CO2 laser resurfacing

Procedure: CO2 laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of skin or treat minor facial flaws by removing layers of skin. It is mainly indicated for fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, and dark spots.

Generally, CO2 laser skin resurfacing improves the smoothness of the skin; however, a complete elimination of wrinkles or scarring is not a realistic expectation.

CO2 laser resurfacing also promotes collagen production resulting in a smoother, more even appearance. Your practitioner will first numb you with a local anesthetic, and then move the handheld laser device across the face and neck. The beam is usually a square that is moved section by section, lining up each ablated square in a grid-like pattern until the full area has been treated.

Contraindications: pregnancy or breastfeeding, Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, use of isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment, active skin disease in the treated area, bleeding disorder or any anticoagulant use in the last 7 days, skin resurfacing or surgery to the area in the last 3 months, pacemaker or any electrical implant in the body, permanent implant in the treated area (such as titanium plates/screws, silicone implants, dental implants), Botox or Dysport in the last 7 days, hyaluronic acid or other filler in the last 6 months in the treated area (except injected performed in a deep periosteal plane), skin cancer in the treated area, severe concurrent conditions (such as heart disorders, epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, liver/kidney disease), immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid problems, allergy to anesthesia

Preparing for treatment: Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment and if medically permitted, anticoagulants should be stopped 7 days prior treatment. If you are prone to cold sores, your doctor will prescribe you prophylactic medication to prevent reactivation.

Recovery: Prepare for 1-2 weeks of downtime before resuming social activities, work, and school. Clean the treatment area after the first 24 hours and then four to five times a day thereafter with a soft soap. Apply an ointment, such as Vaseline, after cleaning to prevent scabs from forming. Over the next few days, the skin will swell, itch, sting, then slough off, and new skin will start forming. Healing typically takes 10 to 21 days where patients usually avoid social activities. After the area is fully healed, avoid oil-based makeup for three months, and avoid direct sun exposure or use sunscreen for six months. Always keep moisturized.

Risks: pain, skin redness, swelling, prolonged wound healing, skin thickening, cysts, contact dermatitis, herpes simplex dermatitis or cold sore reactivation, skin itchiness, pigmentation changes, skin infections, blindness/corneal burns, flash fires, permanent scarring, eyelid position changes, increased sun susceptibility

Alternatives: Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling, PRP vampire facial, Botox, Dysport

Associated procedures: face and neck lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, lip lift