{"id":11211,"date":"2020-04-10T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T16:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=11211"},"modified":"2023-10-17T15:43:55","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T22:43:55","slug":"co2-laser-procedure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/co2-laser-procedure","title":{"rendered":"The Return of the CO2: Why These Next-Level Lasers are Making a Comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"

The reboot of a classic can often feel like a last gasp—one final attempt to get with the times (we see you, Abercrombie & Fitch<\/a>). So recently, when we learned of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser<\/a> aiming to woo millennials with promises of born-again skin and minimal downtime, we felt compelled to do a proverbial pulse check on the veteran resurfacing<\/a> technology.<\/p>

Interested in CO2 laser?<\/small><\/div>Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

What is a CO2 laser?<\/h2>

If you’re even a little familiar with lasers, you likely know that the CO2 is hardly a “lunchtime procedure.” A true-to-form CO2 laser emits a powerful, ablative beam of infrared light that targets water molecules in the skin, vaporizing the tissue to spark healing and collagen renewal. “Very few lasers have stood the test of time like the CO2—it can tighten tissue<\/a> and improve damaged skin, addressing wrinkles<\/a>, sun spots<\/a> and scars<\/a>,” says Dr. Sameer Bashey<\/a>, a dermatologist in New York City and Los Angeles. But all that goodness comes at a cost: A typical CO2 laser before and after process “is one where someone looks swollen, bloody and scabby for a week or two and then their skin is pink for about a month,” says Dr. Robert Anolik<\/a>, a dermatologist in New York City.<\/p>

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More and more people are realizing the power of CO2 laser resurfacing. This technology can be utilized by people of all different ages. Contrary to popular belief, laser resurfacing is not just for the elderly or people who have had significant sun damage. Younger men and women are realizing the advantages of performing laser resurfacing early. In my practice, 30% of people doing laser resurfacing are under the age of 40. To improve acne scars, fix fine lines and wrinkles, improve tone and texture as well as tighten pores this is a great treatment option. Recovery will occur over the course of 5 to 7 days. This video will demonstrate what it is like to recover from CO2 laser resurfacing. This young woman recovered in about 5 days.<\/a><\/p>

A post shared by Sameer Bashey MD FAAD<\/a> (@drbashey) on