CO2 SKIN RESURFACING

CO2 SKIN RESURFACING.The Fractional CO2 laser is an ablative laser used for skin rejuvenation and tightening, scar and stretch mark removal, treatment of skin conditions, removal of excess skin, eyelid tightening, and other procedures.

The Candela CO2 fractional laser is considered the gold standard for non-surgical skin tightening, wrinkle removal, scar reduction, hyperpigmentation treatment, and stretch mark removal. It is the first fully integrated laser that offers faster results and a significantly shorter recovery period. It provides a comfortable, safe, and secure experience for patients.
If you are dissatisfied with the condition of your skin and are wondering what the right solution is for you, it’s time to introduce you to the Candela CO2 fractional laser. Over 52 million patients worldwide have successfully treated their wrinkles with this laser.

Candela CO2 laser is a versatile device widely used in aesthetic medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery, and gynecology. It is the world’s first fully integrated laser developed by Candela, a leading company in the field of aesthetic and anti-aging devices.
Candela CO2 laser delivers fast and long-lasting results. It offers four distinct levels of operation, allowing for personalized treatment based on individual patient needs. This laser precisely targets and effectively treats various skin conditions while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. As a result, it promotes faster healing and accelerates the recovery period, which is highly valued by patients considering aesthetic and anti-aging procedures.

The spectrum of skin changes and conditions that the CO2 laser can effectively treat is really wide:

• Wrinkles and fine lines;
• Hyperpigmentation (especially photodamage) and age spots;
• Acne scars, hypertrophic and other types of scars (eg after surgery);
• Stretch marks;
• Evens the complexion and improves skin texture, reduces pores;
• Restores and tightens the skin;
• Removal of excess skin and tightening of the eyelids.

What sets the CO2 laser apart is its utilization of a dual laser wavelength, enabling simultaneous treatment of both the surface layer (epidermis) and the deeper layer (dermis) of the skin. This integrated approach distinguishes it from other lasers.
The treatment begins with an ablative laser procedure that focuses on removing the thin, damaged outer layer of the skin. Subsequently, the laser creates microchannels in the deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen production and the generation of new skin cells through controlled tissue heating. The laser’s beams penetrate precisely to the desired depth of the damaged skin layer, providing targeted effects exclusively to the affected areas. Meanwhile, the surrounding healthy tissue remains unharmed, facilitating faster skin healing and minimizing the recovery period.

How the CO2RE laser works on the skin, see here.

CO2 fractional laser offers four distinct levels of operation to address various skin concerns. The laser’s settings are adjusted and the appropriate treatment is determined based on the individual indications and needs of each patient.

• Light mode is designed to refresh the skin and can be likened to a gentle exfoliation and cleansing procedure. It can be combined with other treatments like mesotherapy, biorevitalization, or PRP treatment.
• Mid mode targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. It accelerates collagen production, resulting in improved texture and overall skin quality.
• Deep mode is specifically designed to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, the dermis. It provides a powerful stimulation of collagen, effectively reducing wrinkles and scars.
• Fusion mode combines the benefits of both the Deep and Light modes, offering comprehensive epidermal and dermal rejuvenation along with skin tightening effects.

If you have concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots, shallow wrinkles, fine lines on the face, loose skin, rough texture, or scars, then you are an ideal candidate for fractional CO2 laser treatment. This innovative treatment can effectively address these issues and provide you with smooth, healthy, and rejuvenated skin. Moreover, one of the advantages of the CO2 laser treatment is its relatively short recovery period.

Solar radiation is one of the leading factors in premature skin aging, the development of wrinkles, and the formation of blemishes and spots on the skin. Fractional CO2 laser effectively stimulates collagen production and acts as an exfoliator, addressing these concerns.  The results are noticeable in a short period of time, with reduced signs of photodamage, an even complexion, and visibly improved skin texture.

In patients with mature skin, a mild tightening of the skin is possible, as well as the removal of excess skin of the lower and upper eyelids. Results similar to those of a surgical procedure are achieved, with the fact that this treatment is non-invasive, less painful and the recovery period is much shorter.
Due to the strong stimulation of the deeper layers of the skin, the production of new collagen appears. The best effects are achieved in removing wrinkles around the eyes and above the lips.
Find out everything about skin rejuvenation on the page Laser rejuvenation and skin tightening. Read about eyelid tightening here.

The most effective solution for treating and healing acne scars is the CO2 laser. A single treatment yields good results, while 5-6 treatments offer optimal results. Additionally, other types of scars, such as keloid and post-operative scars, can be treated with equal success.

Laser therapy is considered the most advanced and effective method for removing stretch marks. These scars, which can appear in red, pink, or pale colors, are commonly found on the stomach, buttocks, hips, and thighs due to a loss of skin elasticity and the rupturing of fibers in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin.
The Candela CO2 laser specifically targets the deeper layers of the skin. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, it reduces the depth of stretch marks, improves their color, and makes them less visible. Over time, the stretch marks become paler and blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin tone. It’s worth noting that newer stretch marks respond more easily to treatment, while older and thicker ones may require more sessions to achieve significant softening and improvement.

Before treatment

It is important to avoid direct sun exposure for approximately 3-4 weeks. During this period (which starts one month before the treatment), it is advisable to refrain from undergoing chemical peels, TCA treatments, dermapen procedures and Morpheus 8. If you are currently undergoing any other form of therapy, it is crucial to inform your doctor beforehand.

Treatment

It is necessary to arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled appointment for the application of anesthetic cream, specifically for the treatment of the face. For the treatment of the lower and upper eyelids, it is recommended to arrive 40 minutes earlier. The duration of the treatment itself ranges from 20 to 40 minutes. Immediately following the treatment, you may experience a burning sensation, which typically subsides within a few hours.

Is it painful?

During the treatment, patients may experience moderate discomfort and a burning sensation on the skin. To minimize pain, an anesthetic cream is applied before the treatment. Additionally, we utilize a specialized Zimmer Cryo skin cooling device during the procedure to further alleviate any discomfort experienced by our patients.

Recovery

The recovery period for the treated area lasts approximately 7 days. During this time, the skin will be highly sensitive and require proper care. Immediately after the treatment, the skin may resemble a sunburned appearance, and the following day, it may darken slightly and become drier. Subsequently, the skin will begin to peel, flake, and itch. By the fifth day, these symptoms gradually subside. Within one week, the skin peeling will be completed, and by the tenth day, any redness is typically fully resolved. However, in more intensive treatments, redness may persist for up to three weeks, but patients can use makeup to conceal it. In some cases, minor swelling may occur after more intensive treatments, but there is no cause for concern. It is important to avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, swimming pools, and saunas for at least 3 weeks following the treatment. Additionally, for 2 to 3 months after the procedure, it is necessary to use a facial cream with a high sun protection factor.

Skincare during recovery

It is important to note that the patient’s recovery process depends on their adherence to skin care instructions and proper behavior during the healing period. Detailed instructions will be provided in the medical report following the treatment. The report includes recommendations for facial cleansers, reparative creams, and clear guidelines on how and when to use them. The recommended creams must be newly purchased and unopened to prevent bacterial infections. On the day after the treatment, it is permissible to wash your hair while being cautious of your face, but showering with hot water and “steaming” is not advised. It is important not to manually peel off the skin as it can result in discoloration. If you experience tightness and dryness, apply the reparative cream multiple times a day after ensuring the skin is clean. Make-up application is prohibited until the flaking and skin recovery process is complete, and during this time, it is also essential to avoid sun exposure. It is necessary to use clean pillowcases and towels for hygiene purposes.

Skin boosters after CO2

After the recovery period, the skin may experience mild dryness. To address this, it is recommended to undergo biorevitalization of the skin using skin boosters such as Jalupro, Profhilo, Volite, or other similar products. This procedure should be performed at least 3 weeks after the treatment to provide the skin with additional hydration.

Ideal timing for CO2 laser treatment?

CO2 laser treatments are exclusively conducted from October to the end of March to ensure that new and youthful skin is not exposed to solar radiation.

You will notice the initial results right after the skin has healed. For mild treatments, this usually appears within three days, while for intensive treatments, it may take up to two weeks. The skin will become smoother, softer, and the visibility of pigmentation will diminish. Fine lines and wrinkles will also appear reduced. The Candela fractional CO2 laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to ongoing skin regeneration and a progressively more beautiful and radiant appearance each week. The full results of the treatment can be observed around 2 to 3 months after the procedure.

One or two sessions of CO2 laser treatment yield results that typically require 4 to 6 sessions with other laser treatments. The number of treatments necessary depends on the specific concern being addressed. For facial rejuvenation, a single treatment is often sufficient.
However, for more advanced signs of aging, 2 or 3 treatments may be needed. When treating acne scars, a minimum of 3 treatments is usually required to achieve noticeable results. In the case of photodamage and hyperpigmentation, one treatment is often enough. The same applies to enlarged pores. However, for stretch marks, especially older ones, exceptional results can be achieved with 5 to 6 treatments.

The results obtained through CO2 laser treatment are generally long-lasting. However, the durability of these results can be influenced by several factors, including the quality and condition of the skin, the age of the patient, and the extent of the damage being addressed.

Laser treatments may be contraindicated in certain cases. Contraindications include malignant diseases, blood disorders, and patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy. It is also advised to avoid laser treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Other contraindications include infectious skin conditions like herpes or inflamed acne, as well as a predisposition to scarring.

Alma Harmony Impact is an ultrasound module, commonly referred to as “needle-free mesotherapy,” used to deliver active substances to the skin. Specifically, after CO2 treatment, when microchannels are created in the skin, we apply carefully selected ingredients based on desired indications and goals. This allows us to utilize retinoic acid to stimulate collagen production, hyaluronic acid and peptides for anti-aging effects, and specific medications to reduce scars. Ultrasound waves are then employed to enhance the delivery of these ingredients deeper into the skin. This innovative technology significantly enhances the effectiveness of other treatments, potentially increasing their efficacy by up to 50%!

Erbium lasers, similar to CO2 lasers, are ablative and remove the outer layer of the skin. However, fractional CO2 lasers have an advantage as they can penetrate deeper, stimulating robust collagen synthesis in the dermis. They are commonly used for treating acne scars, scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. On the other hand, erbium lasers are typically employed for addressing concerns in the superficial layers of the skin, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and improving skin texture.
The recovery period following erbium laser treatment is relatively shorter, typically lasting around 3 to 5 days compared to CO2 lasers. However, when it comes to rejuvenating effects and scar/stretch mark removal, the CO2 laser offers significantly superior results. You can find detailed information about the erbium laser we utilize in our office here.

You can see the prices on the Pricelist page.
We are available for all your questions. Call us at 060/345-0304 or write to us at estetikabgd@gmail.com.