CO2 laser resurfacing enhances the quality of the skin in a way that can not be achieved surgically. By using heat to stimulate collagen production, the CO2 is the most powerful tool available for improving the quality of the skin and reducing wrinkles.
Why have CO2 laser resurfacing?
- CO2 laser resurfacing is the single best procedure available to improve the quality of the skin. It is used to significantly reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and enhance the overall appearance of the skin.
- While surgery aims to lift things back into their original position, it does not change the quality of the skin that remains. CO2 laser resurfacing can be done to enhance the results of surgery by improving the skin texture.
- CO2 laser resurfacing can be done in the office under local anesthesia. We vary the intensity of the treatment based on each patient's unique needs to create customized plans for resurfacing.
Know before you go
While CO2 laser resurfacing is an in-office procedure, there are a number of things to know about the procedure and its recovery. After inquiring you should expect:
- A phone consultation with Erin, our patient care coordinator specialist. During this consultation she will learn more about you and your areas of concern. She will review your options in detail, including depth of laser resurfacing, downtime, and costs. Together you will decide if we feel like a good fit, and assuming we do, she will schedule you for an in person consultation.
- Your in person consultation will include a comprehensive discussion of the facial aging process with a focus on skin quality. We will have a detailed discussion of the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure as well as the recovery process. We will review your unique needs and together create the perfect plan for you.
- We try to make scheduling a breeze and we'll go over all the logistics of getting you your perfect date. We encourage you to bring your calendar and potential dates that work well for you. A 20% fully refundable deposit is all that is needed to secure your procedure.
- We always meet one additional time before surgery for a pre-operative visit. We go over the post-operative course again in detail. You will be given a post-operative care kit containing everything you will need for your post-surgical care. We will take pre-operative photographs and go through all the surgical consents. We utilize this time to make sure you are 100% prepared for your surgical journey.
Post Surgical Course
The post-procedure course for CO2 laser resurfacing is relatively easy, but can be quite shocking from an appearance standpoint. You can expect:
- The downtime is typically 7-10 days for most patients. During this time the treated area will look very poor. There is significant swelling, scabbing, and pin-point bleeding in the area treated. You will not want to be out in public during this time.
- After the procedure there is typically not substantial pain. Most patients experience a burning sensation similar to a moderate to moderate plus sunburn. Most patients use Tylenol for this discomfort. Cool compresses work as well.
- Post-procedure care revolves around keeping the treated area moist with Aquaphor. We also include exosome products to accelerate the healing process.
- We like to see our patients back in follow-up one week and six months after the procedure. By one week the main part of the healing should be done. Because laser resurfacing encourages your body to produce collagen, it takes a full six months to get your final results.
The CO2 laser treatment can be quite uncomfortable. We try to maximize pain control during the procedure with a combination of specially compounded topical numbing medicine, nerve blocks, and sometimes oral medicine to improve tolerance of the procedure. After the procedure there is not nearly as much pain. Most people have a moderate to moderate plus sunburn sensation for a day or two.
One of the great things about CO2 laser resurfacing is the intensity of the treatment can be customized to patient needs. Lighter treatments are good for improving the overall tone of the skin but do not improve wrinkles like a deep treatment. Light treatments are very easy and have 1-2 days of downtime.
The area treated can look very shocking after the procedure. There is extensive swelling and scabbing to the area. Initially it is also very common to have pin-point bleeding that oozes throughout the first day. To help prepare patients for their appearance, we have numerous photos that show the healing process.
Deeper treatments that are designed to radically improve the texture of the skin have a downtime of approximately 7-10 days. Once the main part of the healing is over the new skin can be quite sensitive. We recommend avoiding make-up and the sun for the following one and two weeks respectively.
Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
249 Main St
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm
Contact Us
karterplasticsurgery@gmail.com
(860) 775-5595
A free consultation with Erin, our Patient Care Coordinator, is the first step along your surgical journey. Appointments are available either online or in person; please note your preference when requesting an appointment. Appointment days and times will be confirmed via a phone call. If you cannot find a day or time that works for you, please reach out to our office directly at 860-775-5595. Consultations with Dr. Karter will be scheduled during this initial meeting.