Laser resurfacing is a specialized procedure that improves the appearance of fine wrinkles, age spots, injury scars and acne blemishes, and other discolorations. The newest methods involve the use of a CO2 fractional laser. This instrument can be finely calibrated to produce a scatter pattern of pixilated light beams. It’s much gentler on the skin than other laser resurfacing instruments, and recovery is much shorter.
We have found that using this technique not only corrects various forms of hyperpigmentation but also stimulates healthy skin growth. The benefits are therefore quite long-lasting, and the procedure need not be repeated for a long time.
The Skin Responds To Heat Treatment
Although the laser used in this type of skin treatment is rather weak regarding its energy output, the light is concentrated into tiny shafts. Therefore, some of the heat is absorbed by dark-toned tissues. The laser also gently removes the epidermal layer in the region where discolorations or wrinkles exist.
Dark tissues absorb the most energy, and this is why damaged skin cells that appear brown or red can be safely heated and degraded. The body will respond by sending nutrients for the creation of healthy replacement cells.
Why Use A CO2 Laser?
This type of laser can be finely calibrated to deliver just the right frequency of energy. The CO2 fractional laser has a special lensing capability that breaks these beams up into tiny shafts. Think of it as water being run through a showerhead.
The pixilated shafts remove the skin one layer at a time. The lamp is flashed in very short bursts, known as ultra pulses. The laser can even be recalibrated during the procedure to target darker tissue that lies beneath the surface. In this way, the dermatologist has complete control over the treatment process.
Consultation And Treatment
When we consult with the client, we examine the facial features closely. We want to look at the thickness of the skin in the areas of concern, the severity of any wrinkling, and the depth of blemishes and other areas of hyperpigmentation. This allows us to design a more customized treatment plan.
We may put the client on a pre-treatment skin care regimen in the days leading up to the actual resurfacing. The actual laser resurfacing treatment takes less than two hours. We pulse the CO2 fractional laser to direct energy to the epidermis. Slowly, this layer is removed, and the laser then heats up darker tissues in the lower dermal layers.
The visual improvement becomes noticeable within a week or so of treatment. The skin will go into overdrive, creating new epidermis at an accelerated rate. Damaged tissue that makes up age spots, freckles, or injury scars is slowly discarded by the body.
Ask Us Your Questions
This is a very effective treatment for brittle, discolored, or wrinkled skin. A CO2 fractional laser procedure is simpler than you might think, and the long-term benefits are certainly worth looking into. Contact us today at to learn more and to schedule a consultation.
