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Skin concerns that go deeper than just the surface can be difficult to treat with topical skin care products. CO2 laser resurfacing targets the source of your concerns, stimulating new cell and collagen growth to reveal youthful-looking skin.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing uses targeted laser energy to remove the outer damaged layer of skin while promoting the growth of new collagen beneath. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a procedure that reduces or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, unwanted pigment, scars and uneven skin tones potentially shaving years off the face, neck, chest, and hands. The CO2 laser can also reduce or eliminate the small veins around the nose or on the cheeks from aging and rosacea.
Who is a Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing are those who experience signs of aging in the face, neck, chest, or hands and want to achieve skin rejuvenation. The treatment is an effective solution for those who have concerns that go deeper than just surface level blemishes. CO2 laser resurfacing might not be best for those with severe acne or other skin conditions. Patients taking Accutane or Isotretinoin should notify their treating surgeon because laser resurfacing should not be done for at least 6 months after stopping that medication. Dr. Newman will perform a skin evaluation before determining a patient’s candidacy for treatment.
The CO2 Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Patients have the option of taking a sedative and pain pill an hour before the procedure. 45 minutes before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin. Just before the procedure, a local anesthetic is injected in 6 locations to numb key areas of the face. During the treatment process, patients will be given eye protection. The CO2 laser handpiece will then be directed at the skin, emitting controlled laser energy to the treatment area. Treatment of the face then takes an average of 15 minutes. Cool, wet compresses are applied followed by an emollient consisting of petrolatum.
I have been a patient of Dr. Newman’s for years and have always been extremely pleased with the quality and personal attention he has provided. He takes the time to ensure he is providing the exact care I need. His staff is always friendly, accessible and very professional. I live in Ohio and on several occasions have made trips to Florida for Dr. Newman’s services. Once you see Dr. Newman you will never consider another surgeon. – Debbie D.
Downtime and Recovery
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing yields the fastest healing and with minimal downtime depending on the level of treatment desired. Fractional laser technology is what allows this procedure to heal so fast compared to traditional CO2 used years ago that resulted in several weeks of downtime. Patients can have their mild procedure on a Friday and be back at work Monday wearing makeup.
Beginning the day of the procedure, patients will wash their face with a facial cleanser every 4 hours and reapply the emollient supplied to them. Itching may occur, but typically there is no pain after the procedure. Some patients describe the sensation as being similar to a sunburn. Typically, if there is a history of cold sores, an antiviral prescription will be provided to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. Mild treatments can be healed in 48 hours allowing patients to apply makeup 3 days after treatment. Higher intensity treatments will yield the most change but may take an average of 3 to 5 days to heal. Once a laser patient has completely healed, it’s important to protect your investment. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can develop after any event that causes inflammation including laser treatments, chemical peels, radiofrequency treatments, surgery, or acne. The inflammatory process stimulates melanocytes to make pigment which can undo the progress gained from fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Dr. Newman typically recommends sunscreen and skin care to prevent PIH and to protect your investment
If you are interested in looking younger by reducing or eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, unwanted pigment and dilated veins (telangiectasias) with minimal downtime, call 727-897-5444. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Newman has over 11 years of experience with lasers and would be happy to evaluate you to see if you are a candidate.