If you are looking for more youthful skin, and want to have a natural outcome with no downtime or recovery, CO2 laser can be a good option. While CO2 laser treatments require no downtime, patients will experience some reddening. It will not last forever, although it can get worse. Patients should avoid sunburns and excessive tanning for at most four weeks prior to their procedure. They should also avoid medications that can make them sensitive to the sun.
Fractional CO2 laser-resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing uses a laser to target specific areas of the skin. This technique is especially useful in reducing scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, and other imperfections. It can also be used to treat precancerous lesions and sun spots. Before going under this procedure, patients should consult with a dermatologist.
Fractional CO2 laser is a less-invasive procedure that only requires one or two treatments. The recovery period for fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is longer than traditional CO2 laser treatments. The procedure typically requires about a week of downtime. Patients are encouraged to avoid tanning for a few weeks before the procedure to avoid increased discomfort during the recovery period.
Downtime
Depending on the treatment area, recovery from a CO2 Laser procedure can take weeks to complete. Redness may occur in some patients, and can last up to four weeks. Redness can be due to an underlying medical condition, the treatment used by the laser provider or a combination of both. Patients can minimize redness after treatment by applying topical ascorbic acid or wearing makeup that's hypoallergenic.
A fractional CO2 treatment generally takes two to three days for recovery, while a more extensive treatment might take seven days. Recovery time is also dependent on the number of treatments needed and the patient's ability to tolerate downtime. Patients who can tolerate downtime will likely only need one or two treatments.
Side effects
Side effects of CO2 laser treatment can be temporary and mild. Some patients report redness in the treatment area that lasts anywhere from one to four weeks. This reaction may be due to an underlying health condition or the technique used by the laser provider. Antihistamines, or steroids are recommended in these cases. In addition, you should avoid harsh skin treatments. Hypoallergenic makeup can be used to mask the redness. However, recovery from CO2 laser treatment can take longer than recovery from other laser procedures.
The extent and severity of CO2 laser surgery will determine the level and type of pain. For severe cases of CO2 laser resurfacing, your doctor may prescribe a combination or local anesthetics and sedatives to reduce pain. In some cases, general anesthesia is used for the entire procedure, allowing you to sleep through the procedure. You'll also be required to wear special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser.
Aftercare
CO2 laser resurfacing involves a high-intensity laser beam that removes the top layer of skin and heats the dermal layer. The procedure may leave patients with red, swollen, sore skin. Afterwards, patients can expect to experience at least two weeks of recovery time. It is important to avoid applying makeup or using harsh cosmetics around the area. Proper sunscreen is also essential.
Patients will be required to miss several days of work after the procedure. This will allow skin to heal. The treatment site will be treated with a topical anesthetic to reduce any pain. To minimize discomfort, your doctor may give you an injection of anesthetic. Patients will be required to take the prescribed medications as directed. They should also expect to experience significant downtime in social settings for up to five to ten days. Patients should also avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which will weaken the skin's tissues.