WHAT IS CO2 SKIN RESURFACING?

CO2 Laser resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment used to improve wrinkles, acne scars, and sun-damaged skin. It has been a gold standard in skin rejuvenation for many years. Using a wand-like laser hand piece, damaged skin cells and wrinkles are replaced by fresh skin cells. One of the most significant advantages of this procedure over others is that it involves no cutting. The procedure also offers more control in the specific penetration of the skin’s surface. This allows for an increased degree of precision and safety.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM Co2 LASER SURGERY?

Most dermasurgeons and some plastic surgeons have extensive experience with laser surgery. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an artistic component, it’s important to select a dermasurgeon or plastic surgeon with demonstrated laser expertise. Co2 is the most aggressive treatment option in laser surgery so you want to chose your surgeon carefully.

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CO2 LASER RESURFACING IS UTILIZED BY DERMASURGEONS AND PLASTIC SURGEONS TO:

* Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
* Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
* Improve crow’s feet around the eyes
* Soften pucker marks and frown lines
* Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
* Improve and flatten scars
* Repair smoker’s lines
* Improve skin tone and texture

HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?

CO2 Laser Resurfacing takes about an hour to perform depending on the setting and the required anesthesia. One treatment is all that is usually needed with the traditional co2 laser resurfacing.

WHAT ABOUT THE PREOP CARE?

It is necessary to obtain a preop history and physical and medical clearance for the procedure. This is because IV or general anesthesia is usually required. We also recommend that Botox Cosmetic™ be performed at least 2 weeks prior to the treatment to relax the muscles of facial expression. All retinoic acid products should be discontinued for one week prior to the procedure. We also place our patients on antibiotic and antiviral medications to minimize the risk of secondary infections. Finally, we ask our patients to have someone drive them to and from the office and stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery.

WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT?

Discomfort is usually minor during the procedure, and we usually perform this procedure under IV sedation. Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with a post laser kit for the first few days. The skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing is completed, protective sunblocks should be applied. In some cases, a pink surface color may remain for several days to several months. Make-up, such as Jane Iredale™ or other products can worn after about 7-14 days to cover up.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE POTENTIAL RISKS FOR CO2 LASER RESURFACING?

Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigmentation loss, particularly with the CO2 laser. This can be treated with the Fraxel (re:store) ™ laser. Other common side effects include crusting, mild swelling, pain, redness or brown discoloration at the treatment sites. These are usually minimized by surgical techniques and following our pre- and post-operative CO2 laser resurfacing protocols.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE RESULTS?

We advise our patients that it can take up to 1 to 4 weeks to see beneficial results. Final results are seen at 6 months to one year.

Information Courtesy of Dr. David Harvey at ADASderm.com