Non-surgical cosmetic technology has grown leaps and bounds with the improvement of new products and techniques. CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced laser resurfacing tools for lessening and diminishing a variety of skin irregularities. I offer this state-of-the-art procedure at Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery.
CO2, or carbon dioxide, is a gas that has been used for various skin problems. The CO2 lasers have an ultra-pulsed light energy that vaporizes surface skin layers. With this laser, I can precisely treat certain areas, which helps to prevent the surrounding healthy skin from being damaged. Patients who undergo CO2 laser resurfacing treatment are those who want to target certain problems, such as acne scars, warts, birthmarks, wrinkles, enlarged oil glands, and uneven pigmentation.
I will give the patient protective eyewear to put on before treatment, and depending on the patient’s individual case, I may use a local anesthetic numbing agent or general anesthesia. The CO2 laser delivers short-pulsed light energy to the areas needed to be treated, and it allows me to accurately distribute the light beam in a scanning outline without affecting the surrounding skin. Full-face treatments often last from one to two hours, while partial treatments may require 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the patient’s particular needs. Once the procedure is over, I will apply an ointment to the treated skin for protection, as well as give instructions on how to keep it clean. The patient may go home immediately after treatment.
Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks, during which the final results of your procedure will gradually become fully apparent. Please keep in mind that the post-treatment period is as important as the laser treatment itself. The CO2 laser resurfacing procedure has stimulated the growth of new collagen, restoring brightness and radiance of your features. However, the skin is initially very sensitive, possibly making it peel, swell, and bruise. It is crucial that the patient not assist the peeling skin by pulling it off; this may cause discoloration as the patient should allow the skin to naturally fall off. The patient should not expose themselves to sunlight, pollutants, or other irritating agents that may cause infection.
Throughout the healing period, new skin will be produced and the tone of the skin will have improved. For several weeks to several months, the patient will see the skin get smoother and more radiant as collagen continues to stimulate skin growth. Acne scarring and wrinkles will become less visible as new skin generates. Because the skin will continue to naturally age, additional touch-up treatment sessions may be necessary as time goes on.
I look forward to meeting with you at my cosmetic surgery practice in Pasadena. Please contact my office to make an appointment.