Do you need to be anesthetized during CO2 laser treatment or is a topical only used?

Thank you for your question. Laser resurfacing of the face with an ablative CO2 laser can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon can perform regional blocks and this combined with the sedation can allow the procedure to be performed safely and comfortably.

The answer is it depends. If low density Co2 were to be used, then sure, numbing cream is all that is needed. If higher density Co2 were to be performed, then I usually do regional blocks with or without light sedation and numbing creams. Your Specialist will guide you according to the treatment level itself. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.