CO2 Laser in Aesthetic Medicine

CO₂ laser resurfacing is an advanced in-office treatment performed with local anesthesia to dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. This powerful laser stimulates collagen production to reduce signs of aging and restore smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Treats:
Wrinkles and fine lines, acne and surgical scars, skin laxity, sun damage, enlarged pores, uneven tone and texture, age spots, and stretch marks.

Areas Treated:
Face, upper and lower eyelids, lines around the mouth, neck, chest, and hands.

Fractional CO₂ laser uses concentrated light energy to create tiny, controlled micro-columns in the skin. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating new collagen production and skin renewal.

By treating only a fraction of the skin at a time—while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact—fractional CO₂ laser safely improves skin texture and tone, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, softens acne scars, and corrects sun damage.

The result is smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin with less downtime than traditional laser resurfacing.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment for a younger looking skin

Rosacea treatment with CO2 laser

Wrinkles treatment with CO2 laser

2. CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a more aggressive skin regenerative treatment because removes a thin layer of skin to improve its appearance. A high-energy beam of light vaporizes thin layers of skin, which creates a controlled injury that stimulates collagen and elastin production. This process helps to: reduce wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin elasticity and thickness, removes facial scars and age spots, even out skin tone, removes precancerous cells.

3. CO2 Laser for Vaginal Regeneration is a minimally invasive treatment to regenerate vaginal tissue and restore its natural functions. It delivers tiny beams of CO2 laser energy to the vaginal tissue, triggering a healing response that results in new collagen and elastin production, improving tissue elasticity and lubrication.

The treatments are indicated for vaginal atrophy symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), mild to moderate urinary incontinence, mild vaginal prolapse, vaginal wall laxity. Menopausal women and women who cannot take hormones (after breast cancer, ovarian cancer) can benefit from the vaginal rejuvenation with Co2 laser.

Laser beam treating vaginal area

Skin care before CO2 laser treatment

Preparing for a CO2 laser treatment is an essential step towards ensuring the procedure’s success and optimizing recovery. To help you get ready for this transformative skin rejuvenation procedure, here are essential tips to consider:

1. Consultation is Key: Understand the Procedure: Before proceeding, have a detailed consultation with Dr. Marcovici. Understand the benefits, risks, and what the procedure entails.

Share Your Medical History: Inform your doctor about your medical history, any allergies, medications you’re taking, and your skin’s sensitivity. This information is crucial for tailoring the treatment to your specific needs.

2. Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before your treatment. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications. Avoid tanning beds and sunless tanning creams.

Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.

3. Skin Care Adjustments/Stop Certain Products: About a week before your treatment, stop using products containing retinol, glycolic acid, or any other exfoliating agents, as these can make your skin more sensitive. Stop taking medications that cause sun sensitivity, like doxycycline or minocycline, at least five days before treatment. Tell your care team if you have micro bladed eyebrows or a lip liner tattoo. Gentle Skin Care: Switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to avoid irritating your skin before the procedure.

4. Medication and Supplements: Inform Your Doctor: Certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and vitamin E, can increase bleeding risk. Discuss these with your specialist. Antiviral Medication: If you have a history of cold sores, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak, as laser treatments can trigger them.

5. Avoid Smoking: Reduce Healing Time: Smoking can impair your healing process. It’s recommended to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after your treatment to ensure a smoother recovery.

6. Plan Your Schedule: Depending on the intensity of the treatment, you might need to plan for some downtime to allow your skin to heal properly. Ensure you have a comfortable, stress-free recovery period.

7. Prepare Your Recovery Area: Recovery Essentials: Stock up on gentle, fragrance-free skincare products, including a cleanser, moisturizer, and a recommended healing ointment. Have cold packs ready to alleviate any swelling post-treatment.

8. Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: Your doctor will provide specific pre-treatment instructions based on your skin type and the nature of your procedure. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize risks and maximize results.

9. Arrange for Transportation: Safety First: Some patients may experience redness, swelling, or slight discomfort immediately after the procedure. It’s wise to arrange for someone to drive you home post-treatment.

10. Set Realistic Expectations: Patience is Key: Understand that the full results of the CO2 laser treatment may take several weeks to months to appear. Be patient and follow your specialist’s post-treatment care instructions for the best outcome.

Conclusion: By following these tips, you can help ensure that your CO2 laser treatment goes smoothly and that you’re pleased with the results. Remember, the key to a successful treatment lies in preparation, following your doctor’s advice, and taking care of your skin before and after the procedure.

To learn more and to schedule your consultation call today our office at 843.945.9990