For those looking for a natural, youthful look and without any downtime or recovery time, CO2 laser treatment is an option. Although CO2 laser treatments are less painful than more powerful ones, patients may experience some reddening after the procedure. It will not last forever, although it can get worse. Patients should also avoid excessive exposure to the sun and tanning for at least four weeks before the procedure. Avoid sunburn medications.
Laser resurfacing with fractional CO2
Fractional CO2 laser treatment uses a laser to treat specific areas of skin. This technique is especially useful in reducing scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, and other imperfections. It can also be used to treat precancerous lesions and sun spots. It is a good idea to consult with a dermatologist prior to undergoing the procedure.
Fractional laser resurfacing requires just one to two treatments. However, the recovery time is longer than for traditional CO2 treatment. The procedure usually requires a week of downtime. Patients are asked to stop tanning for a few days before the procedure in order to reduce discomfort and help with recovery.
Downtime
Recovery from a CO2 laser procedure can take weeks or even months, depending on the area of the body being treated. Redness can occur for up to four months and may be experienced by some patients. This redness may be caused by an underlying health problem, the technique used by the laser provider, or a combination of both. Patients can minimize redness after treatment by applying topical ascorbic acid or wearing makeup that's hypoallergenic.
The recovery time from a fractional CO2 laser is generally only a couple of days, while a deeper treatment may require seven days. The number and duration of treatment required will determine the time it takes to recover. It also depends on the patient's ability or inability to take downtime. If a patient can handle the downtime, he or she may only need one or two treatments.
Side effects
Side effects from CO2 laser skin resurfacing can sometimes be mild but temporary. Some patients experience reddening around the treatment area, lasting anywhere from one to four week. This could be caused by an underlying medical condition or the treatment technique used. You should use antihistamines and steroids in such instances. In addition, you should avoid harsh skin treatments. You can also use hypoallergenic makeup to cover up the redness. However, CO2 laser treatments can be more difficult than other laser treatments.
The depth and extent of CO2 laser resurfacing will affect the pain. It also depends on the skill of your surgeon and your tolerance to pain. To minimize pain, your doctor might use a combination sedatives with local anesthetics if you have extensive resurfacing. In some cases, general anesthesia is used for the entire procedure, allowing you to sleep through the procedure. You'll need to wear special eyewear in order to protect your eyes from damage caused by the laser.
Aftercare
CO2 laser laser resurfacing is performed using a laser beam of high intensity. It removes the top layer skin and heats it. The procedure can cause red, swollen, and sometimes even painful skin. Afterwards, patients can expect to experience at least two weeks of recovery time. Patients should not use makeup or other harsh cosmetics. Proper sunscreen application is also necessary.
Patients will need to rest for several days after the procedure. This will allow skin to heal. The doctor will use a topical pain reliever to treat the treatment area. A doctor may also inject an anesthetic to help reduce pain. Patients are also required to follow the instructions for prescribed medication. Patients can expect to have significant downtime for as long as five to ten working days. Patients should also avoid excessive sun exposure, as it will cause damage to the skin's tissues.