Why Does the Skin on my Neck Look Worse After Co2 Fractional Resurfacing? I'm 10 Days Post Op? (photo)

Question

25 days po after full face/neck. My face looks vgood & healed nice. My neck looks worse than it did before the laser. Its crinkley when I move especially. I was told it was dry & takes time for collagen to regrow.At this point I don't know. I look so much older when you look at my neck. I'm 43. My face looks 38 but neck 50-s? Do I now need a neck lift? I wasn't expecting miracles but I figured it would at least improve & have some tightening effect. I have used hydrating creams,vitamins etc HELP

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After CO2 Fractional resurfacing, your skin is reacting to an injury caused by the laser, which eventually will stimulate collagen production, help tighten and firm the skin, and  minimize fine lines.  It usually looks worse before it gets better.  I would recommend avoiding sun exposure and applying SPF 30 with zinc. I hope this helps.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Hi there, 

	Sorry to hear about the issue. I think some people feel as though you get a dramatic skin tightening effect with CO2 ablative lasers, but I myself am not convinced. Much of the effect the CO2 may possibly have on tightening depends on settings and how much it heats up the skin. The problem is, if you set up a co2 laser to heat the deeper skin to levels say a Radio frequency would, you may end up with burns. 

	I think you should talk to your treating physician or another certified physician and discuss your options. Surgery isn't the only one. As I mentioned, the Radiofrequency treatments can result in very impressive tightening effects without the need for surgery.

Why Does the Skin on my Neck Look Worse After Co2 Fractional Resurfacing? I'm 10 Days Post Op? (photo)

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Why Does the Skin on my Neck Look Worse After Co2 Fractional Resurfacing? I'm 10 Days Post Op? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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