EYE PHYSICIANS | BURLINGTON COUNTY

CO2 Laser

CO2 Laser

Using advanced laser technology, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for skin resurfacing precisely removes outer layers of damaged skin to reveal the underlying skin which is softer, smoother, and younger looking. CO2 and Erbium technologies are the two most commonly used laser skin resurfacing treatment options. The CO2 laser is used in the treatment of deeper facial lines and wrinkles, while the erbium laser is used for fine lines to moderately deep wrinkles.

How Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Work?

A CO2 laser allows your surgeon to perform skin resurfacing procedures that reduce or eliminate more pronounced lines and wrinkles than similar treatments. This is done by removing deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin underneath.

The latest technological advancement in the field of laser resurfacing is the use of light beams that are either pulsed or scattered at a very high rate. This minimizes heat damage that the skin might otherwise be exposed to. It also allows a more powerful CO2 laser to be utilized for deeper tissue removal and for more effective removal of pronounced wrinkles and creases. This technology allows the laser skin resurfacing treatment to provide some of the most dramatic, age-defying results possible.

The procedure can be performed on specific areas — such as around the mouth or eyes — or over the surface of the entire face. During a CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, a local anesthetic (injection at the treatment site) is used to relieve potential discomfort. If the entire face is being treated, intravenous or general anesthesia may be used.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Candidates

As we age, our skin succumbs to the effects of sun, gravity, and even our unique facial movements, to create lines and wrinkles that make us look older than we feel. A good candidate for carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing is typically an individual who has developed significant facial lines and wrinkling. A candidate may also have facial scars or uneven pigmentation they wish to correct.

Benefits of CO2 Laser Skin Treatment

By precisely removing damaged skin layer by layer, a CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is able to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, “turning back the clock” on your complexion and revealing the more youthful looking skin that lies underneath. The CO2 laser — when used for the skin resurfacing procedure — can also lessen the appearance of scars and many other skin imperfections. Benefits include not only the effective correction of moderate to deep lines and wrinkles, but also treatment for uneven pigmentation, photodamage, precancerous spots, and a host of other skin imperfections and benign lesions.

Is CO2 Laser Treatment Safe?

Yes, with the guidance of a skilled cosmetic surgeon, a CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is perfectly safe.

Erbium Laser

This procedure successfully removes superficial lines to moderately deep wrinkles with less pain, fewer side-effects, and a more rapid recovery than other treatments. An erbium laser provides a milder and less invasive treatment option than a CO2 laser.  However, an erbium laser treatment provides those whose skin damage is not as severe — or who would simply prefer a more rapid recovery — with an excellent alternative.

How does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Work?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing precisely ablates the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) to reveal the underlying skin that is smoother and younger looking. The procedure also activates collagen to promote further tightening of the skin. An erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure with the use of a local anesthetic and possibly a mild sedative. You will be awake, and the treatment area will be numb. The cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist then precisely removes the necessary layers of skin to eliminate or reduce superficial to moderately deep lines and wrinkles.

When erbium laser skin resurfacing is complete, a bandage may or may not be placed on the treatment site. If a bandage is used, it will be replaced by your surgeon in a few days. A week after the procedure, an ointment will be applied to prevent the unlikely occurrence of scarring. A responsible medical professional will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions and, in seven to 10 days, you will be able to resume normal activities.

Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Candidates

A candidate for erbium laser skin resurfacing is someone who is seeking to correct fine lines and wrinkles in the face, neck, back, chest, or hands. In general, the erbium laser resurfacing treatment is available to a wide variety of canidates. Those seeking this procedure should desire to look younger and more refreshed, yet should be realistic in their expectations. While erbium laser skin resurfacing provides incredible results, the expected outcome should be fully explained by the doctor and completely understood by the patient.

Is Erbium Laser Skin Treatment Safe?

Even as erbium laser skin resurfacing provides a highly effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles with a shorter recovery periodand fewer side effects, those receiving treatment should still expect their skin to appear pink or red after the procedure. Some swelling may also occur. Typically, a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist will provide medication and thorough aftercare instructions to aid you in your comfort and help make your recovery as beneficial as possible.

CO2 Lasers vs. Erbium Lasers

When deciding on either the carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment, it is important to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon the goals and expectations you have for surgery. While the CO2 laser successfully provides a more thorough treatment for moderate to deep facial lines and wrinkles, it does require a more extensive recovery period. Recovery time for treatment with the CO2 laser is typically two weeks; the erbium laser requires a recovery of only about one week. For many patients, this extra recovery time is a small price to pay for successfully treating their damaged skin and providing them with a younger, more vibrant appearance. However, others who have less severe facial lines and wrinkles will want to explore their treatment options with the erbium laser.