January 13, 2022 | 4 minute read
Laser CO2 Treatments
CO2 laser skin resurfacing involves the use of a skin surface-removing laser (ablative laser) and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for removing warts, scars, and deep wrinkles. Envy Aesthetic Center, led by board certified plastics surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez, provides facial rejuvenation with laser CO2 treatments to patients in El Paso, TX, and surrounding locations.
How does CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
The skin is traumatized by ablative lasers, like CO2 lasers. This causes the epidermis or the thin outermost layer of skin to be removed. It also heats the dermis (underlying skin layer), which stimulated the production of new collagen fibers. The treated skin becomes smoother, clearer, and tighter as the epidermis heals and regrows.
The skin is not traumatized by non-ablative lasers, like pulsed light (IPL) devices. Instead, skin tone and texture are improved by stimulating collagen growth. This requires less recovery time since it is less invasive in nature. However, it is also less effective.
Your surgeon will choose the right laser technology depending on your individual cosmetic goals and the skin condition being treated.
Uses of CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
The following can be treated by CO2 laser skin resurfacing:
- Age spots
- Deep and fine wrinkles
- Sun-damaged skin
- Uneven skin texture and tone
- Large pores
- Mild to moderate acne scars
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Verruca vulgaris/plana
- Superficial to deep hyperpigmentation
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Efficacy of CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Results of this ablative laser are good to excellent depending on the targeted concern. Laser resurfacing is the most useful for reducing the effect of sun damage. Wrinkles can improve by 60 – 80% for some people, while scars may be reduced by lesser degree.
Aesthetic improvements are enough for satisfying most patients. The surgery requires minimal recovery time and causes low incidence of risks and complications.
Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing – Expectations
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is generally performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation. Local anesthetic is used for numbing the area. Your treatment provider may use general anesthesia if the entire face is being treated.
Wrinkles around the forehead, eyes and mouth may be treated individually or through a full-face laser resurfacing. Partial-face laser resurfacing may take 30 – 45 minutes. Full-face treatment can be completed in just 90 – 120 minutes.
A non-stick dressing will be applied to the treatment site following the laser resurfacing procedure for at least 24 hours. Generally, the area will heal in 7 – 10 days depending on the nature of the condition being treated and the intensity of the laser setting used.
Application on Different Skin Tones
People with lighter skin tones usually make a better candidate for laser resurfacing since there is a reduced risk of hyperpigmentation. However, it is important to understand that laser skin resurfacing is not meant for just light skin as per the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons (ABCS).
It is vital to work with a physician or dermatologist that knows the type of lasers that can provide best results for darker skin tones, such as Erbium lasers. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez receives patients from El Paso, TX, and nearby areas for safe and proven laser CO2 skin resurfacing for facial rejuvenation.
Contact El Paso, TX Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez
For more information on Plastic Surgery (cirugía plástica) and Non-Surgical Medical Spa procedures and treatments, please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (cirujano plástico), Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) by clicking here or calling 915-600-2639.
Serving patients in El Paso Texas, Las Cruces New Mexico, Ciudad Juárez Mexico and surrounding areas.
CONTACTE A EL PASO, TX CIRUJANO PLÁSTICO CERTIFICADO POR LA JUNTA Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez
Para obtener más información sobre cirugía plástica y procedimientos y tratamientos de spa médico no quirúrgico, comuníquese con las oficinas del cirujano plástico certificado por la junta, Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) haciendo clic aquí o llamando 915-600-2639.
Sirviendo a pacientes en El Paso Texas, Las Cruces Nuevo México, Ciudad Juárez México y áreas circundantes.
