When patients ask how to achieve smoother, clearer, brighter skin, we usually suggest CO2 laser as a go-to treatment. Highly versatile CO2 laser treats concerns ranging from common aging symptoms to acne scars and other skin irregularities. But before pursuing this approach, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about your CO2 laser recovery and results.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at CO2 laser skin treatment.
CO2 Laser Before and After With UltraPulse®
While it’s a minimally invasive treatment, CO2 laser is somewhat more aggressive than other nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatments such as IPL photofacial, Fractora™, or chemical peels. Keep in mind that treatment involves “ablating” or removing a layer of your skin to repair damage. Therefore, the treated skin requires time to heal, repair, and replenish.
Using our cutting-edge UltraPulse CO2 laser, I can customize your treatment to address your specific needs and goals safely and precisely. After removing damaged skin layers with targeted beams of light, the CO2 laser triggers your body’s natural healing response. As collagen builds, your complexion gradually smooths and brightens.
The UltraPuse laser system’s multiple settings are ideal for targeting concerns that range from:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Warts
- Lesions
- Skin cancers
Although CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is powerful enough to address issues such as wrinkles, lesions, and hyperpigmentation, many patients also wonder, Does CO2 laser tighten skin? While laser skin resurfacing can accomplish mild firming, patients with advanced skin laxity are usually better candidates for a surgical procedure such as a facelift or Rejuvelift™. You can learn more about the pros and cons of facelift vs Rejuvelift in this related blog post.
Watch this short video to see how our advanced UltraPulse CO2 laser treatment effectively handles a variety of skin conditions:
How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost?
The cost of CO2 laser varies widely based on the extent and intensity of your procedure. Treating deep scars and lesions often requires more time than addressing concerns such as wrinkles or uneven skin tone. The good news is that CO2 laser earns an 81% “worth it” rating from patients on the reputable medical review site RealSelf.com. After treatment, patients were delighted with their younger, vibrant-looking CO2 laser results.
During your personalized consultation, my team and I will assess your needs and provide a detailed price estimate that aligns with your treatment plan. You can visit this page to learn more about our policies, fees, and financing options.
Your CO2 Laser Recovery
During the recovery process, it’s natural to wonder, How long after CO2 laser will I see results? While every patient varies, your general CO2 laser recovery timeline includes these milestones:
Immediately after treatment
Skin is typically sensitive and warm to the touch right after treatment. Sunburn-like redness and mild discomfort are normal.
Downtime (7 to 14 days)
Redness and swelling persist before gradually subsiding. As your skin rebuilds, you can expect some swelling, scabbing, and flaking.
Seeing treatment results
It can take several weeks for collagen to build and redness to subside, revealing fresher, healthier-looking skin. Fortunately, laser skin resurfacing results are long-lasting, especially if you properly care for your skin.
Tips to Ease Your CO2 Laser Recovery
After treatment, you’ll receive a detailed recovery protocol to help you recuperate comfortably at home. Here are some essential tips that help facilitate healing after laser skin resurfacing:
- Elevate your head and apply ice packs to the treated areas
- Keep the treated skin moist with ointments
- Avoid sun exposure and use an SPF of at least 30
- Apply makeup to camouflage redness during healing (permitted one week post-treatment)
- Be patient—achieving radiant, youthful-looking skin is well worth the downtime!
Explore Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Options
If you’re ready to reverse the signs of aging and skin damage by exploring our laser skin resurfacing treatments, I encourage you to request a consultation online or contact us by phone at (718) 720-9400 to schedule an appointment.
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