CO2 laser resurfacing is widely recognized as an excellent way of treating wrinkles, acne scars, fine lines, and blemishes. It can balance skin tone and make your skin firmer. So, let us find out the results associated with CO2 laser before and after to understand how this works.
Although laser skin resurfacing is becoming increasingly popular, most people don’t know how it works. But if you are considering it, you should understand the process, its benefits, and expenses. Also, how long will your skin take to heal completely. If those are the questions you have in mind, we’ll provide elaborate answers to all of them.
Table of Contents
Why CO2 laser resurfacing?
We will discuss CO2 laser before and after changes, but first, let us see what it does. Laser resurfacing is a quick procedure that causes minimal pain. It can treat a range of medical and cosmetic skin conditions like aging signs, sun damage, and skin cancer.
Sun damage
Did you know that the UV rays can make your skin age faster? If you expose your skin to UV rays daily, wrinkles will develop, and your skin will begin sagging. You might also notice spider veins, uneven texture, and sunspots. CO2 resurfacing can decrease the appearance of these skin issues.
Wrinkles and fine lines
If you want to get rid of wrinkles, CO2 laser resurfacing is extremely effective on:
- Lines on the forehead
- Laugh lines around the mouth
- Crow’s feet (wrinkles around your eyes)
It will not just reduce wrinkles but also boost collagen production and make you look younger.
Acne scars
Doctors often suggest CO2 laser resurfacing to people with acne problems. Acute acne is painful and leaves scars. As CO2 resurfacing stimulates the production of collages, it tightens the skins and reduces scars caused by acnes.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer can be prevented and treated with the help of CO2 lasers. They shrink and destroy cancerous tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue. So, dermatologists have also begun using Co2 lasers on actinic keratoses and to treat stage 1 skin cancer.
Preparing for CO2 laser resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser before and after safety measures must be followed strictly to avoid complications. Your cosmetic surgeon will check your medical history and give pre-treatment care guidelines like:
- Quitting smoking temporarily
- Avoiding tanning for a month before the treatment
- Not taking any medication that can make your skin more sensitive to sunrays.
The procedure
The outpatient procedure can take 30 minutes to 2 hours. How much pain you will feel depends on your surgeon’s expertise and your level of pain endurance. To ensure you can relax, local or general anesthesia will be administered.
First, the doctor will thoroughly clean your skin. Then they’ll give you special eyewear so that the laser beams don’t affect your eyes. They will slowly move the laser wand over the affected area of your skin. Once it’s over, dressing will be done, and you can go home and rest.
What happens after CO2 laser resurfacing?
The procedure involves the use of heat and light for treating damaged cells on the skin. So, it is natural to experience some side effects like:
- Swelling
- Scarring
- Redness
- Peeling
- Sun sensitivity
- Bearable pain
- Mild bleeding
- Itching or skin irritation
Almost everyone who opts for this skin treatment deals with these side effects. However, they are temporary, and they subside within a few days. Doctors also prescribe specific ointments to speed up the healing process.
However, if the side effects appear to be severe, you must inform your cosmetic surgeon at the earliest. One sign of infection after CO2 laser resurfacing is an abscess near the treated site. There can also be skin burns if the person performing the procedure has not used the laser correctly.
CO2 laser resurfacing aftercare
For the best results, it is mandatory to look after your skin after the laser resurfacing procedure. You must note that there are differences between CO2 laser resurfacing before and after care techniques. Now here are some tips to pamper your newly treated skin:
- For the first 2 days, the application of ice packs using a soft and clean towel is highly recommended.
- Your dermatologist will prescribe some serum or cream that you must apply regularly to the treated areas.
- You must shield your face when stepping out as sun exposure can cause potential damage. However, the sunscreen should be formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
- If your skin itches, scratching, picking at, or rubbing the skin won’t be wise.
- Cleanse the area (as per your doctor’s instructions) at least twice a day with vinegar or saline solution.
- When you sleep, try to keep your head in an elevated position to reduce swelling.
When will you notice CO2 laser before and after changes?
Most people say that changes are visible within 2-3 weeks after they undergo the treatment. So, many patients prefer to stay at home for two weeks to give sufficient rest to their skin. However, if you are wondering when you’ll look your best, you should wait at least a month.
Final Thoughts
We may conclude by saying that CO2 laser resurfacing is a great idea if you want to look attractive and youthful. To get the desired outcome, you should clearly communicate your expectations to your cosmetic surgeon.
It is also crucial to find a certified and accomplished dermatologist who excels at these kinds of treatments. Lastly, you should check before and after CO2 laser resurfacing recovery photos and then arrive at a conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to heal from laser resurfacing?
After comparing CO2 fractional laser before and after photos, doctors learnt that new skin starts covering the treatment site in 1-2 weeks. However, one month is required for full recovery.
2. What is the best age for laser resurfacing?
There is no right age for laser resurfacing as it depends on your goals. However, according to stats, most people opting for intensive laser resurfacing are in their 50s and 40s. Gentler treatments are more common among women and men in their 30s and 20s.