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 also avoid excessive exposure to the sun and tanning for at least four weeks before the procedure. Patients should avoid sun-sensitive medications.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing targets specific areas with a laser. The laser is useful for treating pigmentation, scarring, and fine lines. This technique can also be used in treating sun spots and precancerous skin lesions. It is a good idea to consult with a dermatologist prior to undergoing the procedure.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a less invasive treatment that requires only one to two treatments. However, the recovery period is longer than with traditional CO2 laser treatments. The procedure typically requires about a week of downtime. Patients are asked to stop tanning for a few days before the procedure in order to reduce discomfort and help with recovery.
Downtime
Recovery from a CO2 laser procedure can take weeks or even months, depending on the area of the body being treated. Redness may occur in some patients, and can last up to four weeks. Redness may be caused either by an underlying health condition or the laser technique used. Patients can minimize redness after treatment by applying topical ascorbic acid or wearing makeup that's hypoallergenic.
The recovery time from a fractional CO2 laser is generally only a couple of days, while a deeper treatment may require seven days. It depends on how many treatments are required and how much downtime the patient is able to bear. Patients who can tolerate downtime will likely only need one or two treatments.
Side effects
Side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing can be mild and temporary. Some patients experience reddening around the treatment area, lasting anywhere from one to four week. It could be due an underlying medical condition, the laser provider or the technique. Antihistamines, or steroids are recommended in these cases. You should also avoid using harsh skin treatments. You can also use hypoallergenic makeup to cover up the redness. However, CO2 laser treatments can be more difficult than other laser treatments.
Pain following CO2 laser treatment depends on how deep and extensive the treatment is, the skill and tolerance of the surgeon, and the patient's level of pain tolerance. Your doctor may recommend a combination of local and sedative anesthesia if the procedure is very extensive. Some cases may require general anesthesia, which allows you to stay asleep during the entire 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 cause patients to have red, swollen or sore skin. Patients can expect to be out of work for two weeks. Patients should not use makeup or other harsh cosmetics. Proper sun protection is also important.
Patients will need to rest for several days after the procedure. This will allow for the skin to heal. To ease pain, the physician will apply a local anesthetic to the affected area. A doctor may also inject an anesthetic to help reduce pain. Patients will also need to take prescribed medications as directed. Patients can expect to be away from their loved ones for five to ten extra days. Patients should also avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which will weaken the skin's tissues.