CO2 Laser

The CO₂ laser is an ablative procedure that will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne pits, and pigmentation, while tightening and evening out the texture of your skin. The CO₂ laser is an aggressive treatment that helps to promote your own collagen production. The CO₂ laser is done as an outpatient procedure, under twilight or general anesthesia.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The board certified plastic surgeons here at North Valley Plastic Surgery will cover your eyes as protection from the laser. Once the skin is prepped, the laser beam will vaporize the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). The depth of penetration of your treatment depends on the laser settings as well as the number of passes.

What to Expect During the Recovery Period

Immediately following the procedure your face will be occluded with the Biomedic gentle soothing ointment or Aquaphor. It is important to keep your head elevated, as this will help minimize swelling.

You can shower 48 hours after surgery, and may cleanse your face with the Biomedic gentle cleansing bar and cool water, immediately followed by the Biomedic gentle soothing ointment or Aquaphor. The ointment needs to be applied three times a day, or enough for the area to remain moist.

In the next week, a crust will form over the treated area. It is important that you not pick, pull, or scratch at it, as this can result in permanent scarring, bleeding, and possible infection.

Over the next six to eight weeks, you will be extremely sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is recommended, and should be applied daily.

When the crusting subsides, the area will be very red. This will subside over the next few weeks. Applying Vitamin C and Hydroquinone will help reduce the redness and accelerate the healing process. These items can be dispensed at your follow-up appointment with the aesthetician.

Recovery from CO₂ laser treatments is much more prolonged and arduous than with other skin resurfacing treatments. Your facial skin will be bright red, then progress to lighter red, to pink, to lighter pink and, finally, to it’s baseline color. This whole process can take from 2-12 months, depending on the circumstances. There are certain medications that can speed things along and your Plastic Surgeon will prescribe these treatments as needed.

Please call the office 480-991-6877 if you experience increased pain, drainage, severe redness or fever, increased itching, the appearance of cold sores, blisters or a similar tingling sensation, or if at anytime you feel that you are not healing normally. Find top Scottsdale cosmetic surgeons at North Valley Plastic Surgery Phoenix.