Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing the Answer to Your Skin Concerns?

Have you recognized the signs of aging on your skin that creams and serums can’t seem to touch? Maybe fine lines have started to make an appearance, or perhaps you’ve observed changes in skin texture that weren’t there before. Aging is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can be done about it. Fortunately, innovative treatments can help restore your skin’s youthful glow; this is where CO2 laser resurfacing comes in! Whether you’re on the brink of deciding to undergo the procedure or merely curious, let’s explore this rejuvenating procedure. 

What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Think of CO2 laser resurfacing as a magic eraser that works wonders on your skin. This process brings a fresh, new skin layer to light using a carbon dioxide laser to peel off damaged skin layers precisely. It eases the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, while addressing skin laxity and uneven coloration. It breathes new life into your skin by tackling textural irregularities, dull tones, and even the skin on the neck and chest.

The Wonders of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing procedures don’t just erase the blemishes and signs of aging on your skin; they cleverly trigger your body’s natural healing mechanism.

The laser creates tiny, microscopic holes on the skin’s surface that play a huge role in rejuvenating your skin. As the body detects these small perforations, it instantly kicks into repair mode. Your body’s healing system increases collagen production, a protein that helps keep the skin elastic, firm, and youthful. Fresh skin cells will be generated to replace the older, damaged ones.

The result is nothing short of remarkable. Over time, your skin begins to showcase a smoother texture and firmer feel, making you look refreshingly younger. The newly produced collagen continues to remodel and improve your skin’s quality for several months post-treatment.

Skin Conditions Treated by CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The versatility of CO2 laser resurfacing shines through by looking at the variety of skin conditions it can handle. Depending on the level of treatment being performed, here are just some of the skin concerns that it targets:

• Deep wrinkles and creases around the eyes, mouth, and forehead 
• Mild or stubborn acne or chickenpox scars
• Sun-induced skin damage
• Uneven skin tone
• Skin issues caused by environmental factors
• Increased skin pigmentation
• Redness and visible blood vessels
• and more!

It’s essential to know that particular skin concerns may call for discussing different procedures with your skin care professional. CO2 laser resurfacing, after all, is most effective when personalized to suit individual skin needs and goals.

Understanding the CO2 Laser Resurfacing Procedure

Before you start the process of CO2 laser resurfacing, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your skin care professional to ensure that the procedure fits your skin goals and health. Once you’ve set a date for your appointment, plan to spend around two hours at the clinic.

The first hour is dedicated to ensuring comfort, with your physician applying a topical anesthetic to your skin. This step is vital as CO2 laser resurfacing involves a certain degree of discomfort. Your tolerance to pain, the skill of your dermatologist or surgeon, and the depth and extent of resurfacing will all influence the level of discomfort you might experience.

Here at Cascade Dermatology and Aesthetics, your comfort during the treatment is our top priority. That’s why we use ProNox, a safe and effective 50/50 Nitrous oxide and oxygen blend, to alleviate any discomfort you might feel during the procedure.

After the numbing phase is complete, your actual treatment begins. This phase typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending heavily on the extent of your skin concerns and the areas being treated. During the procedure, your physician will skillfully guide the CO2 laser over your skin and target specific problem areas.

The Aftermath of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Immediately after your CO2 laser resurfacing procedure, your skin may be red and swollen, resembling a sunburn. You may also experience redness, oozing, some crusting, and peeling of the treated areas. While these side effects can be disconcerting, they’re an expected part of the healing process. As your skin heals, old skin layers peel away to reveal new, youthful skin beneath. This process typically takes around 5 to 7 days. However, complete healing can take up to two weeks, depending on your skin’s response and the depth of treatment. 

Everyone’s skin responds to the treatment differently, and patience is a virtue. As your skin continues its journey to full recovery, it’s essential to follow the post-treatment care instructions from your skin care professional. Your skin is worth the time and effort, and it will thank you for your patience by revealing a more youthful, revitalized complexion.

Co2 Laser Resurfacing at Cascade Dermatology and Aesthetics

At Cascade Dermatology and Aesthetics, we provide comprehensive CO2 laser resurfacing treatments tailored to each individual’s unique skin concerns. Led by Dr. Benjamin Vazquez, we offer three types of CO2 laser resurfacing: Deep FX, Active FX, and Total FX. Each treatment is preceded by an in-depth consultation with Dr. Vazquez or our registered nurse, Jen Rogers. During this pre-treatment consultation, any necessary medications will be prescribed to you before the procedure. 

Depending on the depth of treatment, you can expect healing time to range from 3 to 7 days, with symptoms that include redness, oozing, crusting, and peeling. To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we use ProNox, a blend of 50/50 Nitrous oxide and oxygen, for pain control. The effect wears off within 10 minutes of discontinued use, allowing you to drive home safely after the procedure.

Post-care is paramount to us, so we provide a range of take-home products included with the procedure at no additional cost. Your aftercare package features a full-size EltaMD laser balm, SkinCeuticals gentle cleanser samples to cleanse your face, and a 1:10 dilute white vinegar solution for antimicrobial support. PRP post-procedure is available for an accelerated recovery option for an additional fee.

If you’re ready to try Co2 Laser Resurfacing for yourself, give our office a call to set up a consultation. With Cascade Dermatology and Aesthetics, your skin is in expert hands!