CO2 Resurfacing Laser Treatment

1. Aged and wrinkled Skin: CO2 laser resurfacing is highly effective in improving the aging appearance of the aging skin in different ways. By removing the aged and sun damaged outer layers of your skin, the CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates your body to generate new skin, in addition to collagen and elastin. This process results in reducing the appearance of aged skin, wrinkles, and fine lines, and revealing a more youthful complexion.

2. Skin Tightening: CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and essential proteins that improve your skin elasticity, firmness, and texture.

3. Age Spots and Pigmentation Correction: By removing the sun-damaged layers of your skin, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing will remove your sunspots, age spots, and freckles, resulting in a more even skin tone.

4. Smoker’s Lines: CO2 laser resurfacing can help treat smoker’s lines, which are fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen production. For optimal results in treating smoker’s lines, Here at REJUVA Dermatology in Venice, FL, we often combine CO2 laser resurfacing with dermal fillers and Exilis Ultra treatments.

5. Pre-Cancerous Lesion Treatments: CO2 laser resurfacing can effectively remove pre-cancerous lesions on the skin called actinic keratosis. The CO2 laser emits a highly concentrated beam of light that vaporizes the outer layers of the skin. This precise removal of the skin layers allows the laser to target and eliminate abnormal cells in precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis and actinic cheilitis).

6. Acne Scars: Fractional CO2 lasers treat acne scars by creating micro-injuries in the scar tissue, stimulating collagen production and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

7. Surgical and Traumatic Scars: Fractional CO2 lasers improve surgical and traumatic scars by delivering precise laser energy to the scar tissue, which stimulates collagen remodeling and skin regeneration. This process helps to soften and smooth the scar’s texture, reduce its thickness, and blend its appearance with the surrounding skin.

8. Enlarged Pores: Fractional CO2 lasers improve enlarged pores by delivering controlled laser energy into the skin, which stimulates collagen production and skin tightening. This process helps reduce the size of the pores by increasing skin firmness and improving overall texture.

9. Rhinophyma: Rhinophyma is a subtype of rosacea characterized by an enlarged, bulbous, and red nose due to the thickening of the skin and sebaceous (oil) glands. This condition can cause significant cosmetic concern and, in some cases, functional issues with nasal breathing. The CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for rhinophyma.

10. Tattoo Removal: Here at REJUVA Dermatology in Venice, FL, we combine CO2 lasers with Q-switched lasers for tattoo removal can offer enhanced results. The CO2 laser helps resurface the skin and remove the outermost layers, which can aid in the breakdown of tattoo ink and improve the skin’s overall texture. The Q-switched laser specifically targets the ink pigments, breaking them into smaller particles that the body can naturally eliminate. This combination allows for more efficient ink fragmentation and removal, addressing both superficial and deeper layers of ink. Additionally, it can help reduce the total number of sessions required and improve the skin’s appearance post-treatment by promoting collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation.

11. Stretch Marks (Striae): CO2 laser resurfacing helps treat your stretch marks by stimulating collagen production, resurfacing the skin, and improving the texture. Using fractional technology, they create controlled damage that promotes healing and new skin growth.

What Can I Expect During A CO2 Laser Treatment?

We use various techniques minimize pain or discomfort during our procedures. Before the CO2 treatment, a local anesthetic or topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. We also per-medicate our patients with oral medications if indicated. We also use ProNox and the Zimmer Cryo to minimize any discomforts. Using these combination approach, our patients consistently report these treatments to be tolerable.

How Many CO2 Laser Resurfacing Sessions Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on the condition, and individual’s skin properties and goals. While significant improvements can be seen after a single treatment, some conditions may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

How Long Is My Recovery Period After CO2 Laser Therapy?

Recovery time varies based on the intensity of the treatment and individual’s healing and recovery potential. Generally, patients experience redness, swelling, and peeling for several days and up to two weeks. We have developed very easy-to-follow post care instructions for your optimal results. We also provide you with our comprehensive post ablative kit that contains the necessary skin care products.

When Will I See Results from CO2 Laser Therapy?

Initial improvements can often be seen within weeks, with continued improvement over several months as collagen production increases and the skin heals. Full results are typically visible within three to six months.