When it comes time to renew your skin, and reversing visible age-related signs, few treatments are as effective and proven over time as CO2 laser resurfacing. With Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology we are specialized in providing the most advanced treatments for cosmetic dermatology treatments, including laser skin rejuvenation for helping you attain a glowing, youthful look.
It doesn't matter if you want to treat damaged skin caused by sun to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or simply to refresh your face, CO2 laser treatment is an effective treatment that is backed by science. In this article we'll take a look at the ways in which CO2 laser resurfacing is performed, who they're best suited to, the outcomes can you expect, and how it's different from other cosmetic treatments for the skin.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing provides an ablation laser treatment that removes precisely the damaged outer layer of skin to increase collagen production and help promote healthy, new skin development. It uses the fractional CO2 laser that means it targets small areas of the skin in a grid-like pattern, leaving surrounding tissue intact. It speeds up recovery time and minimizes the amount of time it takes to recover.
The treatment is highly effective for a range of concerns, including:
Sun-damaged skin
Deep wrinkles and fine lines
Acne scars
Uneven skin texture and tone
Pores with larger pores
Scars that are traumatic or surgical
How Does Fractional CO2 Lasers Work?
A fractional CO2 laser emits controlled laser energy pulses that penetrate the skin's surface. These tiny beams generate microthermal zones that trigger our body's own healing mechanism. As your skin heals, it replaces damaged cells with new, revitalized tissues. Additionally, the treatment stimulates collagen remodeling -- one of the key factors in achieving healthier, smoother skin.
Contrary to conventional CO2 Lasers that can be used to treat the entire surface of skin fractional technology only treats just a "fraction" part of the surface at one time greatly reducing healing time and risk.
The advantages of laser resurfacing using CO2
1. Treats Sun-damaged Skin
Exposure to sun for a long time can result in a fading of skin pigment, rough texture, and sagging of the skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can help to treat damaged skin caused by sun by taking away the outermost damaged layers and promoting healthy skin regeneration.
2. Lowers Wrinkles as well as Fine Lines
If you are looking for an effective procedure to treat wrinkles using lasers the procedure can provide amazing results. By stimulating collagen production and smoothing the skin's surface some of the best and most effective wrinkle treatments using lasers available today.
3. Enhances Skin Tone and Texture
Uneven pigmentation and rough patches, and dullness can be all improved with laser skin rejuvenation. The skin will not only feel smoother and firmer, but also appear smoother and radiant.
4. A minimally-invasive program with long-lasting Results
While it's an ablative procedure, fractional CO2 laser rejuvenation is more gentle than previous techniques, with most patients experiencing results that last for many years if they take care of their skin and protection from sun.
Ideal Candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing
You could be a suitable option for CO2 laser Resurfacing If you:
You have moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
You're looking to take care of sun damaged skin or problems with pigmentation.
There are visible acne scars or surgical scars.
You're generally in good health and you have realistic expectations.
However, those with darker skin tone should consult with an experienced provider such as Dr. Monica Scheel, as there's a greater chance of hyperpigmentation from ablative lasers.
What to Expect During the Process
The procedure is typically done at the office, under topical sedation and sometimes local anesthesia depending on the size of the area. A brief description of the procedure:
Formulation: Your skin will be cleaned, and numbing creams are applied.
Therapies: A fractional CO2 laser is injected into the skin, targeting damaged cells. The session may last 30-90 hours, based upon the treatment location.
Post-treatment: You may experience swelling, redness and a sunburn-like sensation for several days. The healing process typically takes 5-10 days.
Once your skin has healed, you'll notice firmer, smoother and evenly toned skin.
Recovery and aftercare
The proper aftercare and care is vital in order to maximize results and to avoid complications. Here are some guidelines:
Maintain your skin's cleanliness and moisturized by using gentle, non-comedogenic products.
Avoid sun exposure and apply an SPF with a broad spectrum of at least 30.
Avoid peeling or picking the skin during the period of recovery.
Follow all the instructions given post-procedure by your dermatologist.
The majority of patients return back to the normal routine within 7-10 working days, but redness may persist for a few months, similar to mild sunburn.
How many sessions are required?
One of the advantages in CO2 laser refractive treatment is that dramatic improvements can be observed after only one treatment. For more serious skin problems, your dermatologist might recommend several sessions that are spaced out over several months.
Results: What You Can Expect
Patients typically see results after a week or so following the skin is fully healed. But, the full results particularly in relation to collagen production -- could take 3-6 months to appear.
The results include:
Visibly reduced wrinkles
Skin is more youthful and smoother
Improved skin elasticity
Sun and age spots that have faded, as well as sun damage
If you take care of your skin and sunscreen, the results are likely to last for several years.
CO2 Laser is vs. Different Skin-Rejuvenation Therapies
CO2 Laser Resurfacing vs. Microneedling
Microneedling is not as invasive and has a shorter recovery period, but it doesn't result in the same dramatic changes like CO2 laser treatments for wrinkles and deep scars. Ablative laser resurfacing
CO2 Laser Resurfacing vs. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are effective for treating superficial skin concerns However, they don't have the precise and depth of treatment that CO2 laser offers, particularly on scars and lines with a deeper depth.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing vs. Non-Ablative Lasers
Non-ablative lasers need multiple treatments and offer more subtle results. Contrarily, ablative laser resurfacing like CO2 delivers more obvious, long-lasting effects in less sessions.
Combining CO2 Lasers and Other Treatments
With Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology, you'll find that your facial laser Resurfacing plan can be customized to increase the overall effectiveness of your treatment. CO2 laser treatments typically are used in conjunction with:
Botox as well as Dysport for dynamic wrinkles
Dermal fillers for loss of volume
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for pigment correction
Skincare products of medical grade to maintain results
Combining treatments allow us to address multiple aging signs in an effective manner.
Why Choose to go with Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
With decades of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Doctor. Monica Scheel and her team are specialists in cosmetic skin rejuvenation using lasers. Here's why people across Hawaii trust us:
Certified by the Board with extensive laser-based training
State-of-the-art CO2 fractional laser technology
Individualized treatment plans based on your skin type and needs
A proven track record of treating damaged skin caused by sun wrinkles, scars, wrinkles and much more
Our philosophy is built on security, efficiency and the satisfaction of our patients. Whether you're interested in the single treatment, or a complete skin transformation, our team will guide you every step of the process.
Frequently asked questions
Q Are CO2 lasers difficult?
Most patients report the procedure as mildly uncomfortable. Local anesthesia and numbing drugs are employed to help reduce discomfort.
Q How long does redness last following therapy?
Initial redness generally subsides after 7-10 days, though mild pinkness can persist for a couple of weeks.
Q Do I have to wear makeup following CO2 laser resurfacing?
You shouldn't wear makeup until the skin is completely healed- generally about 10 days after treatment.
Q: Is this treatment safe for all skin types?
While effective for lighter skin tones and darker skin tones, people with darker complexions must seek a consultation to assess the suitability of the treatment and discuss issues such as pigmentation changes.
Reclaim Radiant Skin Today
If you're looking to revitalize your skin and restore a youthful glowing, healthy look, CO2 laser Resurfacing is a perfect match. Being a leading expert in laser renewal of the skin and facial wrinkle treatments, Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology is a top provider of care and advanced technology.
Get a consultation today and take the first step towards firmer, more visibly smoother and radiant skin.