CO2 Laser
Co2 lasers have been around since the 1960’s. Its popularity continues because of its efficacy and proven results. It has been considered the gold standard in skin resurfacing since the 90s. We use a CO2 laser that delivers a partial beam of light to a targeted area on the skin. This beam of light penetrates deep down into the dermal layer, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
This helps tighten the skin and reduces the appearance of lines, pores, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and improves the appearance of scars. It can treat most areas of the body including the face, neck, chest, and hands. If you are willing to accept a little downtime, CO2 is the way to go. The CO2 laser is safe in skin types I-IV.
What to expect during treatment?
A topical numbing cream is applied to the face for about one hour before treatment. If you prefer, you can apply numbing cream before coming into the office. The length of treatment varies on the size of the area being treated, generally 20-40 minutes.
What to expect after treatment?
Recovery time is about 1-2 weeks.
After your treatment, the skin may feel like a sunburn and some areas may crust over and peel. The skin may look bronzed and feel like sandpaper, this is normal and expected during the healing process. Cold compresses can help soothe the skin. In some patients, swelling after the procedure may occur. In this situation an oral steroid may be prescribed. As the skin continues to heal, it may itch.
It can take several weeks for the skin to fade from red to shades of pink and back to your natural skin pigmentation.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally, 3 treatments are needed separated by 1-3 months. After this, 1-2 treatments per year for maintenance is recommended.
When will I see results?
Results can be seen as soon as healing is complete. The skin will continue to look better as collagen and elastin form, generally 3 months post treatment.
Risks associated with treatment
If the settings are too high, scarring and pigmentation issues may occur.
CO2 can help improve the appearance of:
- Mild skin laxity
- Pore size
- Fine lines
- Sun damage
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Skin texture
CO2 LASER PRE TREATMENT CARE
GENERAL CARE
- Stop exfoliating the skin 1 week prior to treatment.
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications (ie: ibuprofen, aspirin) for 1 week prior to the procedure.
- If you have a history of labial herpes (cold sores) and are being treated around the mouth, we recommend starting Valacyclovir 24 hours before treatment and continuing until completion (14 days) to prevent reactivation of the virus.
- Avoid all lasers for 12 months after completion of Accutane.
- Avoid retinoids and glycolic acid 1 week before treatment.
- Do not use medications that cause sensitivity to light such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline 1 week before treatment.
- Avoid fish oil, gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other supplements/herbals 1 week before treatment as it may lead to increased bleeding or bruising.
- Depending on your skin type or if you suffer from pigmentation issues, a skin bleaching agent may be prescribed to prep the skin before treatment. This reduces the risk of PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation following treatment.
SUN EXPOSURE
- Use a minimum of 30 SPF daily.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight as well as self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment.
CO2 LASER POST TREATMENT CARE
DOWNTIME
- Downtime is about 1-2 weeks, avoid special events to allow sufficient time for the skin to fully heal.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas until fully healed.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone for 2 weeks after treatment.
- Tylenol is ok for pain.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications (ie: ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours after treatment.
- Benadryl after treatment may help reduce itching and swelling.
GENERAL CARE
- Use Vaseline for the first 3-5 days post treatment. Moisturizer can be used twice daily after healing is complete and skin is smooth.
- We highly recommend post procedure care with Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar. It immediately sooths the skin and really helps reduce post procedure redness and discomfort. Also works with your treatment to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Make sure to keep the skin hydrated at all times, drink plenty of water.
- A gentle cleanser is ok to use. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser and carry it in the office.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
- Have cold compresses or a hand-held fan on hand at home to help soothe the skin. Avoid ice.
- Sleep with your head elevated, this will help reduce swelling.
- Mineral based makeup can be applied around day 4-7 or until the skin has completely healed.
- Avoid exfoliating treated areas for 4 weeks after treatment and completion of healing.
SUN EXPOSURE
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks, if going outside, make sure to wear a hat and use minimum SPF 30 daily. If you need a good sunscreen, we recommend Alastain SilkSHIELD Mineral Sunscreen and carry it in the office.
Real Self Score
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Worth it rating
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The World of Fillers
Fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which restores volume and improves the overall texture of the skin. As we age, we lose fat in the face, the muscle wears down and even the bone structure changes. This all contributes to an ageing face. In our youth, the face is shaped like an upside-down egg, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. As we age, this flip around. We become narrower up top having lost volume around the temples and wider at the bottom. This is because of the changes we mentioned above – loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and changes in bone structure.
When tackling volume loss, we start with the midface. It fills the cheeks, elevates the midface, and in doing so can improve the hollowing of the eyes and smooth the lines around the mouth. Filler can restore definition to the jawline. Not only can it plump the lips, but also restore its color and hydration too. Don’t forget the hands, always a dead giveaway of our age. The hands can also be filled, we use Restylane Lyft for this area. With the correct type of filler and amount used most won’t know what you’ve had done, just that you look rested, refreshed, youthful.
Prior to coming to the clinic there are a few things you should do to prepare. Avoid alcohol and Ibuprofen 48 hours prior to injection as this will minimize bruising. Of course, there still is a risk of bruising as we have hundreds of thousands of blood vessels in our face but taking this precaution will help. We locally anesthetize the area and in some, perform a nerve block. Other practices just use a topical anesthetic. We do not find this to be as effective. After your procedure you should avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Sleeping upright can help with swelling. Keeping hydrated and using a topical hyaluronic serum is great to support your treatment at home. By staying hydrated and using a good skin care regimen, we support and maintain our results following treatment.
We love Galderma’s Restylane line of fillers. Their line of fillers with XpresHAn technology integrates into the tissues and moves with the face keeping a natural look. We’ve included a list of Restylane’s line of filles and areas we like to use them:
Restylane Refyne – can be used anywhere on the face
Restylane Defyne – lower face such as nasal labial folds (laugh lines), chin
Restylane Contour – midface
Restylane Lyft – midface, temples, jawline, hands
Restylane – L – can be used anywhere on the face, lips
Restylane Kysse – lips, wrinkles around the mouth
We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Consultations are complimentary. Call or schedule online at themdskinclinic.com
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