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Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment that helps improve several skin conditions. Although the process has been used for many years, new technology has improved the ability of CO2 laser resurfacing in Orange County to rejuvenate skin damaged by the sun or with visible signs of aging.
Dr. Lenore Sikorski at Natural Image OC uses CO2 laser resurfacing to reduce the appearance of scars, including traumatic injuries, surgical scars, acne scars, or previous burn injuries.
CO2 laser resurfacing uses carbon dioxide lasers to remove the thin outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin to stimulate collagen growth. New skin growth appears tighter and smoother.
Collagen is a protein your body naturally produces that gives your skin a more youthful tone and texture. CO2 laser resurfacing is a form of ablative laser treatment, producing more noticeable results than non-ablative laser treatments but requiring a slightly longer recovery time.
CO2 laser resurfacing is a form of ablative laser treatment, which produces results that are more noticeable than non-ablative laser treatments but require a slightly longer recovery time.
CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Orange County can address a wide range of skin conditions. It has been used to remove precancerous skin growths, enhance skin tightness, and improve overall complexion, and it is particularly effective for sun damage, age spots, and uneven skin tone and texture. The process precisely removes damaged layers of skin, which leads to the regrowth of new skin that is rejuvenated, smoother, and more youthful looking.
A CO2 laser uses a handheld device to deliver pulses of laser light that penetrate the surface of the skin. The water within the skin cells absorbs the laser light, which then vaporizes the epidermis, the thin layer of superficial skin that sits on the dermis. The procedure can target specific areas so the treatment does not affect nearby areas.
Good candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing are in overall good health and have a positive attitude with realistic expectations of what they can expect from the procedure, both immediately afterward and as the skin heals.
You may have some visible signs of aging, such as sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and declining skin texture. Potential patients may also have scars from acne or chicken pox or blotchy brown spots. CO2 laser resurfacing is not helpful on stretch marks.
Skin tone also affects your candidacy for CO2 laser resurfacing treatment in Orange County. Ablative laser resurfacing, such as CO2 laser treatments, is not recommended for people with darker skin tones since the laser energy can be absorbed by healthy tissue in individuals with darker skin.
Good candidates can take time off work to heal and are committed to following aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of complications and improve the results.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Sikorski will work with you to determine the procedure and areas that will give you the best results. During the appointment, you will receive an anesthetic to help with the discomfort during the procedure.
Before the treatment begins, your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and you will wear special eyewear to protect your eyes. Depending on the size of the area being treated, it can take from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete. Immediately afterward, a barrier cream is applied to protect against dehydration or infection.
Your skin will feel raw for the first few days, and may feel like you have a bad sunburn, with the accompanying itching, stinging, and peeling. After the first five to seven days, the skin starts to peel. The new skin can look pink or pale, but it will gradually take on your normal skin color over the coming two to three months. It can take up to a year before the pinkness goes away completely. You must protect your skin during this time.
You receive detailed instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure. Following these instructions is important to reduce the risk of complications and improve the results.
Avoid scratching or picking at your skin. Use the skincare routine included in your aftercare instructions. In the first one to two weeks, this routine helps reduce the risk of infection. You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean, soft towel during the first 24 to 48 hours to help reduce discomfort. Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce the swelling.
It typically takes up to two weeks to recover from CO2 laser resurfacing until you feel comfortable going out in public. Once the skin has healed, you should wear clothing that covers the area or apply sunscreen made for sensitive skin each time you go outside.
After your skin is healed, liberal use of moisturizers can protect the skin and keep it hydrated. While CO2 laser resurfacing helps remove visible signs of aging, it does not stop the aging process. It is important to continue to use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher each time you are outside to protect the skin from further sun damage.
Your consultation is with Dr. Sikorski, who has served Orange County for 30 years. She will answer your questions about CO2 laser resurfacing in Orange County and work with you to design the best plan to help you reach your aesthetic goals, which may include injectables, thread lifts, and peels.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.