For those seeking to restore their skin’s youthful appearance and address concerns such as wrinkles, sun damage, or acne scars, CO2 laser resurfacing offers an effective solution. At Solomon Facial Plastic, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that every patient achieves the best outcome.
Our expert team specializes in providing laser resurfacing and facial rejuvenation in Toronto, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to deliver personalized results with precision and care. With years of experience and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics, we are a trusted choice for those looking to improve their skin’s texture, tone, and elasticity.
This article aims to offer a comprehensive overview of CO2 laser resurfacing, covering its benefits, potential side effects, and the expected recovery time.
What does CO2 laser resurfacing do?
CO2 laser resurfacing, also called laser vaporization, laser peel, or lasabrasion, works by precisely removing skin layers. Laser resurfacing with CO2 is used to treat a range of skin conditions. During the procedure, the lasers produce a wavelength energy of 10,600 nanometres, which water within skin cells absorbs—the treatment removes the superficial skin layer.
This produces a heat injury to the skin, stimulating new skin regeneration from underlying skin and boosting collagen production. Collagen consists of tightly organized (protein) fibre networks that increase the skin’s elasticity. When the skin starts healing after treatment, a tighter, smoother, and more elastic layer begins forming.
Treatment times depend on the individual’s skin issue and their skin type. A CO2 laser treatment may be done alongside other facial cosmetic procedures or alone.
CO2 Laser Treatment Options
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
Fractional CO2 laser treatments involve the application of numerous microbeams, creating ablation columns in the patient’s skin while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. The advantage of fractional CO2 treatment is that it minimizes adverse effects by targeting the laser beam columns more precisely, leading to quicker recovery.
You can use it to treat:
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Wrinkles
- Age-related blemishes
Ablative CO2
Ablative CO2 is a more aggressive treatment and works by vaporizing skin tissue. Since it is more aggressive, it yields dramatic effects with visible skin improvement.
CO2 lasers provide superior results for those with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 or 2 (those with fair skin, freckles, and light hair). The Fitzpatrick system classifies how the skin reacts to sunlight. The laser’s effectiveness on this skin type is due to pale skin having fewer melanocytes, which decreases the likelihood of hypo or hyperpigmentation occurring after the procedure.
Non-ablative fractional lasers are better for individuals with darker skin tones. Research does suggest they are more favourable with Fitzpatrick skin type 4 to 6. They also produce positive results for people with:
- Acne scars
- Acne
- Melasma
- Stretch marks
- Scarring
Who is a good candidate?
For those with wrinkles or fine lines around the mouth, eyes, or forehead, who experience non-responsive skin after receiving a facelift, or who have shallow acne scars, CO2 laser resurfacing may benefit you. Other people who may benefit from this treatment include those with:
- Liver or age spots
- Sun-damaged skin
- Scars from birthmarks
- Birthmarks like a linear epidermal nevi
- Enlarged oil glands on the nose
Who should not receive CO2 resurfacing therapy?
Some techniques may cause discolouration or inflammation for people with darker skin after treatment. Patients with deeper skin tones can experience keloid scarring, which is why dermatologists may implement the Fitzpatrick scale to match your skin’s pigment level to the risk of skin cancer and sun damage.
The Fitzpatrick scale ranges from 1 to 6, with darker skin ranking at 5 or 6, and 1 to 2 for fair skin. The higher the rating, the lesser the potential risk you have for skin damage. Yet, you should note that regardless of your skin tone, everyone has a skin cancer risk.
Other situations where CO2 laser resurfacing may not be advisable are as follows:
- Deep wrinkles
- Sagging or excessive skin
- Active acne
- Weakened immune system
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Treatment Benefits
Ablative lasers treat skin conditions such as the following:
- Wrinkles and fine lines: Laser resurfacing with CO2 can treat wrinkles and lines around and under the eyes, as well as crow’s feet. It can address forehead lines and wrinkles or laugh lines around your mouth.
- Baggy eyes: Loose skin above the lower and upper eyelids are called hooded or baggy eyes. CO2 laser treatments improve skin laxity, tighten skin, and minimize baggy eyes.
- Sun-damaged skin: UV light exposure contributes to visible aging signs like sagging from decreased elasticity, wrinkles, uneven/rough skin texture, spider veins, and sun and liver spots.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia: This condition occurs when sebum is trapped in oil glands. When this happens, the gland enlarges, causing a waxy, small bump on the skin (often on the face). These bumps are harmless, but many individuals remove them for cosmetic reasons. Treatments also prevent their return.
- Acne scars: By stimulating collagen production, treatments smooth and tighten skin. However, it may not work on all types of acne (such as ice-pick acne).
When you visit Solomon Facial Plastic to discuss laser resurfacing in Toronto, we will discuss whether these treatments will be effective for your specific skin concerns and suggest alternatives if needed.
Side Effects
While CO2 laser resurfacing is a highly effective treatment, it’s crucial to understand that side effects, though rare, can occur. However, when performed by experienced professionals, like those at Solomon Facial Plastic, the risk of complications is significantly minimized, and most patients experience a smooth recovery.
Some possible side effects include:
- Delays in wound healing
- Infection/bacterial infection
- Scarring
- Skin redness
- Skin peeling
- Milia (tiny, white or yellow skin cysts appearing in clusters)
- Skin tone changes
- Injuries or burns from the laser’s heat
- Reactivating herpes cold sores
- Sun sensitivity
Our team will discuss any possible side effects with you before treatment, ensuring you feel confident and well-informed. By following post-procedure instructions and attending follow-up appointments, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing complications, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing safely.
Recovery
Your skin will need two to four weeks to heal fully from treatment. New skin will begin to appear two weeks after treatment. The skin may appear raw and have some drainage after the treatment. It can feel and look like a severe sunburn.
As your skin begins the recovery process, to prevent damage to the skin, patients are advised to:
- Avoid scratching or picking at the skin while it is healing.
- Remain at home and avoid any strenuous activities.
- Use ice packs or over-the-counter medication to decrease pain.
- Reduce direct sun exposure and utilize sun protection (sunscreen) no matter the season.
- Take medicines as prescribed.
- Attend your follow-up appointments, which will monitor your recovery.
Contact Solomon Facial Plastic for Your CO2 Laser Treatment Needs
At Solomon Facial Plastic, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. While side effects from CO2 laser treatments are rare, our expert team takes every precaution to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience with lasting results. If you’re considering laser resurfacing in Toronto, trust us to guide you through the process and provide the exceptional care you deserve.
You can schedule your appointment by contacting Solomon Facial Plastic at our Davenport Clinic (305 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario) at 416-864-6100, or our Thornhill Clinic (57 Centre Street, Vaughan, Ontario) at 905-764-7799.
Our office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday. You can also request more information by filling out our online form.
Oct 09th 2024