So many people are undoubtedly concerned about signs of aging because they understandably want to stay young and look young. No one loves to be old, look old, and grow old, so some people want to have a youthful appearance as much as possible. However, the skin will eventually show the signs that we are aging, and we cannot do much about it.
Or so we thought. There is a procedure that obliterates the signs of aging in our skin by eliminating those, such as having wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and blemishes on different parts of the face. CO2 laser resurfacing allows us to enjoy the youthful skin we all deserve and eventually lets us look much younger than ever before.
Its complicated-sounding name can look intimidating and complicated but do not be confused with the name because it does not sound that complex. CO2 laser resurfacing is a relatively simple process that promises long-term results.
This article tells all about CO2 laser resurfacing, how it works, the benefits, and how it erases the different signs of skin aging.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing: An Explainer
This procedure also means laser resurfacing, the more common term in the market. It is a skincare procedure involving lasers to help improve the texture and appearance of the patient’s skin. A licensed dermatologist or a physician usually administers this type of treatment.
CO2 laser resurfacing is an ablative laser, and it is used to get rid of warts, scarring, and deep wrinkles. Erbium is also used to address these concerns, but carbon dioxide ablative lasers are more common. It also removes the outside layers of the skin, leaving behind fresh layers of younger-looking and more supple skin.
This laser resurfacing method is always the most popular type. It has been used for years by dermatologists to treat these skin issues. It also works on treating the enlarged oil glands on the nose.
How Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Work?
A typical CO2 laser resurfacing treatment session starts with the dermatologist applying a local anesthetic cream to the area where the laser resurfacing should be administered, about 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure.
Then, the dermatologist uses short-pulsed light energy, which is also known as ultra pulse, to blast through a scanning pattern continuously. This procedure helps remove the outer layers of damaged skin, which is usually thin. The entire procedure itself lasts for only up to 20 minutes max, while the recovery period lasts up to two weeks.
The CoolPeel Procedure
CoolPeel is a new method that is seen as the more innovative alternative to the traditional CO2 resurfacing treatment. This procedure targets only the superficial layers of the skin tissue, removing the damaged skin and revealing a fresh layer of younger and healthier-looking skin.
CoolPeel allows the patients to get the results from the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment without the risks and the downtime, thanks to the technological advancements used in this procedure.
The redness from the treatment lasts for only a day or two, compared to the traditional laser resurfacing treatment’s redness, which lasts for two to three months at most. A full-face CoolPeel treatment can last for up to 15 minutes at most, which is much quicker than the traditional laser resurfacing treatment, which takes up to 30 minutes.
Downtime and Aftercare
Even though CO2 laser resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure, it takes time for the skin to heal after the procedure. That does not mean the patient has to file for longer leaves of absence at work. This situation simply means that the patient would have to modify certain aspects of their everyday life and postpone or cancel activities that might cause skin infections, such as working out at the gym and swimming.
Depending on the depth, the skin might take some time to heal completely, and the final results are very much evident. The skin will feel raw, look red, and scab over. Thus, the patient has to avoid social interactions to avoid feeling embarrassed and intimidated because of the current skin condition they have.
After the treatment, it is highly advised that the patient should limit their time in the sun to avoid unwanted exposure to the sun’s harsh rays, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM every day. They can also wear broad-brimmed hats to protect their skin, especially if they are enjoying the outdoors.
It is also essential to keep the skin well-moisturized after the new layer of skin has healed completely. Avoid using products with Retin A or glycolic acid in the meantime. They can use these products again about six weeks after the laser resurfacing procedure or when the doctor advises that you return to using the products again.
After laser resurfacing, it is highly recommended to use water-based makeup or oil-free makeup, and green-based makeup is also recommended to neutralize the redness of the skin after the procedure. However, the redness only lasts for up to three months in some cases, so it is not a permanent habit to be established in wearing makeup.
It is also the same for the CoolPeel treatment, but the patients who underwent the treatment can go back to their regular routines after two days at most, with constant moisturizing and nourishing their new skin to keep it from flaking.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is the treatment to treat skin concerns caused by skin aging, such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dark spots, and scarring caused by acne, sagging skin, enlarged oil glands, and age spots. It is also used to treat warts and crow’s feet.
Does CO2 laser resurfacing help with signs of aging? Of course. Laser treatments, in general, are seen to be the treatment to be used in addressing these skin concerns, with highly positive results.
Risks and Side Effects
Laser treatments, in general, have no significant side effects compared to other procedures in dermatology. However, there can be aftereffects on some people after the procedure. These side effects are known to last for only a week or two at most, and they subside on their own.
Some patients feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after having the procedure. The skin becomes dry, and it will start peeling five to seven days after the procedure. Some might notice that their skin got lighter for a while after having the procedure. Proper skin care can remedy this condition by wearing sunscreen with enough SPF to protect them from the harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun.
As mentioned before, most patients who underwent CO2 laser resurfacing experienced redness, swelling, and itching on the area where it was performed. Other side effects include changes in skin color, scarring, and ectropion or turning of the eyelid. However, rest assured that these side effects, particularly ectropion, are infrequent, and most patients were happy and satisfied with the results.
Our Takeaway
CO2 laser resurfacing is very helpful in getting rid of the signs of aging. It is the procedure used by dermatologists in treating symptoms of aging skin, such as wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and more. The patients would not experience any severe side effects, and the redness from the procedure only lasts for about two to three months at most. Overall, there is no need to worry as it is a safe procedure done by dermatologists for years.
Detroit Aesthetics aims to be one of the best and highly reputed skin care clinics in the Detroit area by offering services fit for anyone who wants to look good and feel good with themselves. We provide the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment and CoolPeel, along with many other laser treatments and services perfect for every individual.
