Looking younger takes work. Not only do you have to eat right and exercise regularly, but you also need to use special treatments. One of those special treatments is CO2 Laser Resurfacing. This recently developed beauty aid procedure has helped many people look their best.
When you opt for this treatment, you give yourself a fighting chance at stopping time. To help you make the right decision, almost all your questions will be answered here. In this post, you will find the twelve most important things you need to know before you try this treatment.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a medical laser procedure that is designed to improve the condition and appearance of your skin. The carbon monoxide lasers target wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, large pores, moderate acne scars, uneven skin tone, age spots, and more.
Plus, this CO2 Laser Resurfacing option treats non-cancerous growths that are on your face. This treatment is one more weapon to fight aging and keep your skin looking good.
This therapy is ablative, meaning it removes the epidermis by delivering powerful wavelengths of light to the skin. It also warms the dermis, which promotes collagen production and fights signs of aging. After the procedure, new skin forms, leaving the skin firmer and smoother.
What are The Benefits?
When you use these types of treatments, you expect positive results. The following are some of those positive results:
- Stimulates collagen and gives you firmer and more youthful looking skin.
- It improves the tone and texture of your skin.
- Helps reduce fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage.
- Minimizes the appearance of large pores.
- Fights melisma and other types of hyperpigmentation.
- Helps fight stretch marks.
- Helps you look younger.
- Short downtime for recovery.
- Should help with non-cancerous skin lesions.
What Are The Side Effectsr?
One of the drawbacks to this type of treatment is that it is not for every skin type. You need to do some research to make sure your skin type is compatible with this treatment, and what the possible side effects are. Here are a few of those issues:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning
- Scabbing
- Discoloration
- Scarring
How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost?
The amount of money you will pay will depend on the type of treatment you pick. For scarring issues, the cost can be as low as $250. If you want a partial facial treatment, those options start at $1,500 and go up.
A full facial treatment will set you back roughly $2,500 or more. You will need to talk to a clinic to get the full cost involved. Some pricing plans can be available if you cannot afford the treatment.
How Many Sessions for Fractional CO2 Laser?
One ablative treatment should be enough to produce the results you are looking for. However, you may need to go through several treatments before obtaining the desired results.
Talk to the doctors to find the best treatment for your situation and budget.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From CO2 Laser?
Your skin should be mostly healed and crust-free after ten to twenty-one days following the treatment,. It will remain pink for a bit longer, but it will gradually fade over the next few weeks.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From CO2 Laser?
It normally takes two to three weeks for your skin to recover from CO2 laser therapy. During this period, your skin will be extremely sensitive and seem slightly pink. The after-care program will be the defining factor in how fast you see good results. To cover any redness, you can use oil-free make-up.
Full results can be seen three to six months after the procedure.
What Should I Put On My Face After CO2 Laser?
After the first 24 hours have passed, you need to clean the treated area roughly 3 to 5 times per day with a saline solution or a diluted vinegar mixture. Also, you can use Vaseline, or Aquaphor on the treated area as well.
These solutions help prevent scabs and scarring from forming. Plus, you can use green oil-free make-up to hide any redness you see.
How Long Do CO2 Laser Results Last?
Not all facial treatments are the same, and your results may differ from other patients’ results. But unlike fillers and Botox, CO2 Laser Resurfacing can last for many years. The other treatments may only last for a few months.
The key is to go to a clinic that has experienced professionals do the treatment.
Fraxel Vs CO2 Laser - Which Is Best?
For quicker and better healing, the CO2 laser method would be best. The drawback to this treatment will be the different side effects. The downside to Fraxel is that you may need more than two treatments to start seeing results.
Some doctors think that Fraxel is the superior treatment method.
Is Fractional CO2 Laser Worth It?
This will depend on the results you get. Those that suffered from different side effects did not think it was worth the money they paid. Those that received great results, thought the treatment was worth it.
It will be up to you and your results if this option is worth the expense. Only time will tell.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Before and After (Source:vincentsurgicalarts)
Is It Painful?
The most severe pain will come from any inflammation the treatment produces. This pain goes away in a couple of days. The treatment area can be treated with local anesthesia, sedation, or other pain management options.
Topical anesthesia can be applied for the partial facial treatments, or you may have to take Ibuprofen or steroids to relieve the pain.
Final Thoughts
For long-lasting results, CO2 Laser Resurfacing may be your best option to keep looking younger. The procedures do not take that long and can rejuvenate your skin through different applications.
Since this is an elective treatment, do not expect your insurance company to pay the cost of this work. If the cost is too expensive, check with the clinics to see if they have a pricing plan that meets your budget.
Keep in mind that CO2 laser Resurfacing is not for everyone or every skin type or tone. Do some research first to see if you qualify.
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