The Classic Cure for Aging and Damaged Skin:

There are lots of facial rejuvenation treatments on the market these days, but the gold standard for skin resurfacing remains the CO2 laser.




It’s been giving great results for years, clocking in high levels of patient satisfaction. We’ve just purchased the UltraPulse® EncoreTM CO2 laser system, widely regarded as a top-of-the-line system for CO2 laser resurfacing.



I like it for its versatility. It’s got a wide range of settings, giving me the kind of finely calibrated control that lets me tailor your treatment precisely to your particular skin issues.



Which skin issues does it treat best?

The CO2 laser is most commonly used to treat mild to severe wrinkles, pigmentation changes (discoloration), acne scars, pucker marks and photo damage. While removing damage, it also stimulates the formation of new underlying collagen.



Over time, its collagen-stimulating properties will improve your skin’s elasticity and help you retain fullness where you need it, resulting in a more rested, youthful appearance. Collagen, as you probably know, resides in the substructure of the dermis, supporting the upper layers. When there isn’t enough of it, you get that tired, drawn look. When restored, healthy collagen adds a certain brightness and radiance to your features.



How do CO2 laser treatments work?

A high-energy beam of CO2 light is sent through a handpiece that I will apply gently to the surface of your skin. The light vaporizes lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. As with all resurfacing techniques, the deeper the penetration, the more efficacious the procedure. (And the longer the recovery period.)



Depending on the severity of your skin problems, I will choose different settings, and use my judgment regarding the number of times to pass the handpiece over each area.



What results can I expect?

Laser resurfacing restores your skin to a healthy state, similar to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring.



Are there skin types that don’t respond well to CO2 laser treatments?

I don’t like to use this resurfacing technique on olive complexions and darker types of skin. There’s a danger of lightening the skin pigment.



Is this treatment completely safe?

If post operative care is not followed carefully, scarring, infection and color changes can appear. It’s important that you follow my post-operative instructions to the letter.



How long is the recovery period?

The recovery time is approximately two weeks, but if you need deeper penetration to address your skin issues you may require up to 30 days’ healing time. Since this technique causes thermal injury to the skin, I will be monitoring your recovery closely.



How long will the benefits of treatment last?

With proper sun protection, results can last for more than five years. In areas where muscle activity is strong, lines may begin to reappear sooner. As skin continues to age at a normal rate, you may want to maintain your results with occasional 'touch-up' resurfacing treatments.



Are there dangers?

Prolonged redness and hypo-pigmentation are possible complications with these lasers.



What’s the biggest benefit of laser resurfacing over less invasive skin rejuvenation treatments?

While all rejuvenation treatments have different benefits, CO2 laser resurfacing is known to be a very thorough treatment for blemished skin. You will find at the end of your healing that you’ve definitively “turned back the clock.”



While intense, it’s an extremely effective way to undo the damage caused by sun exposure and the passage of time.