The Complete Guide to CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you want to undo years of sun damage or the remains of leftover blemishes still lingering on your skin, it is possible to do so with laser resurfacing. The CO2 laser is an effective resurfacing laser that can reveal healthy and youthful-looking skin in a safe in-office procedure. 

What is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that refreshes damaged skin. It’s an ablative laser (meaning it removes the uppermost layer of skin) and harnesses the power of carbon dioxide to do so. CO2 lasers remove scars, warts, and even deep wrinkles.

During the skin resurfacing treatment, the laser emits energy of a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers. This measurement is vital because, at that specific length, the skin cells absorb the energy, which results in the ablation of the superficial layer of the skin. 

This laser treatment produces heat injury, stimulating the skin to renew and form new collagen. Collagen is a protein in the body that provides a tightly organized fiber network and contributes to the skin’s elasticity; it can give the skin above a look of fullness and a youthful contour.

The benefits of CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment are noticeable as your skin starts healing after the procedure. The new skin can appear tighter, smoother, and more elastic. However, the results of laser treatments can depend on a person’s skin type and the practitioner’s proper use of the laser. 

How does CO2 Laser Resurfacing work?

CO2 lasers are ablative lasers that work by traumatizing the skin in a controlled environment. This process removes the outer layer of skin (often called the epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (the dermis). As we mentioned above, this process also stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. 

By stimulating the deep dermis layer, the skin grows new collagen fibers. As a result, the treated skin appears clearer, smoother, and tighter as the epidermis heals and regrows. 

CO2 lasers allow a high level of precision, control, and accuracy that is hard to achieve by other methods. This high-energy laser beam can remove scars, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections one layer of skin at a time. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure with intravenous sedation.

Am I a good candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

The best candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing are in good health, are not currently pregnant, and are non-smokers. They have realistic expectations about the possible results of this treatment. They can set aside the time they need to recover before resuming their normal daily activities. This procedure can take up to two weeks to heal enough to resume regular activities. 

Skin tone also plays a role in ensuring good results and no complications. CO2 laser resurfacing works best when there is a contrast between the natural skin color and the skin concern, which is not always possible with darker skin tones. The best practice to ensure optimal results is only working with highly trained and qualified medical practitioners. They can educate you on your risk factors and possible issues. 

At Coastal Aesthetics, we will listen to your concerns and design a customized treatment plan to best address your problems. We offer a variety of treatments for all skin types, and if this is not the best service for your skin, we will present you with other options to best meet your skin care needs. 

What are the benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Many patients choose laser treatments because they offer a non-surgical approach to treating pigmentation issues, wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars. CO2 laser resurfacing offers some of the most satisfactory results for non-surgical treatments available on the market. 

Before and After Pictures

What are the target areas for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 lasers can be used on almost any part of the face that needs resurfacing. This procedure has several options; most patients opt for a full-face treatment. Other options include partial facial treatments, such as perioral (treating the skin around the mouth) or periorbital (treating the skin around the eyes), which are also popular resurfacing treatments. 

What is recovery like?

Because this procedure involves the exfoliation of the outer layer of skin, it requires new skin growth in the innermost layers. The recovery process from this process can be significant, especially during the first two weeks. Patients typically deal with a considerable amount of redness and weeping of the skin. Most practitioners will provide ointments to be applied during the first 7-10 days to keep the skin moist. Patients must avoid sunlight and cannot wear makeup or cosmetic products on the skin during the first two weeks. The skin may continue to show signs of pink or redness for several weeks following this procedure as the skin continues to heal. Our talented team will communicate with you before your procedure, advise you on how to best prepare your skin for this treatment, and give you specifics on what to expect for your recovery. 

It’s normal for patients to experience swelling within the first couple of weeks. However, the skin recovers well from these treatments and should fully recover in time. The newly revealed skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so patients must be cautious to avoid sun exposure during the first six weeks following treatment. 

Why Should I Work With Coastal Aesthetics For My Skin Resurfacing?

Kimberlee Smith, FNP, has worked in the medical field for more than ten years. She received advanced training at the Esthetics Skin Institute and National Laser Institute in Boston, MA, and various private training throughout the country to continuously advance her skills and stay up-to-date on safety. She also earned the elite status of Master Injector from Allergan (the manufacturer of Botox). 

Since 2017, Kimberlee and her medical team have served the coastal York, Maine community. Patients love working with the staff at Coastal Aesthetics because of their thoughtful attention to detail, precision treatment, and attentive patient care. In addition, our team seeks to improve upon natural beauty. We have a reputation for excellence, and we can’t wait for you to see it yourself. 

Are you ready to see what a difference Coastal Aesthetics can make for you? Then, call us today at 207-363-2300 to book your consultation. You won’t be disappointed.