What Does a CO2 Laser Treatment Do?

CO2 Laser Treatment

If you’re looking for an effective way to reduce wrinkles and restore a youthful complexion, CO2 laser treatment is an excellent option. This procedure can target stretch marks, scars, and pre-cancers. The downtime associated with the CO2 laser treatment is minimal, safe, and effective for most skin types.

Reduces wrinkles

CO2 laser treatment can reduce wrinkles by up to 45%. This procedure is performed by a doctor using a small handheld device. A local anesthetic is applied to the skin before the laser passes over it. The laser then sends bursts of energy deep into the skin, causing collagen to shrink. The doctor can treat a single area or face in a single session. These sessions typically take between thirty minutes and two hours.

CO2 lasers are an excellent option for resurfacing the skin. The light from CO2 lasers can be used to smooth out facial lines, acne scars, and pores. The procedure can be gentle or aggressive depending on the severity of the wrinkles. Some patients with darker skin may not be a good candidate for this treatment, while others may experience minor sunburn afterward.

The recovery time from CO2 laser treatment is about seven to ten days, although it may take longer. Afterward, patients should follow their aftercare instructions to ensure a speedy recovery. During the first few days, patients may experience a mild sunburn that may lead to crusting or blisters. The total recovery time may be one year. Patients are recommended to avoid rubbing or touching the treated areas.

Fractional CO2 laser therapy uses high-energy beams of light to treat aging skin. The energy helps stimulate the production of collagen and other healthy tissue. This treatment can also help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. This treatment is considered the gold standard for skin rejuvenation by plastic surgeons.

Stimulates collagen production

CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for facial rejuvenation. It is believed that CO2 laser treatment stimulates collagen production in the skin. While the main focus is on collagen, researchers have also looked at elastic tissue production. In one study, tropoelastin levels (the protein that makes up the elastic fibers) rose gradually following CO2 laser resurfacing. Another study, which examined the changes in fibrillin 1 (another protein responsible for elastin fibers), found that it increased from baseline to 3.2 times its basal level 28 days after treatment.

After CO2 laser treatment, your skin will gradually be tighter and more smooth. Your pores will be smaller, your scars will disappear, and your skin will have a firmer, more even complexion. As collagen production increases, you can expect the overall appearance of your skin to improve for up to 6 months.

Collagen is a protein that is found in the skin’s middle layer. This layer contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. Its primary role is in the replacement of dead skin cells. Collagen is also found in teeth, cartilage, and bones and serves as a protective covering for delicate organs.

CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 Laser Treatment

Removes pre-cancers

The procedure was successful in treating epidermal nevi, including linear epidermal nevi. The nevi, which often develop in childhood, are persistent, often associated with pruritus, and resistant to conventional treatments.

Following CO2 laser treatment, patients must take care to recover. After the procedure, patients should hydrate themselves and follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications. During the first few days following the treatment, the affected area may feel like a sunburn. Blisters may appear, and crust may form. It may take a few months to heal completely. Patients should also avoid rubbing the treated area.

This treatment effectively removes port-wine stains, although patients should use caution in children. While the procedure can effectively remove port-wine stains, there are risks that patients will develop complications after treatment.