Fractional Laser CO2 Resurfacing

As we go through life, skin is exposed to numerous hazards, some controllable and some not so controllable. Factors that are modifiable include over-exposure to the sun, alcohol use, and smoking which are all well known to accelerate natural signs of aging. However some factors remain unavoidable, including genetics, gravity and getting older which create fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes. 

For many years, dermabrasion, chemical peeling or surgical face lifting have been used for the treatment of facial wrinkles, brown spots and age spots. Now, Fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is considered the "gold standard" of skin resurfacing. It offers dramatic changes in skin texture with a single treatment. It is highly effective in improving skin texture, shrinking pores, smoothing out acne scars, improving pigmentation problems such as melasma and brown spots, and reducing fine to moderate lines and wrinkles. The face, neck, chest, hands and areas of surgical scars are the most common areas of CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment.

The CO2 Laser allows us to use a high-energy beam to vaporize scars, lines, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, layer by layer. It works by creating zones of heat injury to the skin, penetrating tissue to a very precise and controlled depth which stimulates regeneration of the deeper collagen and elastin tissues while resurfacing around 20% – 30% of your skin's surface with each treatment resulting in skin tightening. Fractional lasers can remodel collagen within the skin without harming your skin’s surface and producing smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin with minimal downtime. 

First, the resurfacing laser will remove the epidermal damage caused by sun and aging. With exquisite precision the laser removes brown, black or light tan spots from the sun, premalignant lesions, age spots, and epidermal blemishes.

Second, the upper dermis is sculpted smooth and deeper wrinkles are reduced and in some cases eliminated. Acne scars are reduced and re-contoured. New epidermis will grow from cells within the follicles that have never been exposed to the sun’s damage, essentially rejuvenating your skin.

Third, the laser stimulates the growth of healthy new collagen and elastin fibers within the skin. This will continue for six months after resurfacing. During this time the skin will continue to improve. Fifteen to twenty percent firming can be achieved. Loose eyelids and lax skin is tightened. Resilience and elasticity are restored. Any remaining wrinkles will continue to improve for over six months.

Indications

Acne scarring
Diminishes wrinkles
Skin tightening 
Crow's feet (lines around the eyes)
Surgical or burn scars
Brown spots
Sun damage 
Age spots
Vertical lip lines around the mouth
Minimize large open pores
Actinic keratosis 
​Dull skin

What To Expect 

Treatment 
Topical numbing agents are first applied to the skin. During the procedure patients are awake and rest comfortably without pain. The length of the CO2 laser skin resurfacing depends on the area being treated. Treatments normally take about 20-25 minutes, in addition to prep time with numbing cream before, and post-care after the procedure. Once we have completed the procedure, your face will feel hot like you suffered a ‘mild sunburn’ and you may have mild swelling.
 
Results 
The exfoliation of skin requires new skin to grow from the deeper layers. During the first two weeks, a significant amount of redness and weeping of the skin can be expected. You will see results after the first treatment; however, most cases respond dramatically after multiple treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Improvements in the appearance of your skin will continue for up to six months or more. Maintenance sessions are recommended once seasonally.
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Downtime
CO2 laser skin resurfacing creates areas of laser-treated skin next to areas of untreated skin. These alternating zones decrease the downtime and side effects associated with traditional full ablative laser resurfacing. Healing time is greatly decreased to just 3 to 7 days, depending on the depth and intensity of treatment.

Achieving your goal 
CO2 laser can be combined with other procedures.  Injectables such as filler or Botox/Dysport/Xeomin/Jeuveau can be used in conjunction with CO2 laser treatment to optimize outcomes. It is recommended to do any injections 2-4 weeks before laser resurfacing. This relaxes muscles of facial movement so wrinkles do not easily reappear after laser treatment.