CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Carbon dioxide lasers, or CO2 lasers, essentially use a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium to produce specific laser wavelengths. These wavelengths allow for penetration of the top layer of the skin. The laser enters the dermis and microscopically damages specific areas of the skin. This facilitates the production of new collagen and epidermal growth to replace the damaged cells. 

These CO2 lasers are extremely versatile, and treat a wide range of skin conditions. Our Silhouette professionals have extensive experience in treating all of the following blemishes or conditions.

• Acne scars
• Enlarged pores
• Dull or dry skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Pigmentation and dark spots
• Moles, warts, and birthmarks
• Stretch marks
• Aging skin

First, we’ll cover the possibilities of your recovery. Everyone’s skin is different, but most patients experience a mild, sunburn-like feeling on the affected areas. Most people have at least some redness and swelling. A few days after the procedure takes place, you may also experience itching or stinging. If any of the treated skin begins to form a scab, we cannot stress enough how crucial it is to leave these areas alone. Scratching and picking at these areas can create scars.

Recovery times vary somewhat depending on the exact treatment you receive, as well as your particular skin type. CO2 laser skin resurfacing generally takes up to two weeks to fully heal. After this, your new skin will appear pink. During this period of new skin, be sure to apply sunscreen on a daily basis, as it is extremely sensitive. The pinkness will dissipate over a period of a few months, but it could take up to a year for some patients. Results of CO2 laser skin resurfacing include:

• Reduced scarring
• Tighter skin
• Brighter complexion
• Smaller pores
• Reduced or eliminated fine lines and wrinkles
• A more even skin tone

Any aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon should be followed as closely as possible. Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll return home after the treatment is complete. Immediate results will appear around two weeks after your treatment. Final results, however, will not show until up to a year after the treatment. 

In order to maximize the results, use all special cleansers and moisturizers provided or recommended by your surgeon. In the next one to two months, the new collagen will start to fill in your fine lines and wrinkles. Loose skin becomes tighter, sunspots lighten, and gradual improvement continues for several months.

Optimal candidates for this treatment have various conditions, such as fine lines, wrinkles, shallow acne scars, or non-responsive skin after facelifts. One of the main factors in determining candidacy for laser skin resurfacing is skin tone.

Darker skin tones often don’t see results that are as positive as results for lighter skin tones. The risks of laser resurfacing for darker skin tones include scars, blisters, and hyperpigmentation. Before deciding whether or not you want to undergo laser skin resurfacing, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. This will allow us to determine whether or not your skin is suitable for the treatment. Call 949-359-8397 today to find out if you’re a candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing.

Yes. Around five to seven days after your treatment, your skin will dry and peel. Do not peel the skin off manually. To the best of your ability, allow the peeling skin to fall off on its own, with daily cleansing. Once the peeling is finished, you will see new skin. This skin will likely have some pinkness, but this fades with time. New skin is highly susceptible to sunlight, so we recommend a daily sunscreen for sensitive skin.