What Is CO2 Laser Treatment?
CO2 laser treatment, also known as carbon dioxide resurfacing, is a non-surgical procedure that involves the use of a CO2 laser to remove the superficial layer of the skin without damaging surrounding structures. This treatment is commonly used to address various skin conditions. During the procedure, pulses of laser light from the CO2 laser penetrate the skin’s surface and are absorbed by the water in the skin. This process vaporizes the topmost layer of skin, called the epidermis, while also heating up the middle layer of skin, known as the dermis. The heat stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers, resulting in newer and firmer skin replacing the older layers during the healing process. CO2 laser treatment is a popular option for skin rejuvenation and can provide noticeable results in improving the texture and appearance of the skin.
CO2 laser treatments are indeed versatile and can address various cosmetic and medical skin conditions, as you’ve mentioned. Here are some examples:
Signs of aging: CO2 laser treatment can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on different areas of the face, such as crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, laugh lines, and marionette lines around the mouth. The laser stimulates collagen production, which can lead to overall skin improvement and a more youthful appearance.
Sun-damaged skin: CO2 laser treatments can target the effects of UV damage on the skin, including wrinkles, sagging skin, liver spots, sun spots, spider veins, and rough or uneven skin texture. The laser can resurface the skin, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Acne scars: CO2 laser treatments can help improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and smoothing out the skin’s texture. The effectiveness of the treatment may depend on the type and severity of the acne scars, so consulting with an aesthetic professional is recommended for personalized advice.
Warts: CO2 laser treatments can be effective in treating warts that are resistant to other types of treatments. The laser can target and destroy the wart tissue without harming the surrounding healthy skin.
Loose or bagging skin around the eyes: CO2 laser treatments can tighten loose skin and improve skin elasticity, which can help address baggy or hooded eyelids caused by loose skin above the upper and lower eyelids.
Sebaceous hyperplasia: CO2 lasers and other lasers can effectively remove waxy bumps formed from sebum trapped in oil glands, resulting in smoother skin and preventing their recurrence.
Skin cancer: CO2 lasers can be used by dermatologists to prevent and treat skin cancers, as they can precisely target and destroy cancerous tissue without harming the healthy surrounding tissues. CO2 lasers are also effective against pre-cancerous conditions such as actinic keratoses.
It’s important to consult with an aesthetic professional at Philosophy Of Beauty to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific skin concerns. They can provide expert advice and customize a treatment approach that best suits your needs and goals. Overall, CO2 laser treatments can be a valuable option for addressing various skin conditions and achieving desired cosmetic and medical outcomes.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions and guidance provided by your aesthetic professional prior to your CO2 laser treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions about what to expect during and after the treatment. Here are some general pre-treatment guidelines that may be beneficial:
- Avoid sun-tanning or prolonged sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before your CO2 laser treatment.
- Refrain from taking doxycycline or other medications that cause sun sensitivity for at least 3 days before your CO2 laser treatment.
- If you have a history of HSV (herpes simplex virus) or shingles, take appropriate antiviral medication for a few days before and after your CO2 laser treatment.
- Quit smoking for two weeks before your CO2 laser treatment, as smoking can adversely affect the body’s natural healing ability.
Following these guidelines can help ensure that you are well-prepared for your CO2 laser treatment and can optimize the results of the procedure. It is always best to consult with your aesthetic professional at Philosophy Of Beauty for personalized pre-treatment instructions based on your individual needs and medical history. So, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice and guidance for a safe and successful treatment.
Philosophy Of Beauty
Our clinic, conveniently located in North York and serving Vaughan, Thornhill and the Greater Toronto Area, offers a range of treatments for the face and body to enhance your confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please give us a call at 905-669-0306 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing your unique needs and providing you with exceptional care.
CO2 laser, Toronto’s premiere skin resurfacing technology, is also a popular treatment at Philosophy of Beauty. The CO2RE™ Syneron device is a respected, effective CO2 laser system, proven safe for non-invasive treatment of wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring and much more. Are you ready to reveal dramatic skin rejuvenation? Learn why this is a gold-standard treatment for facial laser resurfacing.
With CO2RE™ ®, you can precisely target skin issues with a level of control that’s customizable and safer than ever. The resurfacing capabilities are intensive, but depth of energy penetration and precision tissue targeting mean rapid healing and minimal complications compared with previous modalities.
Incredibly, CO2 lasers in Toronto are used for over 100 different indications! Here are a few of the top skin concerns we transform utilizing this technology at Philosophy of Beauty:
- Smoothing skin tone and texture
- Reducing visible sun damage
- Reducing melasma
- Diminishing fine lines & wrinkles
- Minimizing the appearance of surgical or acne scars
- Encouraging neocollagenis (new collagen) to tone the complexion
The CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is designed to affect deeper skin layers and target deeper cosmetic issues than other lasers.
Because it’s more intense, the process requires some comfort measures and a little time off for healing. For those who want the most noticeable smoothing, repair and rejuvenation of skin they can get without a facelift, CO2 is the go-to solution.
The stunning, lasting results are considered well worth the downtime.
This ablative laser is cleared for use in 10 medical specialties, such as dermatology, plastic surgery, and gynecology.
This one system can perform everything from excisions to ablation, coagulation, and resurfacing. Let’s take a look at the science behind it.
The fractional CO2 laser takes a carbon dioxide laser beam and pixelates it into thousands of micro shafts of light. They penetrate to deeper layers of the skin. In the case of fractionated ablation, the shafts are surrounded by untouched surface skin, which maintains healthy bridges of skin for rapid healing. The micro-holes created by the laser heal from within, strengthening the tissue and sloughing off old surface skin.
Multiple layers can be treated with the laser to reveal fresh and plump skin cells. We’re able to remove years of sun-damaged, aged skin in a single treatment. Deep thermal heating also helps to shrink existing collagen and to stimulate the production of more.
Each situation is unique, but generally, your practitioner will advise having other treatments a few weeks apart. You might choose wrinkle injection, facial fillers, or other laser treatments such as IPL, once you’ve recovered from CO2.
When you visit Philosophy of Beauty to have a free consultation and skin assessment, you’ll receive detailed information about the risks and considerations for laser resurfacing, plus a step by step guide for a comfortable and speedy recovery.
CO2 lasers are more invasive and make more significant changes to the skin. The new CO2RE™ technology allows for faster healing and less discomfort, but good candidates must be realistically prepared to take time off and care for sensitive skin while healing.
For those who have significant sun/age spots, moderate to severe acne scarring, and facial wrinkles that bother them, this is often the best choice to create dramatic skin improvements.
However, when mild fine lines, minimal textural issues or pigmentation are a concern, other treatment modalities can often rejuvenate the skin beautifully with less downtime.
A variety of options and their related benefits will be discussed with you to help you choose the best fit for your goals.
You can expect results to appear in stages. You’ll see some improvement right away, but the full results take 3-6 months to appear. That’s because fresh, new skin cells are revealed, and your skin will be thickening, strengthening and producing new collagen during that time.
During recovery after CO2 laser skin resurfacing, you can expect to see pink skin for 4 to 6 weeks. As the tone returns to normal, you’ll notice a smoother, more even, glowing complexion.
Various strengths can be applied for a custom CO2 facial, and your recovery plus benefits depend on the customization of your facial.
- Light will allow for a complexion refresh, minimized pores, even tone and a fresh glow. Downtime may be as light as a few days.
- Mid strength is designed to firm and smooth skin more dramatically, plus resurface.
- Deep fractional resurfacing can improve severe scars, fine lines and wrinkles, plus remove significant hyperpigmentation.
Let our complexion experts help you choose the perfect strength for you!
Your Philosophy of Beauty laser technician will discuss the treatment with you in your private suite.
People often ask us, is co2 laser painful? Traditionally, fractional resurfacing CO2 lasers required patients to have IV sedation, in an OR! It was an effective option but came with lengthy recovery and discomfort.
The new CORE CO2 laser allows treatment as fast as 30 minutes with only topical numbing. CO2RE™ requires just one treatment- but achieves powerful results.
Before you begin, you’ll have a potent, topical numbing agent applied to your skin. Patients describe the sensation of the laser energy as prickling, or pins and needles. You’ll be able to leave right away when finished and return home with a skincare plan for comfort and healing.
First, it helps to have realistic expectations and plan on 2-3 weeks before you’re “camera ready.”
You’ll be given instructions for soaking, moisturizing and covering your skin in the first days. You can expect to feel dry or itchy, and you may see crusting or minor scabbing. One of the most uncomfortable aspects of healing is a tight pulling sensation on the skin, so you shouldn’t let the surface dry out as it will pull even more.
Don’t pick or rub at your skin! You’ll see old, thin surface layers sloughing off in the first week, but you mustn’t pull at that skin. The longer it’s in place, it can act as a protective bandage to help encourage healing underneath.
Exposure to sunlight must be avoided after CO2 laser treatment. Once your skin is on the mend after one week, you’ll need to wear sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
Let us advise you about hypoallergenic and protective makeup foundation explicitly designed for delicate, post-laser skin.
Tips to stay comfortable and accelerate healing:
- Avoid eating salty foods that can increase water retention
- Avoid exercise and sweating for at least 3 days
- Take any over the counter pain medications as directed
Don’t apply makeup or sunblock until three days have passed, or your practitioner advises you to go ahead.
Philosophy of Beauty is home to many of the world’s newest laser systems. We’re pleased to offer CO2 resurfacing among many other chemical peels, hydrating facials and laser tightening treatments. Let’s get started! You’re invited to call or write and book a consultation at your convenience. We’ll see you soon!
Disclaimer: Similar and/or permanent results, are not guaranteed based on the treatment/procedure and may vary from patient to patient, based on multiple factors, including genetics and lifestyle of each patient. View full disclaimer.