CO2 laser treatment is a powerful and effective solution for skin rejuvenation, offering remarkable results. Whether considering this treatment for the first time or looking to learn more about its benefits, Face by SM can help you make an informed decision.
Skin rejuvenation is essential for maintaining a youthful, radiant appearance, and CO2 laser treatment is one of the most effective methods available.
CO2 laser resurfacing uses pulses of laser light to precisely remove layers of skin, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells. This process helps reduce wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Explanation of CO2 Laser Technology
CO2 Laser technology emits short, concentrated beams of light that penetrate the skin’s surface. The water in the skin cells absorbs these beams, vaporising the superficial layer of the skin. This process stimulates the dermis (middle layer of skin) to produce new collagen fibres essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.
How it Works to Rejuvenate the Skin
The CO2 laser treatment process involves the following steps:
Preparation: Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. Eyewear is provided to protect your eyes from the laser.
Treatment: The skincare specialist uses a handheld device to deliver laser beams to the targeted areas. The laser strips away damaged outer layers of skin, while the heat stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers.
Healing: As the treated area heals, new, firmer, smoother skin replaces the old layers, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance.
FDA Approval and Safety Considerations
CO2 laser treatment is FDA-approved, ensuring it meets stringent safety and efficacy standards. This approval means that the treatment has undergone rigorous testing and has been proven reliable and safe for skin rejuvenation. This procedure is both practical and secure, with minimal risk of complications.
How Does CO2 Laser Treatment Work?
The Science Behind CO2 Laser Technology
Our CO2 laser delivers ablative fractional treatments using a powerful scanner or pixel technology, allowing more thermal treatments to rejuvenate your skin.
RF-excited CO2 laser offers advanced, computerised, precision laser scanning technology for multi-discipline surgical applications. Alma’s 10,600nm wavelength laser is intended for ablation, vaporisation, and coagulation of soft tissue.
Dedicated pixel applicators can deliver CO2 laser energy via a DOE (Diffractive Optical Element) that pixelates the beam to microscopic pixels in a 9x9 or 7x7 pattern with a longer pulse width, enabling more thermal treatments.
This advanced technology emits a concentrated light absorbed by the water in your skin cells. The energy from the laser vaporises the damaged outer layers of skin, revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. This process also heats the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen fibres essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
Process of Skin Resurfacing and Collagen Stimulation
During the treatment, the CO2 laser targets specific skin areas. The laser’s energy penetrates the skin’s surface, where it is absorbed by water in the skin cells. The outer layer of skin vaporises while the underlying dermis heats up, triggering collagen production. As your skin heals, new, firmer skin replaces the old layers.
Types of CO2 Laser Treatments
Ablative CO2 Laser: This type completely removes the outer layers of damaged skin. Effective for treating deep wrinkles, scars, and significant skin issues. However, it involves a longer recovery time.
Fractional CO2 Laser: This method creates microscopic holes in the skin, leaving surrounding areas intact. It allows quicker healing and effectively treats fine lines, sun damage, and minor scars.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment offers numerous benefits, including:
Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles: For a more youthful appearance.
Improvement in Skin Texture and Tone: Removing damaged skin layers results in smoother skin texture and a more even skin tone.
Before and After CO2 Laser Treatment
Pre-Treatment Preparation
To prepare for CO2 laser treatment:
Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning for a week before the procedure.
One week prior, discontinue using skin irritants like retinoids and glycolic acid.
Arrive with clean skin, free of lotion, oil, makeup, or self-tanning agents.
Avoid any blood thinning medication, such as nurofen and fish oil 48 hrs prior to treatment.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Your skin will be red and swollen after the procedure. Medical-grade aftercare is crucial for optimal healing. Use prescribed ointments, avoid sun exposure, and follow your advanced dermal therapists / Registered Nurse’s instructions carefully. Expect discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with cool compresses and by keeping your head elevated. Fine micro-dots will be present during the healing process and will flake off. Learn more about Fractional Laser before and afters here.
Expected Results and Timeline
You can expect skin texture and tone improvements within the first week. However, it will take approximately three months for the final results to be fully apparent. Collagen production peaks around the third month, but strengthening and remodelling can continue for months to years.
The CO2 Laser Treatment Experience
What to Expect During the Procedure
You’ll be welcomed into a comfortable setting on the day of your treatment. The procedure typically starts with applying a medical-grade numbing cream to minimise discomfort. The CO2 laser will then target specific areas of your skin, vaporising damaged layers and stimulating collagen production.
Duration of the Treatment Session
The duration of your CO2 laser treatment session depends on the extent of the area being treated. Sessions last between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Your skincare specialist will provide a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
Is CO2 Laser Treatment Right for You?
Ideal Candidates for the Treatment
CO2 laser treatment is ideal for those looking to rejuvenate their skin and address fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. The best candidates typically have fair to medium skin tones and good overall health. If you’re committed to following pre- and post-treatment care instructions, CO2 laser treatment could be an excellent fit for you.
Contraindications and Considerations
However, CO2 laser treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. This treatment might not suit you if you have the risk of keloid scars, active skin infections, or have taken isotretinoin in the past six months. Additionally, those with darker skin tones may be at higher risk for pigmentation changes. Always discuss your medical history and concerns with your advanced skincare specialist to ensure this treatment is safe. Read more about our CO2 Fractional Laser Treatments here.
Consultation and Personalised Treatment Plans
Your journey at Face by SM begins with a thorough consultation. During this session, your skincare specialist will evaluate your skin and discuss treatment options.
Ready to transform your skin with CO2 laser treatment? Book your consultation with Face by SM in our Sydney skin clinic located in Paddington and take the first step towards radiant, youthful skin!
Disclaimer: This blog provides general knowledge. It should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a skincare professional before undergoing any treatment.
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