CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to remove layers of damaged skin, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. The laser heats and vaporizes the skin’s outer layers, stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers. This helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. CO2 laser resurfacing is a safe and effective way to achieve smoother, more even-looking skin with minimal downtime.
Procedure
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is a type of ablative laser treatment that removes the top layer of damaged skin. The laser delivers short pulses of energy that vaporize the skin’s outer layers, stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers. This helps to smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and scars, while also improving the texture and tone of the skin. CO2 laser resurfacing is effective for treating a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, and uneven pigmentation. While downtime can be several days to weeks, the results can last for several years with proper skin care.
What Can I Expect?
Pain
CO2 laser resurfacing can be uncomfortable, with most patients experiencing some degree of pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, local anesthesia and sedation can be used to minimize any discomfort.
Recovery
After CO2 laser resurfacing, patients can expect to experience some redness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area. The skin may also appear scabbed or flaky as it heals. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for caring for their skin during the recovery process, which may take up to several weeks.
Results
CO2 laser resurfacing can provide significant improvement in the appearance of the skin, with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Sun damage and age spots can also be significantly reduced, leaving the skin looking brighter and more youthful. While multiple treatments may be required for optimal results, patients can achieve smoother, more even-looking skin with proper care and maintenance.
Our Technique
Meet YMD's Expert
Dr. Ruth Hill Yeilding
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Most of Dr. Yeilding’s patients tend to think long-term, and many receive multiple treatments over time. Although some patients may want to proceed more aggressively than others, Dr. Yeilding will restrict the scope of treatments to yield conservative but effective aesthetic enhancement. Knowing “when to say no”, verses “doing a little more” is one of Dr. Yeilding’s guiding principles.
Since all patients are different, Dr. Yeilding has found many facial filler treatments to be totally unnecessary for most patients, yet almost every patient does seem to have at least one of the issues above. Based on her detailed assessment, Dr. Yeilding will carefully create a custom treatment plan that considers your age and aesthetic goals. When there is more than one issue to consider, Dr. Yeilding will advise you to begin with the issue that can achieve the most with a single treatment.
Dr. Yeilding has received specialized training, first in Ophthalmology, to gain understanding of the ultra-complex set of muscles, nerves and blood vessels around the eye and face, and then Oculoplastics and Facial Plastic Surgery to be able to effectively manipulate facial anatomy to achieve aesthetic beauty. During her fellowship with the nationally known facial plastic surgeon, John P Fezza MD, in Sarasota FL, Dr. Yeilding learned the fundamentals of using this next generation facial filler technology to treat a wide variety of patient needs. Since then, Dr Yeilding’s patients have received significant aesthetic benefit because of her conservative, yet highly effective treatment approach using Juvéderm®, the “gold standard” in HA facial filler.
Frequently Asked Questions
CO2 laser resurfacing can cause some discomfort, with most patients experiencing some degree of pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, local anesthesia and sedation can be used to minimize any discomfort.
The recovery process for CO2 laser resurfacing can take up to several weeks, with most patients experiencing some redness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions for caring for their skin during the recovery process.
The number of treatments needed to see results from CO2 laser resurfacing depends on the individual's skin concerns and the severity of the condition being treated. Most patients will require multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
CO2 laser resurfacing does carry some risks, including redness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area. In rare cases, scarring or infection may occur. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss any potential risks or side effects associated with the procedure.
Patients should follow a gentle skincare routine after CO2 laser resurfacing, using mild cleansers and moisturizers to avoid further irritation. Sun protection is also crucial during the recovery process, as the skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. Patients should avoid exposure to the sun or use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.