What recovery time is needed for fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing?
With moderate to deep resurfacing the skin goes through an initial healing period which typically lasts three to five days. At this point, most patients return to normal activities and make-up may be applied.
The fresh, new skin will be a reddish pink; a good sign that healing is taking place and that blood is nourishing the growth of new skin cells. This redness gradually fades within one to three weeks, depending on the patient’s skin type and the depth of the laser treatment. Lightly resurfaced patients can typically return to normal activities within one to three days, and redness disappears within one week.
Adhering to the physician’s instructions for post-operative care will aid the healing process.
What is the difference between a light and deep laser skin resurfacing?
The precision of laser resurfacing allows physicians to tailor the treatment according to the needs of each patient. Some patients choose deeper resurfacing for its more dramatic effect or to treat more severe conditions, while others require only light resurfacing or desire a faster recovery. In either case, the fractional CO2 laser treats and provides significant cosmetic and medical improvement skin texture, pigmentation, scarring and for fine lines and wrinkles.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Fine lines and wrinkles are an unavoidable part of the ageing process. As we grow older our skin becomes dryer and less elastic. Most people begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles by the age of 30 or 35. Factors such as genetics, overexposure to the sun and lifestyle choices such as drinking heavily and smoking can greatly accelerate and enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How can someone avoid fine lines and wrinkles?
Avoiding overexposure to the sun should be the key element of any skin care regimen. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be used on the face every day, and staying out of the sun when it is at its peak (between 11 am and 4 pm) is also advisable. Maintaining a good skincare regimen and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking may also help prevent or slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Are topicals available to treat fine lines and wrinkles?
The topical application of prescription drugs, most notably synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A (retinoids), can improve the appearance of sun-damaged and ageing skin. Topicals can be effective in diminishing fine wrinkles, however most tretinoins are skin irritants and often produce skin reactions. In addition, any visible improvement may disappear when use of the drug is discontinued.
How does CO2 laser resurfacing treat fine lines and wrinkles?
With facial resurfacing a high-energy beam of infrared light is used to vaporise lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other skin irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation of dermal collagen to improve elasticity and support for the skin.
Are laser resurfacing treatments safe?
Lasers have been used in cosmetic surgery for more than 20 years and have been proven to provide safe, predictable and effective results when used by trained physicians on appropriately selected patients.
Alternative treatments, such as deep chemical peels and dermabrasion, have largely been replaced by laser resurfacing treatments due to the precision and uniformity that laser resurfacing provides.
Why should I choose fractional CO2 laser treatment?
Skin resurfacing with the fractional CO2 laser is the most effective treatment for those with skin marked by fine lines, shallow and deep wrinkles, scarring and inconsistent colouring. This type of fractional ablative resurfacing, which actually removes the very thin outermost layer of your skin, is not like surgery although patients do require careful follow-up care for healing, and most must set aside considerable recovery time allowing healing and redness to dissipate. The total recovery usually takes five days.
For patients who have the option of taking this time, effort and expense, the result is dramatic and the fractional CO2 laser in clinical trials is proven to be the most effective laser for treating the above complaints.
