On the front line of antiaging, C02 lasers work to turn back time and restore your skin to a healthy, collagen-rich baseline.
If you’re someone who wants to regularly improve your skin’s texture, tone, and elasticity, a C02 laser treatment may be your best bet. Let’s find out what these lasers do and if this treatment is best for you and your skin type.
Here to be your C02 laser guide is our very own Farah Edds.
What is a CO2 laser?
CO2 stands for Carbon Dioxide.
“This laser uses superheated carbon dioxide gas to produce a beam of light energy that is used to aid in skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.”
It can improve wrinkling, sun damage, texture irregularities, pigmentation from scarring, and creates an overall brighter, more youthful and healthy appearance to the skin.
Ever wonder how some people have that “honeydew glow”? A C02 laser treatment may have been the cause of such stunning results.
How does a CO2 laser work?
CO2 lasers work by creating microchannels in the skin.
“These channels cause small micro-injuries to the skin, which activate your skin’s healing response, and this leads to increased collagen production, tightening of the skin, and smoothing of the skin’s surface texture.”
So while you may think “small micro-injuries” is a little scary, think of it as lifting weights, but for your skin! When you lift weights, you create small tears in your muscles, only for them to heal and return stronger. With a C02 laser, it’s much the same in the sense that it’s giving your skin the opportunity to heal and restore itself to a stronger, newer finish.
Is the CO2 laser painful?
Because this type of laser effectively creates openings in the skin and removes layers of skin using heat and light energy, it can be uncomfortable.
“To minimize discomfort, topical numbing agents and preparations such as lidocaine are used. After treatment has been completed, there is usually no lingering discomfort.”
How long does CO2 laser resurfacing take to heal?
Every person is different and we all heal at various rates, so healing length does vary greatly from person to person. That being said, certain settings of the laser can impact healing time as well.
Time to heal depends on the depth of treatment with the laser. This is decided upon based on your treatment goals, and the amount of damage to the skin that needs to be corrected.
“Treatments vary between ablative and fractional types. For ablative treatments, healing can take roughly 2 weeks. For fractional treatments which are less invasive, healing can range from a few days up to 1 week.”
How much does a CO2 laser treatment cost?
The cost of treatment varies depending again on your skincare goals, and where you live.
A rough estimate would be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $2500 dollars depending on the area of skin treated, and the depth and intensity of treatment.
What results can I expect?
Immediately after treatment, you can expect to feel like you have a sunburn on the treated area.
The skin will be pink to red in color, and after a few days, may become flaky. This is normal, and signals that old damaged skin cells are sloughing off to make room for new healthy skin.
Once healing has occurred after the first few weeks, you can expect the skin to feel more firm and smooth, and for your skin to look brighter with a more even skin tone.
How long does it take for results to show?
You may notice results within the first few weeks after healing from treatment, but most results will begin to show after the first month, as the skin’s normal cell turnover rate is about 28 days, and lengthens as we age.
“Results from an intense CO2 laser treatment combined with proper skin care may last anywhere from 1 to 5 years.”
If you think a C02 laser treatment resulting in smoother, brighter, and even-toned skin is for you, book an appointment with us to discover your options! It’s never too late to treat your skin well.
About Farah Edds, MPAS, PA-C
Farah Edds attended Eastern Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Northern Arizona University where she was a 5-time scholarship award recipient, graduating with high honors. She has also completed a fellowship in dermatology through the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
Farah practiced general and surgical dermatology in Arizona before relocating to Ohio, where she then specialized in cosmetic and general dermatology. Farah brings with her a passion for skin care and dedication to providing compassionate care with a positive attitude to all patients. She enjoys helping people to feel and look their best, and to reach their skin health goals.
Farah is a Fellow member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and American Academy of Physician Assistants. In her free time, she enjoys many hobbies, including spending time with her husband and children, traveling, yoga, and outdoor activities.
