Conditions and Treatment
CO2 laser resurfacing provides dramatic rejuvenation, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and tightening lax, or sagging, skin. But CO2 laser resurfacing isn’t just for aging skin. It’s also highly effective in treating acne scarring, uneven skin tone, texture, discoloration, sun damage and scars on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.
Instead of stripping away all your skin (as an ablative laser would), non-ablative CO2 laser resurfacing removes tiny plugs of skin, leaving tiny ‘bridges’ of untouched skin between treated areas. This allows for a less painful procedure, quicker recovery, and reduced risk of side effects.
Types of CO2 Laser Treatment
You may hear CO2 laser resurfacing referred to as ‘fractional laser resurfacing,’ ‘fractionated laser resurfacing,’ ‘fraxel,’ and ‘nonablative laser resurfacing’ – all of these terms actually refer to the same procedure. Additionally, CO2 laser treatments may also be described using the many various laser brand names.
At Central Texas Dermatology, our CO2 laser uses a customized treatment wand adjusted to different depths depending on patients’ goals.
- ActiveFX uses a high-energy laser beam in a broad pattern on the skin’s surface to provide superficial treatment ideal for uneven pigmentation and fine lines.
- DeepFX directs a narrow beam of energy into the deep skin layers where it stimulates collagen growth to soften and smooth the surface. This is the ideal treatment for more pronounced wrinkles, laxity and some scarring.
- TotalFX combines both broad and narrow beams in the same treatment session to provide even more dramatic results. Scar FX is the settling treatment we use to specifically target scars.
Success Stories
Treatment Schedule
For patients undergoing treatment, adherence to pre- and post-procedure protocols is
also critical to avoiding side effects and getting the best outcome. Patients should not
have a sunburn or suntan at the time of treatment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
How to Prepare for Laser Resurfacing
- Stock up on home care supplies.
Make your recovery easier by having everything you need well in advance.
- Apply topical medications as instructed.
In the weeks before your treatment, use any topical medications your physician prescribes.
- One day before your appointment, begin taking the prescribed antibiotic and antiviral medications.
You will continue taking this medication for 10 days.
- On the day of your appointment, take the one-time dose of the prescribed antifungal medication.
- If prescribed an oral sedative medication, bring it with you to the appointment and await physician instruction on when to take it.
You must have someone present to drive you home.
- Take all usual medications and eat usual meals.
- Shampoo hair on the day-of.
But do not use hairspray.
- Wash your face with soap and water. Do not wear makeup or jewelry.
- Wear a button-up shirt.
And bring an elastic headband.
During Your Appointment
Your appointment may take 1 to 1.5 hours. We apply a topical anesthetic in the office
and, if necessary, nerve blocks or oral sedation before beginning treatment. During
treatment, you will feel a warm sensation or a sting as the laser passes over your skin.
We liken the feeling of discomfort to being snapped with a rubber band.
When the treatment is over, we will apply Aquaphor Healing ointment and you will be
ready to go home and begin recovery.
After Your Appointment
The First 0 to 2 days
The first 48 hours following treatment your skin will be red and swollen and may feel
similar to a bad sunburn. Expect areas of clear/golden ooze, bleeding, crust/scab
formation, swelling, and bruising. Expect mild itching and discomfort.
- During this time wash hands before touching treatment areas.
- Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, steam exposure, saunas, strenuous exercise or sweating.
- Please also avoid direct shower or bath water to treatment areas.
- No cleansers or other topicals should be used.
- Apply dilute vinegar-soaked gauze for 5 minutes every 3-4 hours when awake, but sleep through the night. See patient instructions provided during consult for vinegar soak preparation. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or picking at crusts and bleeding areas.
- After dilute vinegar soaks, blot dry, and apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce swelling.
- For itching, Benadryl can help at night.
- For discomfort, extra strength Tylenol can help.
The First 2 to 10 days
Expect less clear/golden ooze, greater crust/scab formation, and crusts gradually falling
off. Expect mild itching and discomfort.
- Continue alternating between dilute vinegar soaks and Aquaphor Ointment. Decrease dilute vinegar soak frequency to every 6-12 hours depending on comfort.
- Once the skin surface has healed, vinegar soaks can be stopped.
- Finish prescribed medications.
After 10 days
You will probably be able to start wearing makeup again. Please restart sunblock
SPF50 or greater. Treated areas may feel quite tight and dry. Aquaphor may not be
necessary at this point, but most patients require use of a moisturizer. Itching is
common and responds to prescription ointments (available upon request).
The redness will gradually fade after a period of weeks to months. As the swelling
subsides, you may notice wrinkles reappearing. This is normal. Many of these wrinkles
will disappear completely or improve dramatically as new collagen forms. Optimal
improvement may take three months or longer. Some patients may require more than
one treatment. Please use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for three months following your
treatment.
Precautions
Side effects may include pain, infection, or scarring. Pain is usually controlled with Extra
Strength Tylenol or Motrin. Redness and tightening of the skin is common. This red
phase is associated with the formation of new collagen and may last for several months.
It is best concealed with makeup. Temporary darkening of the skin is common,
particularly in individuals with a darker skin complexion. This almost always fades away
completely. Permanent lightening of skin color has been reported in up to 20 percent of
patients.