Scar Removal and Skin Resurfacing - Shape of You

C02 laser resurfacing uses pulses of laser light. These beams penetrate the skin’s surface, where water in the skin cells absorbs them.When this happens, the epidermis, or superficial layer of your skin, is vaporized. The dermis, or middle layer, heats up, stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. As the area heals, new firmer, smoother skin replaces the old layers.

During CO2 laser resurfacing, a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can target specific areas of your skin with precision, so the treatment won’t affect the rest of the skin nearby.

• avoiding tanning or heavy sun exposure for 4 weeks before treatment
• not using medications that cause sun sensitivity, such as doxycycline, for 3 days before treatment
• taking an antiviral medication for a few days before and after treatment if you have a history of herpes or shingles
• quitting smoking for 2 weeks before and after treatment, since smoking can interfere with healing

Here’s an idea of what to expect on the day of your CO2 laser treatment:

1. This outpatient procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the issue being addressed and the area of skin receiving treatment.
2. CO2 laser resurfacing does involve some pain. The level of pain you experience will depend on the depth and extent of resurfacing, the skill of the technician, and your own pain tolerance.
3. You’ll receive a topical antithetic to prevent pain and help you relax. 
4. Before the treatment begins, your skin should be clean and you’ll receive special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser.
5. During the treatment, the dermatologist or surgeon will move the laser wand slowly over the area of skin being treated.
6. You may receive an ice pack to apply to the treated area for 15 minutes to prevent swelling.

You may need more than one treatment session, depending on the treatment required and intensity of the laser used.

CO2 laser resurfacing can treat numerous cosmetic and medical skin issues, from visible signs of aging and sun damage to scars and skin cancer.

CO2 laser resurfacing can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may prove especially effective on:

• crow’s feet, or lines and wrinkles under and around the eyes
• lines and wrinkles on the forehead
• laugh lines, or those appearing around the mouth

Not only can it reduce the appearance of wrinkles right away, it also encourages collagen production, which can improve the health of your skin over time.

Exposure to UV light may contribute to visible signs of skin aging, such as:

• wrinkles
• sagging due to decreased elasticity
• rough and uneven skin texture
• liver spots and sunspots
• spider veins

CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly reduce the appearance of all of the above.

Loose skin above the upper and lower eyelids can cause what’s commonly known as “baggy” or “hooded eyes.”

CO2 lasers can help tighten skin, and they may also help improve eyelid skin laxity and minimize the appearance of baggy eyes.

C02 laser treatment helps reduce the appearance of acne scarring by stimulating collagen production that helps tighten and smooth out the scars.

That said, it may not work on all types of acne scars.

Common side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing include:

• some skin discoloration and swelling
• skin that feels raw, similar to a mild sunburn
• itching
• dryness and peeling
• sun sensitivity

Deeper, more extensive resurfacing can leave your skin looking and feeling like it might after severe sunburn. Your skin might also ooze and blister.

CO2 laser resurfacing can occasionally lead to:

• infection
• acne flares
• cold sore reactivation, if you have a history of cold sores
• scarring
• milia, or very small skin bumps
• hyperpigmentation