Laser resurfacing treats multiple complexion problems, including ones common with aging. If you want to improve your complexion, here’s how CO2 laser resurfacing can help.
As we age, our skin undergoes many changes, such as lines, wrinkles, scars, and a loss of elasticity. Fortunately, these issues can be remedied without surgery using state-of-the-art CO2 laser technology designed to reduce the appearance of imperfections by resurfacing your skin.
At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Michael Paltiel, MD, John A. Perrotti, MD, Zina Goldvekht, PA-C, and Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP, help patients in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, restore more youthful and healthier-looking skin with laser treatments tailored to their aesthetic goals. In this post, our team provides an overview of the laser resurfacing process to help you decide if it’s right for you.
How CO2 laser resurfacing works
CO2 laser resurfacing uses intense and focused beams of light energy from a special laser designed to treat skin. The light energy penetrates the skin’s surface, targeting deeper layers of tissue to eliminate damage and promote the development of new and healthy skin tissue.
During a laser treatment, the laser energy “vaporizes” the uppermost layer of skin where the damage is most visible. Deeper beams stimulate collagen production, so your skin looks and feels firmer and smoother.
Because it’s versatile, CO2 laser resurfacing can be used to treat an array of issues, including:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmented skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Birthmarks
- Enlarged pores
- Rough skin texture
These treatments are also excellent for treating sun damage, the cause of most age-related skin changes.
Your treatment: What to expect
Prior to your treatment session, you’ll need to take some steps to prepare your skin. These include avoiding sun exposure for about four weeks before treatment, temporarily stopping certain medicines or supplements, and quitting smoking two weeks before and after treatment.
Before treatment, we’ll thoroughly cleanse your skin and apply a topical anesthetic. We may also provide a mild sedative to help you relax, especially for more extensive treatments. You’ll wear special glasses to protect your eyes.
During the treatment, our team passes the laser device over your skin, allowing the energy to penetrate the target area. Once the area is treated, we apply a special ointment to keep your skin moisturized and protected from infection.
Healing and results
Before going home, our team provides complete aftercare instructions for your skin. Most people take about 1-2 weeks for their skin to heal following a laser treatment, depending on the extent and depth of treatment.
Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and sore. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medicines help. As your skin heals, you’ll also notice crusting and peeling. Don’t pick at your skin, peel it, or remove scabs that form during this time.
As the peeling subsides, fresh, healthy skin will be revealed. Regular use of sunscreen and moisturizer is essential for protecting your fresh layer of skin. Our team provides complete follow-up care to help you enjoy optimal results.
Find out if CO2 laser resurfacing is right for you
CO2 laser resurfacing is just one of several skin rejuvenation treatments we offer to help our patients look and feel great. To learn how we can customize a skin care plan, call 718-896-3376 or book an appointment online with the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology of Forest Hills today.
