Can I space out CO2 laser treatments by 6 months or a year?

Question

Hi, I’m a 30 year old Caucasian female and am looking to start getting CO2 laser treatments. I’m starting to notice the early stages of a loss of skin laxity in my lower face, as well as uneven skin texture that I would like to correct. I saw that it is recommended to get between 2 and 3 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. Due to my schedule that likely won’t be possible. Can I still get the same benefits if I get treatments every 6 months or so? Thank you!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

CO2 laser resurfacing of the face can be done to different depths.  In general, the deeper the laser goes, the more effective the results.  CO2 laser treatments that go deeper also usually involve a longer recovery period though.  If I were doing a deep CO2 laser treatment, I normally would only do one treatment.  This procedure could be repeated if needed, but I generally wait at least a year before doing it again.  My sense is that the laser treatments that you are planning are not very deep and that is why they are recommending 2-3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart.  I would not see a problem having your treatments spaced further apart.  You should still get improvement even if the treatments are spaced 6-12 months apart.

Can I space out CO2 laser treatments by 6 months or a year?

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