You may not be familiar with the name “CO2 laser”, but in fact, it is one of the most popular and widely used lasers of all time – mostly because of its versatility.
Just about anything you can think of — like scars, sunburns, stretch marks, and skin growths — a CO2 laser can treat it. Essentially, it’s an ultra-effective treatment for more skin problems than I could possibly list, while keeping my word count. That’s why dermatologists, beauty enthusiasts, and skincare experts are so obsessed with it – it’s a true rejuvenation laser.
Below, read all about CO2 laser pros, cons, and more—and what makes it so popular with dermatologists.
What is carbon dioxide laser therapy?
This is a CO2 laser used for skin resurfacing, it vaporizes thin layers of skin, causing controlled damage, and as the skin heals, collagen is produced as part of the wound healing process.
The idea of hitting your skin with a laser beam certainly sounds a bit harsh — but that’s what makes them so effective. In particular, CO2 lasers are used to resurface the skin using continuous beams or short pulses of light energy (aka “hyperpulses”). It works like other exfoliating treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion – the laser essentially helps to remove the outer layers of the skin, revealing smoother, softer skin underneath.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Therapy
The biggest selling point of CO2 lasers is that it is an ultra-reliable, effective and trustworthy method of rejuvenating the surface of your skin in a short amount of time. You’ll actually see results — which almost always outweigh the risks involved (though this is a conversation you should have with your dermatologist).
CO2 lasers are designed to increase dermal collagen, reduce wrinkles, even out skin tone, and reduce facial scarring. Results are often more dramatic than less powerful procedures with less downtime, and CO2 lasers have relatively few side effects, usually Disappears in about ten days.
In addition to this, these lasers can be used to treat various skin problems. It has many uses, Co2 Lasers can perform impressive skin resurfacing to help improve sunburn, wrinkles, sagging skin, scars, stretch marks, remove benign skin growths, and are now used in vaginal regeneration and incontinence treatments. It also treats conditions like warts and enlarged oil glands, which is an excellent way to fight the signs of aging. Basically, it’s all done with a laser.
How to Prepare for CO2 Laser Treatment
First, you’ll need to find a trusted, board-certified dermatologist with the right equipment for treatment — not something you can do at home. You should also know that there is some downtime involved, so you should be prepared to take some time off to recover.
And, just like preparing for any laser treatment, you should definitely avoid sun exposure or tanning for at least four weeks before treatment. Also, relax on your skin — that is, without any aggressive chemical peels, dermabrasion, or other laser resurfacing treatments.
Before deciding to undergo CO2 laser treatment, you need to do your research on the potential side effects of high-tech treatments. The most likely side effects are swelling, redness, and irritation, but burning, scarring, scabbing, and discoloration are also possible. However, they should subside within ten days.
The main disadvantage of CO2 lasers is that they are not compatible with all skin tones. CO2 lasers are best for patients with very fair skin who cannot tan, such as Fitzpatrick type 1 or 2 skin, where hyperpigmented skin is at greater risk and you may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or temporary darkening of the treated area. This discoloration can last for months and cause distress, so patients should be aware of this risk before considering treatment. “
CO2 lasers are not the best option for people of color as there are many other options that are safer for darker skin tones and can achieve similar results. If you are a person of color and want CO2 laser treatment, make sure you go to a specialist for their advice and advice, and avoid possible complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, burns, and scarring.
Post time: May-24-2022