Having smooth, even, and radiant skin is a goal that most people have, but it is one that is not always easy to achieve. Countless treatment options promise these results, but one of the most effective is CO2 laser resurfacing.
At Timeless Laser & Skin Care, we offer this skin rejuvenation option for clients who want to improve their skin tone or texture or diminish signs of wrinkles and fine lines. Learn more about CO2 laser resurfacing and how it can help.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing uses carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers to remove thin layers of skin precisely and in a way that does not damage surrounding tissues.
This type of laser skin rejuvenation is ablative — it works by abrading the skin. It does this by gently removing outer layers of skin in the epidermis, then heating up the layer beneath it, the dermis. This stimulates collagen production.
Collagen is a vital protein your body makes that serves many purposes. One of these purposes is to keep your skin looking healthy, firm, and hydrated. When you reach your late 20s, collagen production decreases, making your skin lose some of its elasticity. When skin becomes laxer, you start developing wrinkles and blemishes.
With an option like CO2 laser resurfacing, you are boosting your natural production of collagen, jump-starting your skin’s regenerative processes.
Laser skin rejuvenation can help treat the following skin concerns:
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Wrinkles and fine lines
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Acne scars
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Warts
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Sun damage
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Birthmarks
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Enlarged nose oil glands
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Uneven skin tone
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Uneven skin texture
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Hyperpigmentation
The laser we use for this procedure is the SmartSkin CO2 fractional laser, which utilizes short-pulsed light energy in a scanning pattern.
The best candidates for this skin rejuvenation procedure are people who are in overall good health, who do not have clotting issues, and who have realistic expectations about the results the treatment will offer.
People who have active infections, have used Accutane in the past six months, have very dark skin, have very thin or thick skin, have collagen vascular disease, or have a tendency to develop keloid scars are not the right candidates for the procedure. We will look for alternatives that can offer effective results.
What Are the Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
This skin rejuvenation technique requires no downtime. You can get back to your life right after without worrying about taking time off from work.
CO2 laser resurfacing is particularly good at treating sun damage, allowing your complexion to even out in just a few sessions.
It also offers long-lasting results. Since the lasers stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, you can continue seeing improvements for months after your sessions.
The advanced technology we use for this procedure allows us to also target specific areas. This lets you receive the precise results you want.
How to Prepare for Laser Skin Rejuvenation
You must schedule a consultation with us to have an idea of what to expect from the procedure. During this appointment, we will ask for your full medical history and a list of medications and supplements you take. Let us know if you have had skin rejuvenation procedures before and what your experience was like.
For a month before your treatment, it is essential you avoid tanning and sun exposure. Wear sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy. You also want to avoid medications that cause sun sensitivity for at least a week before treatment.
Moisturize your skin day and night for seven days before, and stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E.
Two days before your appointment, stop drinking alcohol.
The Day of the Procedure and Aftercare
On the day of the skin rejuvenation treatment, arrive without makeup or contact lenses. Your skin has to be clean and free of oils.
We will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment areas and begin the procedure. CO2 laser resurfacing can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the treatment areas we will target. Once we finish the procedure, we will apply a cooling gel to your skin.
We suggest you apply cold compresses throughout the first day. You need to sleep with your head elevated for the first couple of nights. Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, and anything else that heats up your skin. You also want to use sunscreen every day as your new skin surfaces.
We’ll also ask you to avoid alcohol for at least a week as well as the use of any exfoliant or abrasive skin care products since they can make your skin more sensitive. For at least a week after the laser skin rejuvenation, avoid shaving the areas we treated. Wait at least ten days before resuming vigorous exercise.
As you heal, skip wearing makeup for a while. The entire recovery process can take up to two weeks.
We recommend getting CO2 laser resurfacing every six months to maintain the results and even improve them.
Rejuvenate Your Skin with CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Blemishes, wrinkles, and other issues with skin tone and texture can leave you wishing for an effective treatment option. By turning to laser skin rejuvenation treatments like CO2 laser resurfacing, you can stimulate collagen production to help heal your damaged or aging skin.
At Timeless Laser & Skin Care in Westlake, OH, we offer a variety of laser treatments to help you improve your skin. We provide holistic services using the latest technologies and the best tools in our state-of-the-art facilities. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
