Facts You Need to Know About Fractionated CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

It’s become common knowledge that lasers can be used in a number of cosmetic treatments, like laser hair removal and tattoo removal, but many patients don’t realize just how many aesthetic concerns lasers can address. One procedure in particular stands out as being particularly versatile: fractionated CO₂ laser skin resurfacing. It may sound complicated, but during the treatment, we use a specialized laser to send tiny columns of laser light into the skin. This activates your body’s natural healing process, and (here’s the best part) can improve the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, and other imperfections all at once. Here are a few details and facts that can help you decide whether fractionated CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is right for you:

• The procedure is a new twist on a decades-old treatment. When CO₂ lasers were first introduced into the world in the 1960s, practitioners used them to remove the damaged and aged top layers of skin. After a period of healing, the newly-exposed layers of skin took on a more youthful appearance. Unfortunately, though, because the procedure affected skin across the entire face rather than small areas at a time, it required a longer recovery time and left a visible line between treated and untreated areas of the skin. The fractionated CO₂ laser, on the other hand, creates tiny “treatment zones” (just 1/10 the diameter of a hair follicle) while leaving untouched skin between, which makes the procedure far less invasive and produces more natural-looking results for age spots, wrinkles, and more.
• We offer both fractionated CO₂ laser treatments and erbium laser treatments. The erbium laser treats the entire face, but it doesn’t affect the deeper layers of the skin like fractionated CO₂ lasers do, so it may be the best option for those with minor, superficial conditions like early wrinkles or mild but widespread textural imperfections.
• There are steps you can take to make the most out of your laser treatments. For instance, you can prolong your results by breaking habits that can accelerate the aging process, like smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, and tanning either outside or in a tanning bed. It’s also especially convenient to schedule your laser treatments during the fall or winter—avoiding sun exposure is vital after a laser procedure because your skin is more susceptible to sun damage and hyperpigmentation, and that’s much easier to do when the weather makes you more likely to stick to indoor activities anyway.
• The treatment keeps discomfort to a minimum. While every patient’s sensations are unique, the laser includes a built-in cooling mechanism and we can apply a topical anesthesia as well, so you can toss out that old assumption that all laser treatments are a painful and unpleasant experience. Schedule a consultation at Laser Lights to discuss what you can expect based on the specific details of your treatment plan.
• Purchasing a package of multiple sessions can maximize your results AND save you some cash.

During your consultation, we can recommend a treatment plan based on your specific needs, but for many patients, a series of several sessions will give them the best possible results. As an added bonus, until October 31^st, 2015, when you purchase two fractionated CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatments, you can receive a third treatment for FREE!

For the right patients, fractionated CO₂ laser skin resurfacing can be an ideal way to get all-over facial rejuvenation with minimal recovery time. However, one of the most important ways to get the best possible results from your laser treatment is to ensure that you’re receiving the best procedure for your specific needs. To discuss which of our many cosmetic laser treatments is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with us. Or, for more helpful tips and information, follow Laser Lights on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.