5 Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Introduction

CO2 laser resurfacing is an increasingly popular procedure that can help reduce the signs of aging, improve skin texture, and even remove tattoos and other skin conditions. It is a non-invasive, safer-than surgery procedure that can provide long-lasting results. The laser removes the topmost layer of skin, which is replaced with new, healthy skin cells. There are many benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing, including improved skin tone, reduced wrinkles, and a smoother complexion.

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we have a wide range of procedures to help you tick off your rejuvenation wishlist. From Botox injections to CO2 laser resurfacing, our anti-aging menu is nearly limitless. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to improve your skin, consider the many benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing.

While this article spells out some important information about CO2 Laser Resurfacing, we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:

Table of Contents

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a type of laser treatment that uses carbon dioxide gas to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The laser works in a twofold manner. First, it ablates the most superficial layers of the skin which results in significant exfoliation, reducing freckling and sun damage, and revealing brand new skin cells. At the same time, it heats the skin, causing microscopic damage to the structures beneath. This causes your body to go into overdrive, producing new collagen (to make your skin more structurally sound) and elastin (to give your skin a youthful resilience). This process helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, which makes your face appear more uniform and more youthful. What’s better?

The CO2 is the gift that keeps giving. You will see results at about the 4 week mark post-procedure and continued improvement for many months thereafter. One study found patients who had used CO2 laser resurfacing saw an average of 40% to 45% reduction in wrinkle depth after two years compared with a control group who used traditional treatments such as Botox injections or dermabrasion.

How Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Work?

Ablative fractional laser skin treatment is the complex name for what is commonly referred to as laser resurfacing, which removes damaged surface tissue and helps to stimulate college production. This is a more aggressive approach to anti-aging skin treatments, compared to non-ablative procedures, such as intense pulsed light.  They help replace damaged cells with new ones, effectively repairing scarring. The carbon dioxide laser is a flexible laser used to treat a range of skin conditions. Because it may be utilized for resurfacing, excisional and incisional operations, it is a unique and effective procedure. When using a CO2 laser, we can target the following skin conditions:

  • Sun damage
  • Skin aging
  • Rhinophyma
  • Burn scars
  • Acne scarring
  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Skin laxity
  • Under Eye creases
  • Crepey skin

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, the treatment is tailored to your unique issues. The effects start to show after a few weeks, but they keep getting stronger over the following several months as your glow increases!

Why Should You Get CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a practical, non-invasive way to fight acne and other scars on your face, limbs, and torso. It can also help you achieve a more youthful appearance. For many people, the most frustrating part of getting older is that our body changes as we age. We feel young and vibrant, but our outside appearance shows the wear and tear. The collagen in our skin breaks down, leaving behind wrinkles that don’t fade and laxity that you can see as skin pooling around low spots like your jaw and below your eyes.  The natural process of the body’s deterioration with age is called senescence and is the cause of visible aging. The same process is responsible for the body’s declining ability to heal, which can result in permanent scarring and other damage that a once-young body could have previously repaired.

If you’re looking for an effective way to deal with these issues without invasive procedures like facelifts, blepharoplasties, or dermabrasion, CO2 laser resurfacing may be right for you!

5 Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

CO2 laser resurfacing is a type of cosmetic laser treatment that uses high-energy light to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the appearance of signs of aging. It’s typically performed on the face, neck, hands, and arms. The following are the benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Bryn Mawr Dermatology:

1. You can feel better about your skin.

The physical results from CO2 laser treatments are amazing, but the highly-desirable side effects are just as awesome. You can see improved self-esteem, additional confidence, a comfort level when wearing little-to-no makeup, and an internal glow that comes from knowing you are putting your best face forward.

2. You'll look younger.

Laser resurfacing effectively eliminates those pesky signs of aging. Skin contracts and lifts for a smoother, more pert presentation. Plus, it is chemical-free and won’t trigger any new breakouts or rashes like other procedures can.

3. It’s one and done.

Instead of coming into the office for a repeat performance of a procedure that only incrementally gets you towards your goal, this treatment takes only one session. The power of the CO2 laser is able to achieve what other procedures promise in a one-hour time slot.

4. It's safe for most people.

The treatment has been safe and effective for all kinds of patients, including those older and looking to eliminate wrinkles or tighten their skin and younger people with acne scars. The technology isn’t new, but it has yet to be beat. We love putting our trust in the old faithful CO2RE.

5. It does not require anesthesia.

The procedure is minimally invasive, with minimal risks for the patient. The sensation of the laser beam has been compared to being snapped by a rubber band, which is no walk in the park, but the discomfort fades quickly and you can go about your normal daily activities shortly thereafter.  

The laser can be adjusted to successfully treat a variety of skin concerns, resulting in comprehensively rejuvenated skin that looks supple and youthful.

What Happens During Your CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes, but plan on being in the office for preparation and recovery for another half hour or so. During your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, we use a light-based laser to heat layers of your skin. The laser heats your skin and stimulates collagen production by releasing growth factors into your body. Collagen is a protein that supports healthy skin and acts as the body’s “glue” holding everything together. By promoting collagen production, your skin will look younger and feel firmer.

The laser will also effectively vaporize the top layers of skin, allowing fresher skin cells to be revealed and demanding that your body replenish your skin cell reserve by creating brand new cells. You will see reduced pore-size, less unevenness in both texture and color and your skin will feel amazingly smooth. Our dermatologists and team at Bryn Mawr Dermatology are committed to your comfort and safety. Each staff member is highly trained in the latest cosmetic dermatology procedures.

What to Expect After Your CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

 After your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, you’ll be able to see the difference in your skin’s appearance! You’ll notice smoother, more even skin tone and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. Your skin will also look better overall—it will be plumper and more youthful.

Right after your laser resurfacing treatment, your skin will be red and raw, like a significant sunburn. You may also experience some swelling, especially around the sensitive eye area. Over the healing process you will notice the redness fading, and likely experience some sloughing of skin. We will provide you with written instructions and an aftercare kit to ensure the fastest possible recovery and best possible results.

  • Aquaphor
    • The simplest, most effective, healing ointment we’ve found. It attracts and seals in moisture to ensure proper hydration. It also acts as an artificial skin barrier to protect raw skin from the elements while it heals.
  • Elta Physical (or other chemical-free sun protection)
    • Meet EltaMD UV Physical, an elegant sun block designed for extra-sensitive or post-procedural skin with just a touch of color.
  • Neocutis Biocream Riche
    •  The first and original skincare cream formulated with patented PSP®, a nourishing protein blend including Human Growth Factors and Cytokines for state-of-the-art skin revitalization. This multi-functional luxuriously hydrating cream serves to accelerate healing and exaggerate the anti-aging results.

*You should avoid any sun exposure during this time period to help prevent any additional discoloration from appearing on your skin.

If you’re thinking about laser resurfacing for yourself or someone you love, we encourage you to contact us today! We want to ensure that you get the best results possible from your treatment—and we want to help make sure that happens before you leave our office!

Recommended Products

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Why Choose Bryn Mawr Dermatology for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results from your CO2 resurfacing treatment. Our main goal is to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your procedure and that you’ve received the best care possible. This means we provide a wide range of options for you to choose from to find an approach that works best for your needs.

If you have a question about skincare, please schedule a consultation. Our skilled dermatologists will evaluate your concerns during your consultation and determine an ideal treatment plan for your specific case. Our Bryn Mawr office is beautifully equipped, so you’ll feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. Get started today by calling our dermatology team at (610) 525-7800. We look forward to caring for you!

Related Content

Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Content Review Committee at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Led by Board Certified Dermatologist, Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD, Bryn Mawr Dermatology incorporates a patient-focused outlook in every decision since we first opened our doors on the Main Line in 2005.

By: Bryn Mawr Dermatology, Published: Dec 28, 2022
Medically Reviewed By: Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD – June 25, 2024

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