CO2 Laser Resurfacing
EXPLANATION:
Laser resurfacing with a CO2 laser is a controlled vaporization of the superficial layers of the skin. The laser is set at a controlled wattage and density to ensure that the treatment does not go too deep. The laser provides new skin that heals from the inside out and promotes collagen growth. Laser resurfacing improves overall skin quality by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, erasing sun spots and freckles and tightening the skin. Laser resurfacing is incision free. Good candidates for this procedure are people with light colored skin who have acne scars, sun spots and facial wrinkling. It is necessary to have moderate to light colored skin because dark skin can heal in a hypopigmented (lighter) shade than the skin on the neck and remainder of the body.
HEALING:
Healing from CO2 laser resurfacing takes a minimum of 3-6 months. However, most people are able to wear camouflage make-up at 14 days. After resurfacing, the skin is red / pink like with a sunburn. It is necessary during the first 14 days to keep the skin protected with moisture coverage. The skin will continue to fade back to its natural color as healing progresses. However, patients will experience flushing of the skin for a few months when exerting themselves and can stay pink for 3-6 months. Healing from resurfacing is virtually pain free. Some people report itching, but this can be controlled with medication.
Another part of the healing phase can include milia breakouts. Milia are blocked oil glands that can form as a person heals and appear as a white cyst on the skin. These can be extracted easily and are completely normal. In some cases, patients may also go through a “teenage acne” stage. While this is frustrating, it is very important not to pick the face as this can cause scarring. In addition, hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin can occur with too much sun exposure during the healing phase. Hyperpigmentation is easily corrected with treatments of lightening gel and / or micro dermabrasion. Avoidance of the sun is absolutely necessary during the first six months of healing from resurfacing. When out in the sun, it is important to use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If a daily routine of applying sunscreen is not followed, the risk for recurrence of freckles and sun spots is increased. For people who play tennis, go to the beach, etc. it is best to wait until the winter months to undergo resurfacing so the temptation of being outdoors is lessened.
ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS:
In some cases, the best overall result may not be obtained with one treatment of laser resurfacing. Most cases of severe acne scars or very deep wrinkling will require a second treatment of laser resurfacing to achieve the best result. A second treatment could be performed at the six month mark after the previous procedure if necessary.
RISKS:
Risks of CO2 laser resurfacing are generally low but include scarring, infection, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), and ectropion (pulling down of the lower eyelids).
Treatment of the above listed risks is as follows:
Scarring can be treated with a pulse dye laser, hypopigmentation can be treated with permanent tattooing and / or non-CO2 laser treatments, hyperpigmentation can be treated with lightening gels and / or micro dermabrasion and ectropion can be treated with a pulse dye laser or can be repaired surgically. Many of these conditions can resolve without treatment.