O2 Laser resurfacing will correct deep lines and severe sun damage which could not be corrected with gentler techniques such as skin care, peels or Fraxel laser resurfacing. CO2 Laser resurfacing will correct problems of skin quality, not quantity. It will remove the upper, damaged skin layers and allow healthy new skin to grow in its place. Unlike the Fraxel laser, CO2 laser resurfacing is only available to treat the face.
Patients seeking CO2 laser resurfacing are concerned about an aged appearance of their skin due to time, sun damage, lifestyle and genetics. Good candidates are patients with significant age or sun damage to the quality of their skin with deep lines, dry, scaly skin and freckles. Fair skinned patients tend to have better results. Most patients have already been treated with a skin care regimen to strengthen the deeper layers of their skin in preparation for the resurfacing.
Surgery lasts about an hour. Depending on the extent of the features which must be corrected, one to three or more passes with the laser may be necessary. CO2 laser resurfacing can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as face lift, eyelid lift (“blepharoplasty”) or others.
Side effects include swelling and bruising, which are considerable after CO2 laser resurfacing. Other risks such as scarring or skin loss are rare. Patients who suffer from cold sores are treated with antiviral medicines before and after surgery to help prevent outbreaks.
Postoperative skin care is very time consuming for about a week. It is essential to a good result, and is provided in the office as well as at home. Patients can usually return to usual activities within about 2 weeks. After the surgical wounds heal and the damaged upper skin cells are replaced with healthy new cells, camouflage make-up may be necessary to cover skin pinkness for up to 3-6 months.