Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underCO2 Laser q&a

I want to know how CO2 lasers work to penetrate the skin so I can go about choosing treatment to alleviate laser damage (Photo)

User Avatar
gdouglasAug 2, 2015
I had a laser treatment done on my entire face in January this year with the Veris CO2 Laser. The nurse used a higher setting on my cheeks which resulted in grid-marks/squares that have become etched into my skin. What I was wondering was how these lasers work: how deeply do they penetrate the epidermis/dermis, and what other treatments (such as dermabrasion, deep chemical peels, micro-needling, radio frequency, or other lasers) can help with smoothing out this laser damage at such a deep level?

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Jason Emer, MD profile photo
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.7 | 522 Reviews
Answered on Aug 4, 2015
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. Curtis Perry, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Aug 27, 2015
Answer
1 person found this helpful

More CO2 Laser Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Jessica Kulak, MD

In general, most red heads have fair skin types and typically are very good candidates for laser resurfacing with a CO2 laser.  Lighter skin types usually have the lowest risks of complications from laser resurfacing and can usually tolerate an aggressive treatment with excellent results....

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
J. Matthew Knight, MD

Hi.  The removal of tissue with CO2 is essentially instantaneous, and the long-term effect on new collagen formation takes months.  The movement of the muscles and overlying skin after your procedure (i.e. smiling, chewing) will have no impact on your long-term results.  Hope that...

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Jason Emer, MD

There is nothing fancy about this.  If you are considering resurfacing you should go to a board certified dermatologist who is experienced in lasers.  Best, Dr. Emer.

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Jason Emer, MD

This is likely just nerve swelling called neuropraxia that can be improved with oral steroids and oral diuretics.  It may take up to 3 months to resolve.  Please speak to your treating physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

For red acne scars, I would consider pulsed dye laser and application of Plato's Scar Serum twice daily. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+1 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

I don't see any reason not to use Coconut oil on your skin. However, after fractional co2 laser, our office recommends Melarase creams to help avoid pigmentation from PIH. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+1 answers
See all CO2 Laser Q&A
See more CO2 Laser Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE CO2 LASER GUIDE →