Sometimes, it seems like there are a hundred different ways to treat wrinkles. The truth of the matter is that while many treatments can manage fine lines just fine, treating laser for wrinkles is more challenging. Fortunately, there is advanced technology that can easily treat even the deepest of wrinkles. At the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL we are proud to specialize in CO2 laser, one of the best resurfacing laser treatments for wrinkles.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Wrinkles
Skin resurfacing treatments are a dime a dozen, but few are as effective as CO2 laser. Unlike other treatments, this is a non-invasive laser technique that transforms the surface of your skin to treat laser for wrinkles without any need for harsh chemicals, foreign substances, or surgical methods. CO2 laser is a resurfacing treatment that uses advanced technology to help stimulate your body’s natural regenerative abilities.
How Does CO2 Laser Work?
A CO2 laser is a type of ablative laser, which is a laser that sheds surface layers of skin cells. In general, ablative lasers are a type of treatment that “wound” the skin in order to resurface. For CO2 laser, the micro-wounds caused by the scattered laser penetrate the deep sub-dermal layers of the skin to encourage rapid new cell turn over, which then induce the production of collagen and the shedding of dull, tired skin cells.
What Does CO2 Laser Treat?
While CO2 laser treatments are famous for treating laser for wrinkles, particularly those around the mouth and forehead, this treatment is good for overall resurfacing. Common skin issues that CO2 laser treats include…
- Deep wrinkles and expression lines
- Scars and acne scarring
- Uneven skin texture
- Uneven pigmentation
- Sun damage and dark spots
On top of treating all of these moderate-to-severe cosmetic skin issues, this treatment can also be used for medical purposes. It is common for CO2 laser treatments to be used to removed precancerous growths on the skin. The use of CO2 laser for precancerous growth must be determined by a certified physician such as those at our clinic.
What Can I Expect From CO2 Laser Treatment for Wrinkles?
We understand that there may be some trepidation about this treatment, especially for patients who are new or who have never had laser treatments before. Here are a few steps you can expect from the treatment process…
Consultation
Your first appointment at our clinic will be an initial consultation in which we discuss your aesthetic goals and your skin concerns. One of our skilled staff will examine the condition of your skin and discuss the details of the treatment you are interested in. We will help you find the treatment that is most suitable to your individual needs.
We will need to gather basic medical information about you, such as your general medical history, current medical issues, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is sometimes the case that medical conditions or medications are a contributing factor to the condition of your skin. We will also discuss lifestyle habits, including the use of tobacco or alcohol, which are other factors that contribute to your skin condition.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Depending on the type of treatment you have, it is possible we may ask you to complete certain labs or examinations before your treatment. For CO2 laser treatments, we are generally able to schedule your treatment appointment without any additional exams. However, before your treatment, it is important to follow the pre-treatment instructions we give you so that your treatment can be successful. Some pre-treatment instructions may include…
- Avoid tobacco use for 7 to 14 days before treatment
- Avoid certain medications or supplements
- Advice on eating and drinking before treatment
We may ask you to arrange transportation on the day of your treatment. We may also provide you with additional instructions that are specific to your personal treatment plan, such as directions to temporarily discontinue the use of certain skin care products.
Treatment
CO2 laser treatment begins with a clean face and the application of a topical numbing cream. Because of the nature of the treatment, we will likely discuss the use of a mild sedative to ensure your comfort for the duration of the treatment.
Once you are prepped and comfortable, we will then use the handheld treatment device to treat the desired area. Some patients report feeling a faint tingling or other minor sensation as the handheld device moves over their skin. You should not feel any discomfort at any time during treatment. CO2 laser treatments can last between 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your treatment is complete, you will be given post-treatment instructions to follow. These instructions will help you through your immediate recovery and ensure that you receive the desired results from the treatment, so it is very important to follow these instructions carefully.
- Do not shower or wash the treated area for 48 hours after treatment
- Apply medications and moisturizers as advised
- Avoid strenuous activity for 7 days after treatment
- Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat
We may give you additional instructions to follow. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment sometime after your treatment to see how well you are healing and to assess whether you will need additional treatment sessions.
Recovery
Recovery from CO2 laser treatment generally takes 7 to 10 days. During the course of your recovery, you are likely to experience some minor redness or swelling, which are temporary side effects that fade within days of treatment. Most patients are fully recovered after 7 days and can return to normal daily activities. Overall, the recovery period for this treatment is significantly shorter and less painful than the recovery time for surgical treatments.
Other Laser Treatment for Wrinkles
Fractional Lasers
Fractional lasers are treatments that use energy that is scattered into thousands of tiny beams in order to evenly treat the surface and sub-dermal layers of skin. Fractional lasers can be used to treat various skin concerns, particularly issues such as blemishes and mild-to-moderately severe fine lines or wrinkles.
Erbium Lasers
Erbium lasers are a type of treatment that ideal for the promotion of collagen-building. This type of laser treatment generally penetrates deeper levels of skin to remodel collagen, which can treat laser for wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity.
During your consultation, we will help you decide what kind of laser treatment is right for you based on your particular needs. At our clinic, it is our goal to provide each patient with personalized care, and that includes selecting the treatment that is ideal for each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does It Work?
CO2 laser treatment is a safe and effective treatment for all kinds of wrinkles. This is a treatment that easily resurfaces the skin and quickly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, especially wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead. This treatment is an effective option for the vast majority of patients.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Sometimes laser treatments require multiple treatment sessions to produce the desired results. However, for CO2 laser treatments, most patients only require one treatment session. This is because ablative laser treatments are stronger and treat deep layers of skin all at one time. Although you will probably only need one treatment, we will still need to do a follow-up to decide if the treatment has produced the desired results.
When Can I See Results?
For many patients, the first noticeable results can be seen at around 10 days after treatment. After you are fully recovered, you will notice a distinct difference in your appearance, and particularly in the reduced appearance of laser for wrinkles and an overall improved skin surface.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results can last for several months and even up to a year or more. The length of time you can enjoy results from this treatment depends on your body’s response to the treatment, the severity of your skin condition, and other lifestyle factors. Many patients are able to schedule annual treatment appointments about once a year to maintain desired results.
How Can I Make Results Last Longer?
Some patients wonder if there is any way to make the results of their treatment last longer, and the answer is yes. There are several things you can do to prolong the results of your treatment, including lifestyle changes and a skin care routine that encourages skin health. We can help you find skin care products that will help maintain your desired results for as long as possible between treatments. Some common skin care products may include Retinols, mineral-rich moisturizers, and high-strength sunscreens.
When Is the Best Time for Laser Treatment for Wrinkles?
Laser skin treatments should be done when you are not fully satisfied with your overall appearance or when other treatments have failed to produce the desired results. But laser skin treatments should also be done at a certain time of year. If possible, it is best to schedule a laser skin treatment during the fall or winter months, as the reduced daytime hours will also limit your exposure to direct sunlight.
Can I Combine This Treatment?
This is a treatment that can be combined with other cosmetic skin treatments. In fact, it is very common to combine CO2 laser treatment with non-ablation lasers, PRP, facials, light chemical peels, dermaplaning, and some injectables, such as neurotoxins. If you are interested in combining this treatment with others, we will help you create a treatment plan that will meet all of your aesthetic goals.
Is This Treatment Safe for All Skin Types?
Treatments like CO2 lasers are not always appropriate for darker skin complexions. However, we will determine whether this treatment is right for your skin tone at your consultation appointment, as such a determination can only be made after an examination of the skin condition. If CO2 laser treatment is not right for you, we will help you explore other skin resurfacing treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for this treatment include patients who would like to renew their overall appearance and who are medically qualified for this type of treatment. You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you want to…
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- Diminish the appearance of scarring and skin damage
- Correct skin texture and uneven skin tone
Renew Your Confidence With CO2 Laser Treatment for Wrinkles!
Advanced technology makes it possible to treat even the deepest of wrinkles. It’s time to renew your confidence and start loving the way you look again. If you think CO2 laser for wrinkles is right for you, please contact the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL to schedule your initial consultation today!