56, female, how often should I get the CO2 laser done & can I get a light peel or do only the deep ones work?

Question

While I seek out my options for facial rejuvenation, a popular choice is the CO2 laser. What exactly does this laser target and help with? How often should I get the CO2 laser done? Can I get a light peel laser or do only the deep ones work?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Without at least seeing a photo, I can only comment in the most general of terms. For dynamic wrinkles of the face (i.e. those that worsen with facial expressions, such as smiling, scowling, etc.), such as crow's feet around the eyes; forehead "worry" lines; and frown lines between the brows, Botox would be the treatment of choice. For static wrinkles, i.e. wrinkle lines and creases that remain "etched" into the fabric of the skin when not emoting, fillers would be the treatment of choice. For skin textural and color issues, such as dilated pores, roughness, "sunspots" and other discolorations, a series of in-office superficial peels using high concentrations of glycolic acid or salicylic acid, Jessner's solution, or low concentrations of TCA can be useful, as can professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the at-home use of Rx topical agents. All of the aforementioned have long histories going back decades for safety and efficacy.  Notice, I made no mention of lasers, especially not the ablative CO2 laser, or fraxel lasers or RF gizmos. Unfortunately, the hard science to support the use of these "bells and whistles" lags woefully behind the heavy marketing and social media buzz that makes them come so rapidly to mind by the lay public. Abative CO2, much like old-style dermabrasion is a very aggressive procedure that engenders significant post-treatment downtime and runs the risk for adverse reactions, such as scarring and dyspigmentation. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. And one additional word of caution, you would also be wise to not go in asking for something because, to your later dismay, you may just get what you ask for. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Nuket Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello, Fractional CO2 laser can be performed once a year for skin rejuvenation purposes. During the summer, the skin tends to dry out, wrinkle, and develop spots due to sun exposure. Therefore, it is more suitable to undergo CO2 laser treatment in the fall or winter seasons. It is essential not to think in terms of deep or superficial treatment because every skin has different thickness and various issues. The appropriate dosage recommended by your doctor will be the most accurate.
Using the right products and moisturizing your skin while protecting it from the sun are crucial after laser treatment. This way, you can maintain a consistently radiant, lively, and youthful appearance.

Ali Charafeddine, MD · Answer

At our practice, the CO2 Laser we offer is a very light peel that will give a little bit of redness. The redness will typically last for only 1-2 days. 
It helps with a lot of things, including collagen production, making sure the fine lines are gone, helping the texture of the skin, especially with the spots and the best part about it is that you don't have to go deep and have a 3-4 week recovery time. Doing it a few times a year will give an amazing effect to your overall skin quality.

56, female, how often should I get the CO2 laser done & can I get a light peel or do only the deep ones work?

Answers (4)

Answer: Great Question! The CO2 Laser is a top choice for a resurfacing laser.

Answer: Great Question! The CO2 Laser is a top choice for a resurfacing laser.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

56, female, how often should I get the CO2 laser done & can I get a light peel or do only the deep ones work?

Answers (4)

Answer: Great Question! The CO2 Laser is a top choice for a resurfacing laser.

Answer: Great Question! The CO2 Laser is a top choice for a resurfacing laser.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.