CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove layers of damaged skin. The treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots while improving overall skin texture and tone. The CO2 fractional laser machine emits short pulses of light that create tiny holes in the skin’s surface. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover. As new cells replace old ones, the skin becomes smoother and more youthful-looking.

What are the benefits of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing offers several benefits for those looking to improve their skin’s appearance. Some advantages include:

– Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

– Improved overall texture and tone.

– Reduction in age spots and sun damage.

– Minimal downtime compared to other treatments.

The frequency at which you should get CO2 laser skin tightening depends on your individual needs. Most people see significant results after just one treatment but may require additional sessions for optimal outcomes.

Factors that affect the frequency of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Several factors can impact how often you need CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing, including:

#Your Age – Younger patients may only need one session every few years to maintain their results while older patients may require more frequent treatments due to increased collagen loss.

#Lifestyle Habits – Smoking and excessive sun exposure can accelerate the aging process, making it necessary to get CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing more frequently.

#Skincare Routine – Taking care of your skin with a regular skincare routine that includes sunscreen and moisturizer can help prolong the results of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing.

What to expect during and after CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

During the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or pain as the laser penetrates your skin. However, most people tolerate the treatment well with minimal side effects. Afterward, you may notice some redness or swelling in the treated area for several days. You should avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen until your skin has fully healed.

CO2 and Erbium Fractional Lasers

This minimally-invasive procedure can take years off your face, even out skin tone, diminish brown spots and wrinkles, remove precancerous lesions, and atone for the sins of sun worshiping in your past. In a matter of minutes, these ablative laser treatments remove small columns of skin, leaving the fresh, glowing, plump skin underneath. The columns allow for collagen to generate where the skin was vaporized. This also results in fewer complications and a down time of looking mildly sunburned for three to four days. These quick treatments are performed with the aid of a chilling spray that cools the skin to negative 30 degrees, thus making the procedure extremely tolerable. The cooling spray also prevents damage of surrounding tissue that is not the target for removal. Recovery time is thus reduced, with no significant swelling or bleeding associated with other procedures like the weaker, less precise Fraxel.

These lasers stimulate collagen to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars, thicken crepey undereye or neck skin, and even out irregular skin tone and texture.

1.Downtime:

*CO2 Fractional: Three to four days of looking sunburned and greasy (from ointments needed for optimal recovery).

*Erbium Fractional: one to three days of looking sunburned and greasy.

2.Where It Can Be Used:

*Anywhere you have skin needing improvement in texture and tone.

*Wrinkled skin.

*Acne scars.

*Stretch marks.

*Thickens thin skin, like around the eyes, neck, backs of hands.

*Results can be enhanced with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or Sculptra.

3.What To Expect:

*Three to four days of mildly sunburned appearance. No oozing, minimal aftercare.

*You will see subtle results in the first month, but full results six to nine months later with the CO2, three to four months with the Erbium.

4.Aftercare:

*Three days for the CO2, One to two days for the Erbium, every 3 – hours while awake.

5.Difference Between the CO2 and Erbium laser:

The CO2 laser is the most powerful laser created that can vaporize material, be it skin, or metal. The technology was developed several decades ago, but was initially poorly controlled, so there was a recovery time of months, since it removed the entire surface of the face. Then, erbium lasers came into vogue. They were a bit weaker, but more controllable. Then the concept of fractionating the laser into smaller, more manageable beams came into play…and thus emerged the fractionated laser. The term “fractional” laser refers to any laser, CO2 or not, that vaporizes smaller, pinpoint areas, instead of large swaths. This leaves healthy skin between to heal the surface while the magic happens below.

The down time with the CO2 laser we use is three to four days. It is significantly more powerful (goes deeper), and much more precise, so it does not burn the surface. Because this laser reaches so deeply, it takes several months for full results to appear at the surface. This CO2 laser (it’s my second) has the added benefit of radiofrequency for more skin tightening and collagen production. In the following months, you will look younger as time passes, as your body creates its own collagen to fill lines and improve texture. Clients should follow these pre-procedure instructions before receiving this treatment. Clients should plan for a productive weekend indoors, as they will need to apply ointments and follow other aftercare measures every few hours for at least three days. The downtime with the Erbium laser is one to two days, as it does not penetrate as deeply as the CO2, but does show results sooner.