CO2 Laser
Resurfacing in Atlanta, GA

CO2 resurfacing can be done using a fractional approach, leading to faster healing compared to traditional CO2 lasers. With fractional laser treatment, the healing process typically takes about a week, and you may experience some pinkness for up to two weeks. It's worth noting that this healing time is significantly improved compared to older CO2 laser procedures used in the past (early 90s).

CO2 fractional resurfacing has brought great satisfaction to many of our patients. Some of our most delighted patients have undergone this procedure and often refer others to us. CO2 fractional resurfacing is generally considered a comfortable procedure, ensuring a positive experience for patients.

The results of CO2 fractional resurfacing typically last between 10 to 15 years. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary. Patients who maintain good skincare habits and minimize sun exposure have reported long-lasting results, even up to 20 or 25 years after the procedure. For those who continue to engage in activities that may damage the skin, such as extensive sun exposure, undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing every five years may be an option to help maintain healthy skin while enjoying an active lifestyle.

Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during CO2 laser resurfacing. We usually recommend pain medication for the first day, followed by a switch to over-the-counter options like Tylenol. Compared to earlier methods, the newer fractionated CO2 laser technology has significantly reduced the level of discomfort associated with the procedure.

One of the notable advantages of CO2 fractionated resurfacing is that it is a single-session procedure, often referred to as "one and done." Unlike some other laser treatments that may require multiple sessions, a CO2 laser resurfacing procedure can achieve desired results with just one treatment.

Following CO2 laser resurfacing, your skin will initially resemble a significant sunburn for the first two or three days. As the healing progresses, it transitions into a milder sunburn-like appearance. Around the one-week mark, the pink stage can typically be covered up, which may persist for a few weeks. After a month or two, you will be left with rejuvenated and improved skin, with no visible remnants of pinkness or noticeable changes resulting from the laser treatment.

CO2 laser resurfacing offers a higher level of precision and control compared to a chemical peel. With a CO2 laser, we have the ability to adjust the width, depth, and energy level, tailoring the treatment to specific areas of the skin. On the other hand, chemical peels rely on the application of a solution with limited control. While you can halt the effects of a chemical peel with other solutions, the level of precision achieved with CO2 laser resurfacing makes it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking more targeted and customizable results.

CO2 laser resurfacing offers the advantage of versatility in terms of depth. It can be used superficially, similar to microneedling, or it can penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This means that CO2 laser resurfacing can address a range of concerns. For instance, if someone has fine wrinkles, a lighter application can be used, while deeper acne-related changes can be addressed with a deeper treatment. In contrast, microneedling primarily works at a superficial level. Some individuals even compare the effects of microneedling to those achieved with fine-grade sandpaper. Therefore, the variability and depth control provided by CO2 laser resurfacing make it a preferred choice for many patients.

Maintaining proper skin moisture is vital following CO2 laser resurfacing, and we'll help give guidance on suitable agents for this. Around three to four days after the procedure, you may notice a slight rise and shedding of the skin. We recommend refraining from scrubbing the skin during the recovery process. Instead, we advise gentle finger pad massages to facilitate the natural healing process, allowing the skin to regenerate from the inside out.

The redness you experience after CO2 laser resurfacing is a result of the treatment as well as the increased blood flow required for skin healing. The majority of redness typically subsides within the first week to 10 days, and it can be easily concealed with makeup during this period. However, if you expose your face to water without makeup, such as stepping out of a shower or swimming pool, you may notice a pinkness that can persist for about one to two months.

Visible results from CO2 fractionated laser treatment usually become apparent around one week to 10 days when the initial redness transitions to a pink shade. Under a microscope, ongoing healing and improvement of the skin can continue for up to 12 to 18 months. From a clinical perspective, the majority of the recovery process is typically completed within 4 to 6 months.