Carbon dioxide lasers have become useful in dermatological procedures because water (which makes up the majority of biological tissues) absorbs this frequency of light very well. Some examples of medical uses are laser surgery and skin resurfacing (“laser facelifts”, which essentially consist of vaporizing the skin to promote collagen formation). The Co2 laser can be used to treat certain skin conditions, such as acne scars, melasma, stretch marks, sagging skin and rejuvenation.
Don’t miss Dr. Szerman’s Co2 laser aftercare video at the end of this article!
About the CO2 Laser
The Co2 laser remains the best surgical laser for soft tissue where both cutting and hemostasis are achieved by photo-thermolysis. Co2 lasers can be used in place of a scalpel for most procedures and are even used in places where a scalpel would not be used, in delicate areas where mechanical trauma could damage the surgical site.
Co2 lasers are the most suitable for soft tissue procedures compared to lasers with other wavelengths. Advantages include:
- Less bleeding
- Shorter surgical time
- Less risk of infection
- Less post-operative swelling.
Applications include gynecology, dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and many others.
What is a Co2 laser treatment?
The fractional Co2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser that precisely removes the deep outer layers of damaged skin and stimulates the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. The Co2 Laser treats fine to moderately deep wrinkles, light damage, scars, skin tone, texture, wrinkling and sagging.
How long does a Co2 laser treatment last?
The exact time depends on the area being treated; however, it usually takes two hours or less to complete. This time period includes an additional 30 minutes for the application of topical anesthesia before the treatment.
Does a Co2 laser treatment hurt?
Co2 is the deepest laser treatment we have. Co2 can cause some discomfort, but we ensure that our patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. That’s why we apply a strong medical anesthetic one hour before the session. In addition, we use a jet of super-cold air during the procedure.
When will I start to see results after a Co2 laser treatment?
After the skin has healed, which can take from 4 days to 1 week, patients will go through a period in which the skin will be slightly pink. During this period, you will see improvements in the texture and tone of the skin. Full results can be seen 3-6 months after each session.
How long do the results of a Co2 laser last?
The improvements of a Co2 laser treatment can be seen for many years after the treatment. The results can be prolonged by avoiding sun exposure and by properly maintaining the skin at home.
Which areas can I treat with the Co2 laser?
Co2 can be treated on specialized areas, such as the eyes and around the mouth; however, the most popular areas to treat with the Co2 laser are the entire face and neck.
Is there any downtime associated with a Co2 laser treatment?
Yes, there is downtime associated with a Co2 laser treatment. Plan on 5 to 10 days for the skin to recover. Your skin will scab and peel 2 to 7 days after treatment and may be slightly pink for 3 to 4 weeks. The exact healing time varies from person to person.
How many Co2 treatments will I need?
Most patients need between 4 and 6 Co2 sessions to get the best results; patients with minor changes may need fewer sessions; however, some patients with deeper wrinkles or scars may need several treatments to see results.
Are there any side effects or possible risks with Co2 laser treatment?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with Co2 laser treatment. During your consultation, we will carry out an assessment to ensure that you are the right candidate for Co2 laser treatment.
Who is not a candidate for Co2 laser treatment?
A Co2 laser treatment may not be safe for people with certain health problems. A Co2 laser treatment is not recommended for patients who are taking Roaccutan.
Those with a history of difficulty healing or scarring are not candidates, as are those with bleeding disorders. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can have the Co2 laser, when cleared by their obstetrician.
Are there any post-treatment precautions?
We’ll provide you with all the Co2 post-treatment instructions. You should not wash your face for 8 hours after the Co2 laser. You will be prescribed post-laser healing agents for a quick and safe recovery. Ideally, you shouldn’t apply make-up for a few days. It is also important to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
How long after the CO2 laser can I sunbathe?
The time you should wait after a CO2 laser treatment before sunbathing can vary depending on the intensity of the treatment, your skin and the specific instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare professional.
It is usually recommended to avoid direct exposure to the sun for a period of at least 2 to 4 weeks after CO2 laser treatment. During this period, it is important to protect your skin from the sun using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during peak ultraviolet (UV) radiation hours.
Ignoring these instructions can result in complications and damage to the skin. Therefore, always consult your healthcare professional for precise and personalized guidance based on your specific case.
CO2 LASER AFTERCARE
Dr. Szerman’s Skin Clinic specializes in CO2 laser treatments in Rio de Janeiro. Get in touch and pay us a visit.
