treated.
6. You may receive an ice pack to apply to the treated area for 15 minutes to prevent swelling.
7. Finally, an antibacterial ointment and nonstick dressing will be applied to the treated skin. Leave this on as instructed, usually for 24 hours.

You may need more than one treatment session – this varies depending on your need and the laser used.

What are the benefits?

CO2 laser resurfacing can treat many unwanted skin appearances, from visible signs of aging and sun damage to scars and skin cancer.

Fine lines and wrinkles

CO2 laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure has been found to be particularly effective in cases of:

• crow’s feet, or lines and wrinkles under and around the eyes
• lines and wrinkles on the forehead
• laugh lines, or those appearing around the mouth

It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles immediately and encourages collagen production which improves health over time.

Sun damaged skin

Exposure to UV may contribute to visible signs of skin aging. That includes:

• wrinkles
• sagging due to decreased elasticity
• rough and uneven skin texture
• liver spots and sunspots
• spider veins

CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, scars, pore size and skin tone.

Baggy Eyes

Sagging skin above your upper and lower eyelids can be responsible for what’s known as “baggy” or “hooded eyes.”

CO2 lasers can gently tighten the skin, and they may do other good things too, like improve laxity of the eyelids and make it so your eyes don’t look so droopy.

Acne scars

C02 laser treatment can be very helpful in reducing the appearance of acne scars. The laser stimulates collagen production and this helps smooth out and tighten up the scars.

That’s true. It might not work on all types of acne scars, but it will definitely improve the overall condition of the skin.

Warts

Most dermatologists use other solutions, like over-the-counter treatments or freezing, for warts. But they may also use lasers on persistent warts that don’t respond to those methods.

Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is when sebum gets trapped in an oil gland, making the skin appear as a small bump. These are usually harmless, but they can be removed for cosmetic reasons if you want to.

Safety and side effects

CO2 lasers have been in use for a long time and are considered to be safe, effective and reliable.

There are many different side effects that CO2 laser resurfacing may cause, depending on your individual needs and characteristics. Some of the most common side effects include:

• some skin discoloration and swelling
• skin that feels raw, similar to a mild sunburn
• itching
• dryness and peeling
• sun sensitivity

If you overdo it with your skin resurfacing, the side effects can make your skin feel tight, oozy, and blotchy.

What’s the recovery like?

CO2 Laser Resurfacing sessions typically take around 1-2 weeks to fully recover. Following your dermatologist’s or surgeon’s post-op instructions will help you heal and lower the risk of complications.

Here’s what you can expect during the recovery process:

• You’ll experience some redness, itching, stinging and peeling when you start using it. These symptoms will go away in a few days.
• Your skin may become red, ooze a viscous yellow liquid and eventually necrose.
• After about 5-7 days, your skin will start to become dry and peel. The outer layer may have a pink or pale appearance that will gradually turn into your skin color over time. You can expect this process to take about 6-12 months.