How Does a CO2 Laser Work?

CO2 Laser Newport Beach

There are so many laser treatments out there promising skin rejuvenation that it can be difficult to differentiate them from one another. One of the most popular is CO2 laser rejuvenation, and it’s one of the most effective treatments that offers full face resurfacing with lower risk of hyperpigmentation and less downtime. At ZENA Medical, Dr. Zenovia Gabriel and our laser specialists can help you restore a firm, even complexion for even the most complex of skin conditions.

How Does a CO2 Laser Work?

Specific lasers target specific structures within the skin to create the outcomes necessary for particular skin concerns. The ECO2 laser focuses on chromophore, which is the compound in the skin responsible for color, in this case, brown or red. Laser therapies have varying wavelengths, but all CO2 lasers have a wavelength of 10,600 nm. These ECO2 wavelengths react with the water content of your tissues, heating it to create a thermal reaction that results in resurfacing the cells. 

It’s a deep laser treatment, which goes well into the dermis to create micro-channels within the skin. This is known as fractional ablative laser treatment. Fractional means the micro-channels leave skin between the channels, so only a fraction of the tissues are ablated. The skin between the channels is still part of the healing circumference, so the entire treatment area is rejuvenated without requiring controlled injury to every cell. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and because less of the skin is ablated during ECO2 laser treatment, downtime and recovery are shortened and more comfortable.

ECO2 laser energy is the gold standard treatment for even the most significant of skin concerns, such as acne scars, moderate-to-severe wrinkles, and even under-eye sagging. Thermal heat reacts with the structures of the dermis to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are the supportive fibers that give skin its structure and stability. Time and age can weaken and break these fibers, and the older we are, the slower they repair and replenish. ECO2 laser treatment boosts collagen and elastin production, so your skin is firmer, smoother, and touchably soft for a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Patients with skin concerns such as sun damage, acne scars, enlarged pores, texture or tone irregularities, wrinkles around the eyes, lips, or on the cheeks, or age spots may be a candidate for ECO2 laser resurfacing at ZENA Medical. A consultation with a ZENA Medical laser specialist will include a thorough assessment of your skin’s current condition, understanding of your aesthetic goals, and a recommendation for treatment to achieve those goals.

Co2 Laser Newport Beach

*individual results may vary

What is the Procedure Like?

ECO2 laser treatments take about 1 hour to complete, though you can anticipate additional time for topical anesthetic to take effect. Your ZENA laser specialist will ensure your comfort and provide eye protection for safety. The laser is passed over your treatment area in precise, even movement to ensure complete coverage. Once your procedure is completed, you’ll receive detailed care instructions to follow for minimizing discomfort and the risk of complications.

What is Recovery Like?

Patient recovery times can vary depending on how aggressive your ECO2 laser treatment was performed. Patients commonly experience swelling and redness for 5-7 days following the procedure, after which point you may apply makeup to camouflage any lingering effects. Healing times may differ by patient, and typically take between 1-3 weeks before your skin is completely healed.

What Results Can I Expect?

At ZENA Medical, ECO2 laser treatment results in long-term, beautiful results with improved textures, tones, and pore sizes. Patients experience diminished lines and wrinkles, faded brown and age spots, smoother skin around the eyes, improvement to acne scarring, and tightened skin along the neck and jawline. While many of these benefits become visible within the first several days, the production of collagen and elastin fibers will take several weeks. As they accumulate over time, your skin becomes firmer and smoother, resulting in a more youthful, radiant appearance. Most patients require only one treatment to achieve their aesthetic goals. Your ZENA Medical provider will monitor your progress to determine if any additional treatment is recommended.

ECO2 laser skin resurfacing may be the reset button your skin needs most. It can take dull, damaged skin and give it new life by stimulating collagen and elastin fiber production, encouraging cellular turnover, diminishing flaws, such as acne scars, that over-the-counter serums and creams cannot improve. With your ZENA Medical provider by your side, you can turn back the clock on the age of your skin with ECO2 laser treatment.

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about CO2 laser treatments, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with your personal assessment at ZENA Medical in Newport Beach, California today. Call us at (949) 200-8222 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to meeting you!

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*Individual Results May Vary

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