CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment for Wrinkles and Scars

CO2 Laser Treatment is a cutting-edge procedure that treats scars, wrinkles, blotchiness, and sun damage. With the administration of carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers from a professional plastic surgeon, this treatment provides a non-surgical option for dramatically smoother, younger-looking skin.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser treatments use heat energy on the skin; in microdermabrasion and microneedling, the process uses small pins and radiofrequency.

All treatments have their benefits, but CO2 laser resurfacing can be more effective in treating extensive scars or discoloration because it fractures the laser’s light into narrow shafts that can cover a broader surface area. This pixelation process makes CO2 resurfacing a more efficient and effective treatment for skin resurfacing.

It’s important to note, however, that CO2 laser treatment won’t take care of redness and dilated vessels, as an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment will.

Here at Barr Aesthetics, we have a wide range of specialized and cutting-edge aesthetic tools which we can use to treat each of our patient’s specific needs and skin concerns. Schedule a consultation to find out which is best for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CO2 Resurfacing Treatments?

CO2 laser resurfacing is intended to treat the following issues:

Superficial acne scars
Surgery scars
Trauma scars
Blotchiness
Sun damage
Wrinkles
Rough skin

A good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing should not have any pre-existing health conditions to be eligible for this non-surgical procedure, which often has the best results on non-oily skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can be performed on all skin colors, but lighter skin tones tend to see the best results.

Financing for CO2 Laser Resurfacing

At Barr Aesthetics, we offer Lifestyle Lending for cosmetic surgical patients. We also accept Care Credit for injectable services. You can find out more about financing options at OnSpot Financing.

Inquire with your insurance provider if you’d like to find out if CO2 laser resurfacing is covered. In cases where it’s treating scarring from injury, it could be included in your insurance coverage.

The Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The CO2 laser’s effects, when used for skin resurfacing, are similar to things like microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It refreshes skin, promotes new skin cell growth, sloughs away dead skin, improves skin texture, and reduces discoloration.

Overall, you’ll see smoother, healthier-looking skin with improved elasticity after fractional CO2 laser treatments.

What to Expect When You Get CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Barr

Once you’ve been deemed eligible for laser resurfacing, here’s what you can expect at your treatment:

Based on your consultation, the CO2 laser will be adjusted for your skin tone and the areas treated. For example, the laser can be less intense for safe and effective use to treat areas around the eyes and mouth.

Deeper treatments will do more (especially for wrinkles) but require more recovery time afterward. You can also opt for a shallower treatment, requiring less downtime. How many treatments you need will depend on how deep the treatment is for that session.

What Does CO2 Laser Treatment Feel Like?

The deeper the treatment, the more sensation or discomfort you might experience. To combat this, we apply a numbing cream to the surface of the skin before the CO2 laser procedure. Once the topical numbing takes effect, you’ll only feel something like a pins-and-needles effect during the laser treatment. If needed, patients can have a mild sedative to help them keep calm and relaxed during the procedure.

Depending on what was decided during your CO2 laser consultation, you can expect the treatment to take 2 to 3 hours.

Feedback From Clients

Learn from previous clients how their experience with non-surgical cosmetic procedures went.

When Can I Go Back to Work After CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Immediately following your CO2 resurfacing treatment, you’ll experience redness and inflammation in the treatment areas. It’s advised you take the whole day off work or other activities so you can rest and recover. Lighter treatments will require a few days before going back in public, whereas deeper treatments may need one week to ten days of recovery before redness and swelling subsides.

CO2 Laser Recovery

You can combat swelling and redness on treated skin by applying cold compresses in the days following your procedure. You’ll be given antivirals to prevent infection after your treatment, and we recommend abstaining from using facial lotion and makeup for at least 24 hours after resurfacing.

Possible Side Effects of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Besides the aforementioned side effects (redness, inflammation), you might feel slight burning or see a change in skin pigmentation immediately following your CO2 laser resurfacing. Typically, it can feel like a slight sunburn during the week following your treatment.

Before and after your CO2 resurfacing treatment, we’ll discuss the proper preparations and recovery care for your skin.

How Long Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Last?

You can enjoy the results of your CO2 laser treatment for up to five years. Depending on what we’re treating, you can come in sooner for a touchup that will prolong your results. We’ll discuss realistic expectations from your treatment at your consultation to ensure you’re making the right choice for the results you want.

DR. LUCY BARR