How Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Erases Skin Damage

If you are self-conscious about skin damage, you should look no further than the Fractional CO2 resurfacing laser. This is a skin resurfacing procedure that is becoming more commonly used to repair and smooth out skin that shows the effects of age, scarring, vascular redness, and sun damage. Aging, along with damage caused by sun and pollution, damages collagen, which is a major component of connective tissue that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

Fractional CO2 Laser skin resurfacing works by promoting your body’s natural collagen production.

What can a patient expect from resurfacing treatments in NYC?

Typically, patients will need two or three skin resurfacing treatments to maximize their results. The procedure is extremely safe, and it requires less down time than the traditional CO2 lasers. Essentially, you can have the same results without the undesirable side effects of the older lasers. The procedure will brush over and remove wrinkles and lines around a person’s eyes and mouth. Additionally, it can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, loose skin, and frown creases. Generally, it will improve the texture and reduce unevenness in skin pigmentation.

The procedure itself takes approximately 15 minutes. Anesthesia is not required, as all that is necessary is a cooling fan and topical numbing cream. Patients typically experience a small amount of discomfort, but it is minimal when compared to that experienced after more traditional laser procedures.

Dermatology care following your laser resurfacing treatment

Your cosmetic dermatologist will tell you how to care for your skin after the procedure. Typically, patients will have to keep their skin moist after the procedure. Most often this involves ointment or surgical bandages. Your skin might have a little bit of a crust and a pinkish tone, which is to be expected. Swelling and redness are also somewhat normal within the few days following the procedure.

You will need to shield your skin from sunlight after the procedure, wearing sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 for as long as your dermatologist recommends. Within three to four days, you can wear makeup again, and you can expect full healing within a week to ten days.