Everyone wants a face and body that reflects who they really are, both on the inside and out. Skin imperfections can hide the beautiful person within. Examples of such imperfections are age spots, liver spots, fine lines, skin wrinkles (rhytids), scars from acne or chickenpox, rhinophyma (enlarged oil glands on the nose), uneven coloration, birth marks, skin lesions, thinned collagen layers of the face and neck muscles, a general dull tone, and other skin conditions. CO2 laser resurfacing is an effective procedure that helps to treat these skin conditions while also serving to generate the formation of new layers of collagen and elastin on the skin.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser technology has been around for many years. The type of CO2 lasers used in the 80s and 90s were called Continuous Wave (CW) CO2 lasers, so named because once the switch was turned on there was a continuous laser beam reflected on the skin tissue of the patient. Due to the continuous beam, CW CO2 lasers commonly caused thermal damage to the skin tissue and resulted in scarring, hence they were not widely used for treatment.
In the 21st century however, there has been a huge improvement and revolution of the CO2 laser resurfacing technology to include the use of short-pulsed high energy which allows the treatment and removal of skin imperfections in a very precise manner with very minimal thermal damage to the skin. Shorter light pulses have higher energy than longer ones, therefore the shorter the pulse, the more selective the laser would be in vaporizing and/or eroding the tissue.
How Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Work?
The skin is an amazing organ that continuously rejuvenates itself by shedding outer layers and replacing them with inner layers. However, skin damage makes it difficult for the skin to be renewed by its natural processes.
Lasers produce an intense beam of light that travels in a single direction. This beam is powerful enough to vaporize or remove layers of damaged skin tissue. CO2 laser resurfacing works by using light pulses to remove layers of the skin where there is damage, hence allowing new collagen and elastin fibers to form in those areas. The new tissue that forms will result in a skin that looks healthier and firmer.
Skin NV Tampa has a team of highly trained and nationally renowned medical professionals who provide laser resurfacing on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, patients with very sensitive skin may be given local anesthesia in combination with selected sedatives. The patient is also given protective eyewear before the procedure begins. Most treatments last for less than an hour.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- There is no surgery involved, it is an outpatient procedure
- Reduced risk of infection.
- Unlike other procedures, it offers more control in how deep the laser can penetrate the skin, leading to an increase in accuracy, precision, and safety.
- There is very minimal scarring involved.
Who should NOT get CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Certain people should not undergo this procedure, including:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients who are taking the drug isotretinoin (Roaccutane Claravis, Amnesteem, Absorica, Isotroin) for active acne.
- Using CO2 Laser Resurfacing with Other Procedures
Are there any Side Effects of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
The occurrence of side-effects is generally very low with CO2 laser resurfacing technology. However, there could be some possible side-effects that can occur. Possible side-effects include bumps, crusting, acne flares, hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, swelling, and possible bacterial infections. It is very rare for scarring to occur, but depending on the surface area covered and the aggressive nature with which that area is treated, it could also be a potential side effect.
The Results of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
When combined with some other procedures, CO2 Laser resurfacing can help patients look younger and achieve smooth, healthy skin. Facial liposuction or injectable fillers are procedures that can be used to sculpt the face and improve the results of your new skin tone. Different procedures can address different areas of the face as well. For example, chemical peels can enhance one area, while a different method can be used for an alternate area.
Call Skin NV in South Tampa today for a free consultation to discuss the best treatments to reach your skin care goals.
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