CO2 Laser Resurfacing | Brzowski Plastic Surgery in Utah

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to treat different benign and malignant skin conditions. CO2 laser resurfacing precisely removes thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Treatments can be used to minimize wrinkles and scars.

What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

Carbon dioxide lasers have been in use for many years to treat different benign and malignant skin conditions. A new generation of carbon dioxide lasers uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures.

What can be treated with CO2 laser resurfacing?

These lasers have been successfully used to treat wrinkles and scars, as well as other benign skin growths such as warts, linear epidermal nevi (birthmarks), rhinophyma (enlarged oil glands on the nose), and other skin conditions.

Brzowski Plastic Surgery is always ahead of the latest innovations.

The field of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is rapidly progressing and evolving. The ability to rejuvenate sun-damaged, wrinkled skin has been revolutionized by this new technology. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is yet another tool in our treatment options, which include Retin-A® products, vitamin C lotion, alpha hydroxy acids, chemical peels, dermabrasion, collagen or fat augmentation, and botulinum toxin for decreasing facial lines and scars.

What should I expect during the procedure?

In general, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia in combination with orally- or intravenously-administered sedative medications. The areas to be treated are numbed with a local anesthetic. General anesthesia may be used when the entire face is treated. Wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, or forehead may be treated individually, or a full-face laser resurfacing may be performed. A partial-face laser resurfacing takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the full-face treatment takes 90 minutes to two hours.

How do I care for my skin immediately after CO2 laser resurfacing?

Following the laser resurfacing procedure, a Telfa® dressing is applied to the treatment sites for 24 hours. The patient then cleans the treated areas two to five times a day with saline or a dilute vinegar solution. An ointment such as Vaseline®, Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® is then applied. This wound care is intended to prevent any scab formation, which can increase the chance of scarring and prolong the healing time. In general, the areas heal in 10 to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated.

Patients are encouraged to sleep on an extra pillow at night to help reduce the swelling. Ice pack application is also helpful in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Cessation of smoking is highly recommended due to its documented harmful effects on the healing process.

When can I start wearing makeup?

Once the areas have healed, oil-free makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink-to-red color that is generally seen after laser resurfacing. Green-based makeup is particularly suitable for the redness in the skin. The redness in the laser-treated sites generally fades in two to three months but may take as long as six months to disappear; it generally persists longer in blondes and redheads.

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What are the possible side effects?

Milia, which are small white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing. These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth.
Acne flares may occur and may resolve on its own or can be treated with conventional acne therapies.
Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas. In general, the hyperpigmented areas may be treated with bleaching cream to facilitate fading of the pigment. Hypopigmentation is more difficult to treat.
Reactivation of a herpes simplex cold sore may occur, especially after laser resurfacing around the mouth. Taking an antiviral medicine before treatment and continuing it for seven to ten days post-procedure can prevent an outbreak.
Taking an antibiotic prior to treatment and continuing for seven to ten days post-procedure can prevent any bacterial infections.
Postoperative swelling is to be expected and is lessened by administration of intramuscular steroids.
Scarring, although very rare, may occur in laser-treated areas.

It is important to avoid sun exposure to support the healing process.

Patients with darker skin tones have a greater risk of healing with darker pigmentation (hyperpigmentation). This may be minimized by preoperative use of a bleaching agent as well as continued use of this agent after healing. Patients should be advised to avoid sun exposure for four weeks before their laser treatment and to liberally apply sunscreens pre- and post-procedure.

How do I ensure long-lasting results after my skin has healed?

Daily sunscreen application is necessary after healing to protect the newly laser-resurfaced skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended, which screens both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays. A sunscreen specifically formulated for use on the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used daily.

Liberal moisturizer application is also recommended after healing. Patients may resume application of Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products approximately six weeks after the procedure, or as directed by Dr. Brzowski.

Alternate Phone: (801) 479-5722