Fairfax's CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
SENSATION
We will apply to your skin a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort.
Recovery
Recovery time ranges between a couple days to a couple weeks. It depends on the depth and intensity of the treatment. It can be tailored based on your expectations and available downtime.
Results
Initial improvements such as enhanced skin texture and tone may be noticeable within a week or two as the outer layers of the skin peel away. The full benefits, including the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, often become more apparent over several weeks to months.
CO2 laser treatment, or carbon dioxide laser treatment, is considered as one of the most effective laser treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation due to its ability to precisely target and treat specific skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and tone, laxity, scars, and more.
There are various types of CO2 laser skin treatment, beginning from light peel with a minimum downtime, to a fully ablative resurfacing. The treatment is optimized based on skin concerns and desired downtime. The number of sessions that you may need depends on the specific goals and condition of your skin.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROCEDURE
The steps involved in getting CO2 laser treatment typically include:
Consultation: Schedule a consultation with our skincare professional to discuss your specific skin concerns and assess whether CO2 laser treatment is suitable for you. During this consultation, the practitioner will explain the procedure, discuss potential risks and benefits, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Medical History Review: We will ask you to provide your medical history, including information about any existing health conditions, medications you are taking, allergies, and past cosmetic procedures. This is important in evaluating your candidacy for CO2 laser treatment and tailoring the procedure to your individual needs. Always choose a qualified and experienced professional for CO2 laser treatment who makes sure the procedure is safe for you and your skin.
Preparation Instructions: Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by the practitioner. This may include avoiding sun exposure, discontinuing certain skincare products, and, if necessary, adjusting medications to minimize potential complications during and after the procedure.
Expectations Discussion: Our skincare expert will discuss with you the anticipated outcomes of the CO2 laser treatment, as well as potential side effects and downtime. Clear communication about what the procedure can and cannot achieve is essential for a positive experience.
Topical Anesthetic Application: About one hour before the CO2 laser treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort during the procedure. The practitioner will ensure you are comfortable and adequately prepared for the laser application.
CO2 Laser Treatment: The actual CO2 laser treatment involves the application of laser energy to the targeted areas of the skin. The laser creates controlled micro-channels to stimulate collagen production and trigger skin resurfacing. The duration of the treatment varies. It depends on the size and complexity of the area being treated.
Post-Treatment Care: Our practitioner will guide you through post-treatment care instructions, typically involving the use of recommended skincare products, avoidance of sun exposure, and adherence to specific recovery guidelines. You should anticipate experiencing some redness, swelling, and possible peeling during the initial recovery period.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and ensure proper healing. The follow up appointments are invaluable to assess the results of the CO2 laser treatment.
BENEFITS OF LASER RESURFACING
CO2 laser treatment is a potent procedure that can provide significant skin improvement for the right candidates. Here are some common benefits of CO2 laser treatment:
Reduced Wrinkles and Fine Lines: CO2 laser resurfacing can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. It does so by removing the top layers of damaged skin and stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Improved Acne Scars: CO2 laser treatment can improve the texture and appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen remodeling and encouraging the growth of healthier skin. It’s often used for both atrophic (indented) and hypertrophic (raised) acne scars.
Reversed Sun Damage: The procedure can help reverse the effects of sun damage, including sunspots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation, by targeting and eliminating damaged skin cells.
Improved Uneven Skin Tone and Texture: CO2 laser resurfacing can provide an overall improvement in skin tone and texture, reducing roughness, unevenness, and the appearance of pores.
Increased Collagen Production & Tighter Skin: For mild to moderate skin laxity, CO2 laser treatments can stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer and tighter skin. However, more severe sagging may require other treatments like surgical procedures.
Skin Resurfacing: CO2 laser resurfacing is sometimes used for overall skin rejuvenation, particularly in cases where multiple skin issues need to be addressed simultaneously.
May Be Used for Actinic Keratosis Removal: Precancerous lesions known as actinic keratosis can be treated with CO2 laser therapy to remove these potentially harmful growths.
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CANDIDATES
In case of CO2 laser treatment, it’s more important than ever to consult with experienced skincare professional for a personalized assessment of your skin to determine the suitability of CO2 laser treatment. Not everyone is a candidate for CO2 treatment. A good candidate for CO2 laser treatment typically:
Has Signs of Aging: Individuals with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity may benefit from CO2 laser treatment to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.
Has Sun Damage: Those with sunspots, age spots, and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure may find improvement through CO2 laser treatment.
Suffers from Acne Scars: Individuals with atrophic or pitted acne scars can benefit from CO2 laser treatment to minimize the appearance of scars and promote smoother skin.
Wants to Improve Skin Texture: Those seeking to improve overall skin texture, including rough or uneven surfaces, may find CO2 laser treatment beneficial.
Has Stretch Marks: While not a complete solution, individuals with stretch marks may see some improvement in their appearance through CO2 laser treatment.
Desires Skin Tightening: Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who want to enhance skin elasticity and firmness may be good candidates for CO2 laser treatment.
Wants to Reduce Large Pores: Individuals with enlarged pores looking to minimize their appearance may consider CO2 laser treatment for its skin-refining effects.
Understands the Recovery Process: Good candidates are willing to follow pre- and post-treatment care instructions, understanding the potential downtime associated with various strengths of CO2 laser treatment.
Has Realistic Expectations: Individuals with realistic expectations about the outcomes of CO2 laser treatment and an understanding that multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Is in Good Overall Health: Generally, individuals in good overall health with no contraindications for the procedure are suitable candidates for CO2 laser treatment.
RECOVERY AFTER CO2 LASER
Recovery after CO2 laser skin treatment varies depending on the depth and intensity of the procedure. Generally, here’s what to expect during the recovery period:
Immediate Post-Treatment Period: Immediately after the CO2 laser treatment, the treated area is likely to appear red and swollen. Some patients may experience a mild burning or stinging sensation, akin to a sunburn.
Downtime: The downtime associated with CO2 laser treatment can range from several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the aggressiveness of the procedure. More intense treatments result in a longer recovery period. The expectations and recovery time is always discussed during the pre-treatment consultation.
Peeling and Flaking: Over the following days, the treated skin will start to peel and flake as part of the natural healing process. This is a common occurrence as the old, damaged skin is replaced by new, healthier skin.
Swelling: Swelling is typical, especially around the eyes and mouth if these areas were treated. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help alleviate swelling.
Sun Protection: Strict sun protection is crucial during the recovery period. The treated skin is more susceptible to damage from UV radiation, and sun exposure can hinder the healing process. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This is crucial to prevent pigmentation issues and support the healing process.
Skincare Regimen: You should avoid harsh skincare product. Follow the post-treatment skincare regimen provided by our practitioner. This may include the application of prescribed ointments to help with the healing process and using only gentle skincare recovery products for a couple days after your laser treatment. Our plastic surgery office does offer post-treatment recovery skincare.
Avoiding Certain Activities: Refrain from strenuous activities, hot showers, and exposure to sauna or steam rooms during the initial recovery period. These activities can exacerbate swelling and irritation.
Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and consider incorporating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support overall skin health.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your skincare professional. They will assess your progress, address any concerns, and provide further guidance on skincare routines.
Long-Term Results: While immediate improvements may be visible, the full benefits of CO2 laser treatment often become more apparent as the skin continues to regenerate and collagen production increases over the following weeks and months.
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With over 70 plastic surgeons in the Northern Virginia area, patients choose Dr. Domanski because they trust him. We believe you will not find a more honest surgeon than Dr. Domanski.
FAQs
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing uses a wavelength of light to produce changes at the surface of the skin. The specific wavelength of light will determine what part of the skin is affected. In addition to wavelength, lasers can be confusing because of the terms fractional, non-fractional, ablative and non-ablative.
Non-fractional lasers are like a brush that paints all the skin. All the skin in a target zone is covered. A fractional laser affects only a part of the skin. Think of fractional lasers as the impressionist artist Monet using his paintbrush to place dots on parts of the canvas. A non-fractional laser is like a roller paint brush, covering the entire area without gaps in between. Fractional lasers have an advantage of allowing faster healing.
Non-ablative lasers heat parts of the skin without vaporizing the skin. Think of a non-ablative laser like a warming pad. An ablative laser removes parts of the skin. Think of an ablative laser like a microscopic drill (fractional ablative laser) or sandpaper (non-fractional ablative laser).
To add to the mix, there is also a technology called intense pulsed light (IPL). This is not a laser because multiple wavelengths of light are used. IPL is used to add energy to the skin at various depths to enhance collagen remodeling and rejuvenation.
Finally, various aesthetic laser manufacturers use their own proprietary names that have little resemblance to the underlying physics. This causes confusion for both practitioners and patients alike.
At Bluemont Plastic Surgery, we are committed to science and excellence in all the technologies and treatments we provide.
Am I a good candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
If you are bothered with skin scars, including acne scars, uneven skin pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles, you may be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing. We routinely treat darker skin clients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) by first performing a test area to ensure there is no hyper or hypopigmentation. Often we can treat such skin types with special skin prepping and low settings.
How Much Do Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments Cost in Northern Virginia?
The cost of laser skin resurfacing in Northern Virginia can range between $500–$4000 per session. The cost depends on the size of the treated area, the equipment used, and the type of the treatment needed to achieve your goals.
Is There Downtime After Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The amount of downtime after laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the intensity of the treatment. Mild treatments may require as little as 3 days of recovery, while more extensive procedures can take up to 2 weeks for your skin to fully heal. Generally, the more dramatic the results desired, the longer the recovery period.
Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Hurt?
Before the treatment we will prep your skin with a numbing cream to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The discomfort depends on your individual pain tolerance, and the intensity of the treatment. Some clients may feel a slight stinging or warming sensation, similar to a mild sunburn. After the treatment, redness and swelling can be expected to subside within a few days.
How Many Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments Will I Need?
Generally, we recommend 3-4 sessions if you want to address uneven skin tone and texture. If your concerns are fine lines and wrinkles, and skin laxity, more sessions might be needed. The treatments are scheduled about 3-4 weeks apart. The first treatment may be at a lower setting to ensure the client responds well to the treatment. The second and third treatment may be at higher settings, and the final treatment may be at a lower setting to help finalize the rejuvenation.
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