Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. But, just as with any cosmetic procedure, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every patient is unique and there are certainly some characteristics and dermatological dispositions to keep in mind when determining if this is the right treatment for you.
What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?
CO2 Laser skin resurfacing uses carbon dioxide gas to deliver a beam of infrared light that vaporizes the outer layers of skin, resulting in more extensive tissue removal compared to other lasers. CO2 lasers are ablative lasers that can treat both the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and deeper layers (dermis).
How Does CO2 Compare to Other Laser Treatments?
CO2 lasers are considered the most powerful laser skin resurfacing option. This more aggressive approach produces more dramatic improvements for concerns such as:
- Deep wrinkles and lines
- Severe sun damage
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin texture and tone
Because the CO2 laser is more powerful than other laser skin resurfacing treatments, the recovery time is longer. The trade-off is you’ll get the desired results in a single treatment session, while most other lasers require multiple procedures to achieve your cosmetic goals.
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Before and After Photos
Women and men who want to rejuvenate their complexions with laser skin resurfacing often have other concerns that Dr. Boggess addresses with facial plastic surgery. Most patients benefit from this approach, which is part of our signature Reflection Lift. As you can see in these before and after photos, the patients enjoy comprehensive results that include smoothing rough skin texture, removing age spots, and minimizing deep wrinkles and lines.
Dr. Boggess has dozens of before and after photos showcasing his actual patients.
Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Right for You?
Here are some considerations to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for fractional CO2 resurfacing:
- Skin Tone: Traditional CO2 lasers can create problems for darker skin tones, since the laser takes all of the color out of the skin – and there is no guarantee it will return. The darker the skin, the more difficult it is to use lasers, as you may heal with abnormal coloration. Eventually it can even out, but it takes a while.
- Deep Problem Areas: Whether you’re hoping to minimize acne scars or want to rid yourself of warts, dark spots or wrinkles, laser resurfacing can only help if the issues are located near the surface of the skin. Deep scars or discoloration are beyond the reach of the laser, which only works on the upper layers of the skin.
- Specific Skin Issues: Lasers can make a world of difference in shallow wrinkles, acne scars and dark spots due to sun damage or abnormal blood vessel formation. But some skin problems, such as stretch marks or deep wrinkles, are not successfully treated with laser resurfacing.
- Face-Only Issues: The CO2 and fractional lasers can only be used on the face as arms, legs and chest don’t have enough sebaceous glands to guarantee proper healing, and may cause burns as a result.
- Skin Doesn’t Sag: Laser resurfacing can tighten skin – like superficial wrinkles – but will do little to minimize sagging skin in the jowls, as that is the result of an architectural change in thickness and fat.
- No Active Acne: Laser resurfacing is very effective in smoothing away scars from past acne breakouts, but it’s known to exacerbate active acne flare-ups after treatment. People prone to frequent acne may need to reconsider the treatment.
- No Cold Sores: The laser skin resurfacing can make you more susceptible to cold sores immediately after the procedure. So, if you’re prone to cold sores, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to take in the days leading up to your procedure to help minimize cold sore-related complications.
We’ve successfully treated many happy patients with our CO2 laser, and it’s typically performed with our signature Reflection Lift. If you’re interested in fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, Dr. Boggess and the experienced staff at Youthful Reflections in Brentwood, Tennessee, are happy to help you determine if you’re a good candidate.
Give the experienced professionals at Youthful Reflections a call at (615) 942-8016 or fill out our contact form today!
