Has your acne left scar tissue underneath your skin? Do you have pigmentation? You can consider undergoing non-surgical CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment. The treatment is gaining traction lately due to its ability to treat various skin conditions. Let's explore co2 laser resurfacing before and after results before booking a consultation.
What is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is done by a CO2 laser resurfacing machine. This device emits a concentrated beam of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser light. During the treatment, the laser precisely targets the top layers of your skin, creating microscopic injuries.
These controlled injuries trigger your body's natural healing response. As your skin heals, it ramps up collagen and elastin production, leading to smoother skin.
CO2 laser treatments are popular for tackling a variety of concerns, including:
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Acne scarring: This treatment minimizes the appearance of acne scars.
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Fine lines and wrinkles: There will be no unwanted fine lines around your eyes, mouth, or chin! CO2 lasers are effective at targeting these signs of aging.
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Sun damage: Sun exposure can leave behind uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. CO2 laser resurfacing can help even out your skin tone.
Why Choose CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is very effective in tackling various skin concerns. It does not just provide a surface-level fix. Instead, the laser targets deeper skin layers.
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Improved skin texture: Collagen stimulates collagen production that significantly improves the texture of one's skin.
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Reduced scarring: Not only does collagen reduce the visibility of scars but it is also able to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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More youthful appearance: Fractional CO2 laser gives your full face a more even tone and texture that other procedures cannot.
Who is The Ideal Candidate for CO2 Laser Treatment?
If you have concerns like acne scars, deeper wrinkles, or sun damage, you are an ideal candidate for laser treatment. It also works well for people with fairer skin tones, as the laser targets pigment. It is best to consult a board certified dermatologist before considering this treatment.
How to Prepare for CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Consult a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They will assess your skin type and determine if CO2 erbium laser resurfacing is good for your skin. If there are any risks, they will walk you through them too.
As part of your pre-treatment preparation, you may want to keep these key things in mind:
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Sun Exposure: Avoid excessive sun exposure for a few weeks before your treatment. The harmful rays of the sun can make your skin more sensitive to the laser. And you do not want to increase the risk of further complications.
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Avoid Anything Harsh: Certain skincare products, like retinols and glycolic acid, can irritate your skin. Avoid them before the treatment.
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Be Upfront about Your Health: Let your doctor know if you have any history of skin conditions. They may include cold sores, active skin infections, or any underlying health conditions.
Follow these simple pre-treatment tips to make the treatment work in your favor. To set your expectations straight, check out the day by day co2 laser resurfacing recovery photos to get an idea of the results.
What to Expect During the Treatment
On the day of your CO2 laser treatment, your doctor will thoroughly cleanse your face. They may apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area. If it suits you may opt for mild sedation to feel more relaxed during the procedure.
Then comes the laser part! The doctor will use the CO2 fractional laser to precisely target the designated areas of your skin. While you might feel a warm prickling sensation, the numbing cream and/or sedation will minimize discomfort.
The entire treatment session typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Actually, it depends on the size of the area being treated and the depth of treatment needed.
Post-Treatment Recovery and Results
Immediate Aftercare: Your face gets a bit sunburned for the next few days after your treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend applying ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. Sun protection is a must. Use hats, and sunscreen, and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Recovery Phases: Here's a sneak peek at what you might experience, along with some helpful tips:
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Day 1-3: Your face will likely be red, swollen, and feel tender. Stick to cool compresses and gentle skincare products as recommended by your doctor. Do not pick or touch your face, as this can disrupt healing and increase the risk of infection.
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Day 4-7: Your skin will start peeling and crusting as the new layer regenerates underneath. This is a normal part of the process. Avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin, and let it flake naturally.
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Day 8-14: As the peeling subsides, you will start to notice reduced redness and a smoother texture. Moisturizing is key during this phase to keep your skin hydrated and promote healing.
Full Recovery: It will take you a few weeks to see visible improvements. The full recovery and final results can take several months. Be patient and diligent with your post-treatment care routine.
My Experience & Laser Resurfacing Before and After Photos
I was intrigued after seeing CO2 laser before after results online. As I had acne scars and fine lines I decided to give the treatment a shot. I documented the entire process, laser resurfacing before and after photos included!
The CO2 laser recovery phase was not a walk in the park. However, I was satisfied with the results. My skin texture is noticeably smoother, and my scars have faded significantly. Even those fine lines around my eyes seem less noticeable!
Let me tell you that everyone's skin is unique. Results may vary. All you need to do is follow your doctor's aftercare instructions.
If you are thinking about trying CO2 ablative laser resurfacing, do your research first. It is a good idea to have a discussion with a dermatologist. Check out CO2 laser before and after photos to see if it aligns with your goals.
Non-ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost
The typical cost per session ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on location. Prices can vary depending on where your treatment is happening!
Several factors can influence the cost, such as the size of the area treated, the number of sessions required, and your doctor's expertise. For example, deeper wrinkles or acne scars might require more sessions than treating fine lines.
FAQs Section
How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?
CO2 lasers injure the top skin layer (epidermis) and heat the deeper layer (dermis). This tricks your body into healing mode, boosting collagen and elastin for smoother, younger-looking skin. After recovery time, you will see results!
How long after a CO2 laser will I see results?
You will notice some initial improvements within a few weeks. Full before and after CO2 laser results can take several months as your skin continues to heal and regenerate collagen.
How does the skin look after a CO2 laser?
For the first few days, your skin will likely be red and swollen. Peeling and crusting are also common as the new layer of skin regenerates.
How long is the recovery period after CO2 laser resurfacing?
You will feel the most intense phase of recovery for a week. Full recovery can take several months. Be patient and diligent with your aftercare routine for optimal results.
