How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

First, what’s the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser treatments? Ablative resurfacing, like with CO2 and Erbium lasers, more aggressively treats signs of aging, like significant wrinkles, acne scarring, and severe photo aging. It’s an advanced laser treatment perfect for patients who are generally 60 years old or older. There is some intentional skin burning involved to achieve more dramatic results, where the skin’s cells are replaced. You essentially get a whole new face!

Non-ablative, fraxel, and other fractionated lasers only heat the skin, not going quite as far as burning the skin to achieve renewal. They’re milder treatments, which will take 2-3 sessions to achieve the level of results that are equally possible after one ablative treatment. Fraxel treatments can remove between 50%-75% of brown spots and photodamage, but wrinkles take longer to show visible improvement because the remodeling isn’t as aggressive.

A complete renewal of your skin’s condition is possible with ECO2 – Skin Resurfacing. Using multiple ablative laser beams, ECO2 penetrates the skin to erase signs of aging and promote deep collagen remodeling. Ablative skin resurfacing creates tiny micro-injuries spaced a precise width apart. The skin between these micro-channels act as bridges of healing, which can rejuvenate the skin, shrink pores, improve your skin’s tone and texture, and diminish lines, deep wrinkles, and scarring. The deep laser energy rejuvenates collagen and elastin and boosts their production, which firms your skin and gives you a supple, youthful glow. ECO2 – Skin Resurfacing undoes decades of sun damage, pigmentation issues, and deep wrinkles.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Ablative laser skin resurfacing may be ideal for you if you have concerns about fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scarring or age spots, skin laxity, dull complexion, or texture issues. Deep ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments are great for patients aged 60+ who want to turn back the clock. Patients as young as 25 may get laser skin resurfacing as a preventive measure for wrinkles under the eyelids or improve any textural or photodamage concerns. There is a risk of hyperpigmentation, something patients with darker skin tones or those diagnosed with melasma may need to avoid.

Dr. Zenovia or your ZENA Medical provider can give you a comprehensive evaluation to get started.