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CO2 Laser Resurfacing

IN WETHERSFIELD, CT

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.

How does the skin change over time?

While there are a number of changes that happen to the skin over time, there are a few that stand out; wrinkles in the skin, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation changes. The first two occur because the collagen and elastin, the structural proteins in the skin, start to be broken down at a faster pace than they are replaced. This breakdown causes the skin to begin to develop wrinkles, creases, and to lose its recoil. The pigmentation changes occur because certain areas of the skin will over express pigment. CO2 laser resurfacing is used to cause the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, repairing the loss that occurred over time. Restoring the structural proteins helps improve the wrinkles and fill deeper creases. The CO2 laser also creates micro injuries in the skin's surface. As these injuries heal the pigmentation often evans.

How does the skin change over time?

While there are a number of changes that happen to the skin over time, there are a few that stand out; wrinkles in the skin, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation changes. The first two occur because the collagen and elastin, the structural proteins in the skin, start to be broken down at a faster pace than they are replaced. This breakdown causes the skin to begin to develop wrinkles, creases, and to lose its recoil. The pigmentation changes occur because certain areas of the skin will over express pigment. CO2 laser resurfacing is used to cause the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, repairing the loss that occurred over time. Restoring the structural proteins helps improve the wrinkles and fill deeper creases. The CO2 laser also creates micro injuries in the skin's surface. As these injuries heal the pigmentation often evans.

A customized treatment

By altering the intensity of the CO2 laser treatment we can customize the effects of the procedure as well as the downtime. No two patients are identical. Many patients only require lighter treatments with limited downtime. These settings are best for improving skin tone, brightness, pore size, pigmentation, and light crepe-paper like wrinkles. Lighter treatments have very limited downtime. Deeper resurfacing is utilized for patients who have developed more extensive wrinkles and creases. These treatments can create dramatic improvement in the skin quality but also come with much more substantial downtime. Deep treatments often take 7-10 days to completely heal and have a post-procedure course more similar to surgery rather than medspa like treatments.

A customized treatment

By altering the intensity of the CO2 laser treatment we can customize the effects of the procedure as well as the downtime. No two patients are identical. Many patients only require lighter treatments with limited downtime. These settings are best for improving skin tone, brightness, pore size, pigmentation, and light crepe-paper like wrinkles. Lighter treatments have very limited downtime. Deeper resurfacing is utilized for patients who have developed more extensive wrinkles and creases. These treatments can create dramatic improvement in the skin quality but also come with much more substantial downtime. Deep treatments often take 7-10 days to completely heal and have a post-procedure course more similar to surgery rather than medspa like treatments.

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.