Q: What are the pros and cons of Coolaser?

Pros The laser skin resurfacing treatment is fast: it typically only takes about 15 minutes. It's a good option to combine with other treatments, like dermal fillers or Botox, for a complete anti-aging regimen. Unlike other treatments like microdermabrasion or certain chemical peels, this option targets the deeper layers of skin for more dramatic results. Cons Even with numbing cream applied to the skin, this treatment can be mildly painful. You may need up to a full week of downtime, and you'll need to slightly adjust your lifestyle during recovery. This includes avoiding very hot showers, smoking, and sun exposure until you heal. The official Coolaser treatment is only available at Epione Beverly Hills, Dr. Simon Ourian's California clinic. RealSelf Tip: You’ll need to avoid intense sun exposure (which can increase your risk of pigmentation and sunburn) for four to six weeks and not take any blood-thinning medications or consume alcohol for 10 days prior to your treatment.

Question 1

What is Coolaser?

Accepted Answer

Coolaser is a laser skin resurfacing treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, and acne scars. A type of fractional CO2 laser, it cools the surface of the skin before vaporizing skin cells with pulses of intense light.

It’s a fractional laser treatment, which means that it actually targets only a portion of the skin's surface, while also heating up water molecules in the lower layer, to trigger cell repair through a healing response that boosts collagen and elastin production.

This in-office cosmetic dermatology procedure takes about 15 minutes. Depending on the severity of the skin concerns you’re targeting, you may need more than one treatment session.

Awareness of Coolaser has increased as celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, have raved about their results.

The official Coolaser treatment is available only at the Beverly Hills, California, clinic of Dr. Simon Ourian. However, “many other lasers do the exact same treatment,” says Dr. Harold Kaplan, a plastic surgeon in Torrance, California.

RealSelf Tip: While this treatment is said to be suitable for people with medium skin tones, CO2 laser treatments can be risky for people with light brown or deeply pigmented skin; the laser can target pigment, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Unless you have fair skin, it's essential to ensure your laser treatment provider has extensive experience and can evaluate which skin rejuvenation treatment will be the best option for you.

Related: The 5 Best (and Worst) Treatments for Dark Skin

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Coolaser?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The laser skin resurfacing treatment is fast: it typically only takes about 15 minutes.
It's a good option to combine with other treatments, like dermal fillers or Botox, for a complete anti-aging regimen.
Unlike other treatments like microdermabrasion or certain chemical peels, this option targets the deeper layers of skin for more dramatic results.

Cons

Even with numbing cream applied to the skin, this treatment can be mildly painful.
You may need up to a full week of downtime, and you'll need to slightly adjust your lifestyle during recovery. This includes avoiding very hot showers, smoking, and sun exposure until you heal.
The official Coolaser treatment is only available at Epione Beverly Hills, Dr. Simon Ourian's California clinic.

RealSelf Tip: You’ll need to avoid intense sun exposure (which can increase your risk of pigmentation and sunburn) for four to six weeks and not take any blood-thinning medications or consume alcohol for 10 days prior to your treatment.

Question 3

What happens during a Coolaser treatment?

Accepted Answer

At the time of your procedure, your provider will first apply a topical anesthetic to your skin. They may also give you a sedative to help you relax, and you’ll put on protective goggles.

Your provider will move the handheld Coolaser across the entire treatment area, zapping your skin as cool air blows. The cooling effect (and numbing cream) should reduce the burning or pain, but you’ll still feel like you’re being snapped with a rubber band.

When the procedure is finished, your provider will apply a protective ointment to prevent infection and then will dress the treated area.

Question 4

How long does healing take?

Accepted Answer

Plan for a week of downtime, away from work and social activities, as you heal.

Immediately after your treatment, your skin will feel and look like it’s sunburned. Swelling and pain can last as long as a week, and your skin will peel during that time, shedding layers of damaged skin. Resist the urge to rub your face or pick at the peeling skin.

Dr. Ourian provides these aftercare instructions.

Wait 12 hours to wash your face—and then only use a very gentle cleanser like Cetaphil.
Hold off on very hot showers or baths, strenuous exercise, and massage for two to three days.
Apply an occlusive ointment, such as Aquaphor, a few times a day, to keep skin moisturized, but don’t use other hydrating lotions or serums for at least five days. You want your skin to be protected but not so moisturized with skin care products that it won’t peel. You also shouldn’t wear makeup during this time.
Don’t smoke for a week, as it interferes with the healing process.
Avoid direct sun exposure for one to two months.

It’s important to be gentle with your skin as it heals, want to prevent scarring and excess pigmentation. Your skin will be especially sensitive, so you don’t want to do anything that will irritate or harm it.

After you’ve healed, you’ll begin to see new, healthy skin. The surface layers of damaged skin will be gone, and cells in the lower layers will be working to produce more collagen. This new collagen growth will help skin look more youthful and radiant.

Results will continue to improve for four to six weeks.

Though your skin will continue to age naturally and be impacted by environmental exposure, you can expect your results to last for several years. Make a daily habit of using SPF of 50+ to protect your fresh, new skin and prevent future damage.

Question 5

How much does Coolaser cost?

Accepted Answer

Coolaser treatments are expensive because they’re available exclusively from one popular doctor who’s known for his celebrity clients.

You can, however, shop around for other comparable laser treatments in your area. Your provider’s office location and level experience as well as the specific treatment will affect the final price.

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Kali Swenson

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Kali Swenson

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