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What is a CO2 laser?

The fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a nonsurgical procedure that uses laser technology to treat dark spots caused by aging and sun, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne or traumatic scars. The procedure uses specific light wavelengths that heat up the tissue and cause a natural tightening of collagen which leads to a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles

What do I need to know?

It’s important to have realistic expectations about what you will look like after a fractional CO2 laser session. Understanding that there will be days to a few weeks of social downtime is important so you can plan to accommodate your leave of absences. The amount of downtime depends on how deep in terms of skin thickness we treat. Some patients only plan for a superficial resurfacing while others feel as though their skin quality deserves slightly more. Dr. D’Souza will help you plan and set realistic goals for your laser treatment.

What to expect during the procedure

The fractional CO2 laser procedure is performed in the office. There are no incisions with the procedure but patients will need to understand that the skin will become red for several days after. To safely provide you with the best results Dr. D’Souza will inject your face with a special numbing solution. This will make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Overall the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

What to expect after the procedure

After the laser procedure you will be asked to apply a thick gel of Aquaphor © and lidocaine four times a day to your face. You will be asked to wash your face with lukewarm water multiple times a day and will be asked to stay out of the sun during the healing period. No surgical dressings will be placed following
the procedure. Patient with a history of herpes reactions will be asked to take a special antiviral medication before and after the procedure. Your pain will be controlled with an oral pain medication.

How long will the results last?

The results of a laser procedure last anywhere between 5 to 10 years; however, your skin quality and maintenance are important factors in the longevity of your laser procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate?

A laser procedure can be an effective method to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, however, it is not for everyone. Scheduling for a consultation is important because the medical personnel will advise you if you’re a good candidate for a facelift or an alternate procedure would best be suited. The best laser patients candidates share one of the following factors:

• Age spots/brown marks
• Age spots/brown marks
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Scars including acne scars
• Facial redness