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

Thanks for your query. It is only topical anesthesia which is used for Co2 laser. It numbs your skin and thereby makes the procedure very comfortable. Hope it helps.All The Best

No you do not need to go to sleep for agressive laser resurfacing (co2/erbium) or even fraxel. we use oral medications, nerve blocks, and numbing cream to make it very comfortable.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Topical anesthesia is appropriate for co2 laser. I would suggest pre and post treatment with Melarase creams to prevent hyperpigmentation. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

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.