CO2 Laser Resurfacing - Rockville Centre, NY

I had CO2 laser resurfacing done on May 25th. This was NOT fractional CO2 laser however I am unsure of the technology my doctor used.

I had moderate sun damage, some loss of elasticity in the skin, wrinkles under eyes, crows feet, mild acne scarring at temples/cheeks and some deeper lines on my forehead.

I had TCA/Obagi Blue Peel in January however while it did correct 'some' sun damage, the results were not what my doctor was hoping for (and I was a little disappointed in those results as well). We decided to wait about 6 months and go with CO2 laser.

Because my doctor wanted to give me several passes in certain areas, he would only agree to the procedure if I was under general anesthesia. I had 2-3 passes in most places but in the necessary places, it was up to 4 passes.

He treated the entire face including right up under the eyes and the eye lids (I had shields inserted in my eyes while asleep).

When I woke up, I didn't feel any pain at all; I didn't even feel sunburnt. I only started to feel alittle uncomfortable when I went to eat/drink (mouth was tight; I suggest straws and protein shakes for nourishment immediately following) and when I wanted to sleep (one must sleep sitting up or elevated for a few days to quell swelling).

I did not have as much weeping as I expected to have. Skin did scab up -- but not as much as it could have; I feel that I was more comfortable than most because I was religious about the vinegar soaks, saline washes and very generous with the applications of Aquaphor (as such, please buy sheets that are soft but you won't mind tossing in the garbage if you cannot get the Aquaphor out of them during washing). The severity of the swelling the first day was more than I anticipated (could not open my eyes very well for two days; Mederol was prescribed to help with this).

I never took any Percocet (pain pill described). I did take a Motrin PM on the first two nights because I wanted to sleep and had a hard time as being semi-upright is a challenge for me since I am a belly sleeper. This was really the worst part of the ordeal.

I am now 2 weeks post op. I am still VERY red and need concealer and heavier mineral makeup to camoflauge the redness. I believe I am also still slightly swollen but not noticeably so. I see a great reduction in acne scars (all except one place are gone and that residual spot is barely noticeable). I see the much deeper 'crease' like lines from a lifetime of belly sleeping gone with the exception of one. The lines under my eyes are enormously reduced. My son believe I look 10 years younger. I am reserving full judgment until the redness is gone (the redness is still EXTREMELY noticeable even with cover up but I don't mind). I did go back to work 10 days post op and have been very careful with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen (I do suggest COTZ 58 Tinted Sunscreen/non chemical and Skinceuticals SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen/non chemical along with Jane Iredale Warm Sienna Pressed Minerals).

I would do this again in a heartbeat. I am hoping the outcome of this procedure will help me with not needing to wear foundation/tinted moisturizer every day (I was too self-conscious about the sun damage and acne scarring) to have ever gone totally bare. I am super excited and plan on updating when recovery is completed.

**I do not know the cost as this was a gift from my husband who wanted to keep the cost a secret.