The CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser used for skin resurfacing and remolding scars, precisely, it removes the outer layers of damaged skin to reveal skin that is softer, smoother, and younger looking. Its effects are similar to those of chemical peels and dermabrasion, except that the laser removes skin layers by vaporization rather than with chemicals or a sanding device.
Are you wondering if CO2 is right for you? Here are some FAQs to help you decide:
Fractionated vs non-fractionated CO2 laser, what's the difference?
Doctor Douglas Wu tells us that the main difference is that 'non-fractionated CO2 laser ablates 100% of the skin surface that it treats whereas the fractionated CO2 laser ablates only a part (or a 'fraction') of skin surface that it treats.'[Read more] It's important to understand the technology of the laser you are being treated with, the more recent CO2 lasers are safer and claim to be more effective, usually with less downtime. Doctor Gregory J Vipond explains that the older ablative lasers burn 100% of your epidermis (the top skin layer) while fractional CO2 lasers burn a smaller fraction, usually around 20% -the technique is like pixels on a TV screen where there is a small core of laser damage separated by healthy skin.' [Read more]
What skin types are best suited for CO2 Laser?
Generally, lighter skin types are more suitable for laser treatments, including CO2 laser. Darker skin types have an increased risk for injury, according to Doctor Jose E. Barrera this is 'due to incidental laser absorption by melanin, problems with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and decrease of melanin production leading to hypopigmentation.' [Read more]
How many treatments will I need?
It depends, there are multiple factors that determine how many treatments are required such as skin type, issue(s) being treated, even how much time off you can take. A surgeon who is well experienced with CO2 lasers will need to evaluate your skin and continue to monitor the changes as you progress through your treatments. Bottom line, everybody has different results and may require multiple procedures.
How Long Do the Results Last After the Co2 Laser Resurfacing?
You can expect to have long-lasting/permanent results from CO2 laser resurfacing. Doctor Mark Taylor cautions ' to be sure that your doctor has extensive experience treating 100's of patients and knows how to deal with any and all complications' as if something goes wrong the side effects may be permanent as well. His tip, check credentials and 'look at lots of before and after procedures of patients he/she has personally treated.' [Read more]
Related: Laser Treatment Safety: 10 Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Getting Burned
Watch as This CO2 Laser Reduces Wrinkles Using a Zigzag Technique
View more RealSelf CO2 Laser videos
Does Fractional CO2 Work for Acne Scars?
You should expect improvement with each treatment, but it's important to set realistic expectations as it depends on the severity of the scarring. Doctor Larry S. Nichter explains that severe acne scars 'involve a deep scar process that extends to the deep dermis and sometimes even deeper it would be unusual to see dramatic differences after a single Fractional CO2 laser treatment.' [Read more]
What are the risks?
As there are different types of CO2 lasers, it's important to understand which one you are being treated with. 'With the traditional fully ablative CO2 lasers, there was a risk of hypopigmentation or waxy white discoloration to the skin. The hypopigmentation risk is significantly less with the fractional co2 laser. ' explains Doctor Ben Behnam. He further tells us that more sophisticated CO2 lasers have less side effects when compared to older lasers and older techniques and 'allow your laser surgeon to carefully choose parameters and control them very closely. This allows your treatment to be tailored exactly to your needs, maximizing your benefits and minimizing your side effects.' [Read more]
If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about your upcoming procedure, leave a comment below. Also, be sure to join the community and share your story by writing a review so that you can receive support throughout your journey.
Are you wondering if CO2 is right for you? Here are some FAQs to help you decide:
Fractionated vs non-fractionated CO2 laser, what's the difference?
Doctor Douglas Wu tells us that the main difference is that 'non-fractionated CO2 laser ablates 100% of the skin surface that it treats whereas the fractionated CO2 laser ablates only a part (or a 'fraction') of skin surface that it treats.'[Read more] It's important to understand the technology of the laser you are being treated with, the more recent CO2 lasers are safer and claim to be more effective, usually with less downtime. Doctor Gregory J Vipond explains that the older ablative lasers burn 100% of your epidermis (the top skin layer) while fractional CO2 lasers burn a smaller fraction, usually around 20% -the technique is like pixels on a TV screen where there is a small core of laser damage separated by healthy skin.' [Read more]
What skin types are best suited for CO2 Laser?
Generally, lighter skin types are more suitable for laser treatments, including CO2 laser. Darker skin types have an increased risk for injury, according to Doctor Jose E. Barrera this is 'due to incidental laser absorption by melanin, problems with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and decrease of melanin production leading to hypopigmentation.' [Read more]
How many treatments will I need?
It depends, there are multiple factors that determine how many treatments are required such as skin type, issue(s) being treated, even how much time off you can take. A surgeon who is well experienced with CO2 lasers will need to evaluate your skin and continue to monitor the changes as you progress through your treatments. Bottom line, everybody has different results and may require multiple procedures.
How Long Do the Results Last After the Co2 Laser Resurfacing?
You can expect to have long-lasting/permanent results from CO2 laser resurfacing. Doctor Mark Taylor cautions ' to be sure that your doctor has extensive experience treating 100's of patients and knows how to deal with any and all complications' as if something goes wrong the side effects may be permanent as well. His tip, check credentials and 'look at lots of before and after procedures of patients he/she has personally treated.' [Read more]
Related: Laser Treatment Safety: 10 Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Getting Burned
Watch as This CO2 Laser Reduces Wrinkles Using a Zigzag Technique
View more RealSelf CO2 Laser videos
Does Fractional CO2 Work for Acne Scars?
You should expect improvement with each treatment, but it's important to set realistic expectations as it depends on the severity of the scarring. Doctor Larry S. Nichter explains that severe acne scars 'involve a deep scar process that extends to the deep dermis and sometimes even deeper it would be unusual to see dramatic differences after a single Fractional CO2 laser treatment.' [Read more]
What are the risks?
As there are different types of CO2 lasers, it's important to understand which one you are being treated with. 'With the traditional fully ablative CO2 lasers, there was a risk of hypopigmentation or waxy white discoloration to the skin. The hypopigmentation risk is significantly less with the fractional co2 laser. ' explains Doctor Ben Behnam. He further tells us that more sophisticated CO2 lasers have less side effects when compared to older lasers and older techniques and 'allow your laser surgeon to carefully choose parameters and control them very closely. This allows your treatment to be tailored exactly to your needs, maximizing your benefits and minimizing your side effects.' [Read more]
If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about your upcoming procedure, leave a comment below. Also, be sure to join the community and share your story by writing a review so that you can receive support throughout your journey.