CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing (carbon dioxide laser SmartOxide) is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that resurfaces and tightens the skin naturally by stimulating collagen production that results in a more youthful appearance. It can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms and legs. Results on the face can approximate that of a mini-face lift without incisions. Fractionated CO2 lasers are primarily used to treat deeper wrinkles, severe texture problems from sun damage, wrinkles, and acne, surgical or injury scars.
ADVANCED LASER TECHNOLOGY IN EXPERIENCED, EXPERT HANDS
This advanced laser therapy can be used to treat the skin of many different ages and most skin types. Technology coupled with advanced skin expertise now makes it possible to perform a treatment on the face and neck with great safety, even in such delicate areas as the eyelids and around the mouth. Contact us to book your treatment!
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments restore tone and glow to your face through the formation of thousands of micro-points of a completely new skin layer. Usually, only one session is necessary followed by careful daily post-treatment management. After treatment, your skin will be more elastic and smoother, without alterations to your natural facial expression. CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a medical procedure that should only be performed by an experienced medical doctor who is a skin expert.
BENEFITS:
- Reverses the appearance of aged and sun-damaged skin
- Improves texture and firmness
- Smoothes wrinkles and lines
- Reduces the appearance of acne and other scars
- Renews your skin
FAQ's
What exactly is the CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
During the past five years, new technology called fractional laser resurfacing has been developed which has dramatically shortened recovery time and lessened the occurrence of complications. With fractional laser resurfacing, the laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams which are separated so that when they strike the skin’s surface, small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and are left intact. These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications. The small areas treated by the fractional micro beams, called micro treatment zones, cause sufficient laser injury to promote new collagen production and resultant facial skin rejuvenation.
What Will CO2 Laser Therapy Do for Me?
Wrinkles, skin discoloration, sunspots and skin laxity may be reduced or eliminated with Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing. Also, if you have scars from acne or other skin injuries, then you may also be a candidate for this procedure. Using CO2 Laser Therapy, in less than 30 minutes in your doctor’s office, you can restore your skin’s youthful appearance, and it typically will last for many years!
What is a SmartXide CO2 Laser Therapy treatment like?
Treatment begins with understanding the patient’s desires and needs. The laser settings Dr. Hubbell chooses are determined by the problem the patient wishes to improve. While most treatments will improve both skin color and provide skin tightening or scar improvement, Dr. Hubbell has the ability to emphasize one area over another. Superficial problems like pigment disorders or mild wrinkles are treated with different laser parameters than are deeper problems such as scars or deep skin creases. Skin problems in areas off of the face can also be treated. Upper eyelids can be done with laser eye shields in place. The area is first covered with a topical anesthetic. Using the topical anesthetic, often supplemented by small amounts of local anesthetic injections and oral pain medicine, allows the SmartXide Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment to be done with little discomfort.
So how well does SmartXide CO2 Laser actually work?
SmartXide CO2 laser treatment should replace conventional CO2 resurfacing as the “gold standard” of treatment and should dominate a large part of the cosmetic market for many years to come. With the SmartXide CO2 Fractional Laser and modern techniques, facial skin can be resurfaced in the office setting in a manner that is very comfortable for the patient.
So how well does SmartXide CO2 Laser actually work?
SmartXide CO2 laser treatment should replace conventional CO2 resurfacing as the “gold standard” of treatment and should dominate a large part of the cosmetic market for many years to come. With the SmartXide CO2 Fractional Laser and modern techniques, facial skin can be resurfaced in the office setting in a manner that is very comfortable for the patient.
So, what kind of anesthesia and downtime are we talking about?
The SmartXide treatment typically requires only local, topical anesthesia (for the smaller facial areas) that is applied several minutes prior to the procedure. For full face treatments, injectable local anesthetic may also be used, rendering the treatment very comfortable.
At approximately three to four days after the procedure, you will peel the upper layers of skin, revealing a fresh, new surface. We prescribe medications during this period to promote wound healing and minimize discomfort.
After this phase, there may be some residual redness but most patients can resume their normal activities. The results of the new collagen production begin to show at about three to four weeks and continue for months after the procedure, and we would like you to follow-up at this point.
Who is a candidate for SmartXide CO2 Laser Treatment?
Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing therapy can be used to treat the skin of most adults and most skin types. It is ideal to treat the signs of sun-damage including pigment irregularities, wrinkles, mild skin laxity and sagging, and rough texture. It also can be used to treat most types of acne scarring and stretch marks. We also have several other treatments that we couple with Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing therapy if necessary, depending on an individual’s needs, to maximize results.
How long does treatment take?
Most treatments last no more than one hour.
How quickly will I recover?
About three to four days after the procedure, the upper layers of skin will peel, revealing a fresh, new surface. After this phase, there may be some residual redness but most patients can resume their normal activities. The results of new collagen production begin to show at about three to four weeks after the procedure. You must avoid the sun for about four weeks after treatment.
What can I expect after treatment?
From day one through day three or four, you should expect redness, peeling and significant, but diminishing, swelling. Discomfort is generally mild and on the order of a brisk sunburn. Dr. Hubbell will prescribe specific rub-on medications during this period to promote healing and minimize discomfort. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat will be used when outdoors to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the healing time.
Does it hurt?
Due to the power of the CO2 laser, topical anesthetic is applied, allowing the treatment to be done with little to no discomfort. Stronger treatments to help more severe skin damage usually require the addition of local anesthetics and oral medication just before the procedure, providing comfort throughout the procedure. Post-treatment pain medications are not typically needed as there is usually only a sensation of mild sunburn. Effective pre- and post-treatment instructions will be provided.