Carbon Dioxide (C02) laser skin resurfacing effectively removes fine lines and wrinkles, as well as keratoses (scaly 'pre-cancers'); smoothes indented or pitted scars from acne, surgery, or trauma; balances dark or light patches of skin; and rejuvenates aging and sun-damaged skin.

How does it work?

When skin is treated with a CO2 laser, a clean layer-by-layer renewal of the skin occurs. The laser light is absorbed by the water in your skin cells. This absorption in turn causes the instantaneous vaporization of the cell. The undesired skin cells literally evaporate. As your physician passes the laser light over your skin, a mere 30 millionth of an inch of tissue is removed at a time. This incredible control allows your physician to treat only as deeply as needed. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in its place.

What should I do before CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

You may not tan your skin for four weeks prior to treatment. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners for two weeks prior to surgery.

Be sure to obtain your prescribed post-operative medications prior to treatment. The antibiotic and antiviral medications must be started the day before your surgery. You may not eat or drink after midnight prior to your procedure. You must have a responsible adult escort you home after the surgery.

Discontinue medicated creams for 24 hours prior to the procedure. Wear no make-up or contact lenses on the day of your surgery. Shower and wash your hair on the morning of your surgery. Do not wear a garment that must be pulled over your head.

What happens during CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

First, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed. Confidential preoperative photographs will be taken. You will then meet the anesthesiologist to discuss your medical history.

An intravenous line will be started by the anesthesiologist. Blood pressure, oxygenation and heart rate will be monitored throughout the procedure. You will begin to feel relaxed and sleepy almost immediately. Your dermatologist will then inject a local anesthetic into the skin to be treated. The actual laser procedure takes approximately one hour, depending on the areas to be treated.

You will wake up in the recovery room accompanied by a nurse, who will be monitoring your vital signs. Ice packs and an ointment (Aquaphor) will be applied to your face. When you are feeling well-oriented, you may be escorted home.

How will my skin look after treatment?

Initially, your skin will be pink and swollen. Keep your head elevated for the first three days and nights. It is critical to apply ice every one to two hours for the first three days after surgery. Apply cold moist compresses and Aquaphor. Take pain medications as needed and antibiotic and anitiviral medications as prescribed.

On the second day, expect increased swelling and pain. Your skin will be quite pink and oozing for the next three to five days. A honey-colored discharge and crust may develop. Do not pick at the crusting. Continue to apply ice, cold moist compresses and Aquaphor.

On the third day, gently begin to cleanse your face with Cetaphil twice daily and rinse with water. If your skin burns with the use of the wash, wait a day and try again. Continue to apply Aquaphor and to follow the medication checklist.

Crusting from even the deepest treated areas is usually resolved within five to seven days. The treated areas generally remain pink for up to three months, depending on your skin color and the depth of the treatment. This can usually be concealed by make-up after about two weeks.

How should I maintain my skin after CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

You may not expose your skin to sun for 90 days after surgery. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners for two weeks post-operatively. Do not apply make-up until all flaking has stopped.

Results of CO2 laser skin resurfacing should last up to several years.

Am I a candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Darker skinned people have an increased risk of pigmentary changes after surgery. Additionally, there is a small incidence of the reactivation of Herpes Simplex infection. You cannot have this procedure if you are pregnant.

Final thoughts...

CO2 laser skin resurfacing does not serve the same function as a facelift, but it can be an alternative for patients who cannot undergo traditional facelift procedures. CO2 laser skin resurfacing can only remove static wrinkles and scars from the face. It cannot restore drooping muscles or sagging skin. Since surgical facelifts do not remove static wrinkles or scars, the two procedures may be used in conjunction for optimal cosmetic results.