The grid is originally visible and then sloughs off. There is swelling, oozing and crusting which heals in most cases within 3-7 days. This is followed by redness that usually fades to pink within 4 weeks. The light pink skin may occasionally last several months but is a sign of deep and more permanent resurfacing.
Grid marks on the face are a result of the laser fractionation and also resolve over 5-7 days. Continue to cleanse the treated area with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash for 7 days. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK OR RUB THE SKIN VIGOUROUSLY. On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath.
Rarely, nonablative laser resurfacing can cause blistering or scarring. Slight grid marks and dry feeling skin may be present initially, but will go away within in a week.
immediately after treatment:
When looking at your skin up-close, you may notice a "grid" texture to your skin. This is completely normal, and each of those microscopic dots represents an area of skin that was treated today. (The criss-cross pattern marks the actual path of the laser beam as it treated your skin.)
Typically, it lasts one to two months post-treatment. However, if the hyperpigmentation is persistent or you are unable to wait for the pigmentation to resolve due to time constraints, hydroquinone-based products can be used to quickly lighten the pigmented areas.
Hydroquinone is a medical grade topical that is used in the treatment of skin pigmentation. It has a lightening effect and when used effectively can reduce the appearance of dark spots. A topical retinoid (such as Retin‑A) is also a mainstay of therapy if you are looking to treat photo-aging.
Disadvantages of CO2 Resurfacing
Like dermabrasion, this type of laser resurfacing requires a good deal of recovery time. The patient's skin will be weepy for two weeks and will require thorough cleaning four to five times daily, along with application of ointment to keep the skin from scabbing.
Using healing ointments containing ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides and copper can help minimize the appearance of lingering grid marks.
Laser treatment can also make a scar less noticeable, but it cannot get rid of a scar. When you have laser scar treatment, you're replacing one scar with another less-noticeable scar. 2. Your results depend largely on the skills of the person performing the laser treatment.
After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.
Laser markings do not fade, giving you the permanence you're looking for that will last the length of your product's life. That means logos, serial numbers, instructions, graphics, and any other information you mark will be intact long after the process is completed.
Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area. Afterward, you can also periodically spritz with Avene Thermal Spring Water, available for purchase at our office, to alleviate discomfort and to keep the skin hydrated.
You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products.
The grid is originally visible and then sloughs off. There is swelling, oozing and crusting which heals in most cases within 3-7 days. This is followed by redness that usually fades to pink within 4 weeks. The light pink skin may occasionally last several months but is a sign of deep and more permanent resurfacing.
Fortunately, true complications of laser resurfacing are very rare (Table 2). The most severe problem, and one that often results in scarring, is infection. 13,14 Patients may be infected by a variety of agents. Herpes simplex infection may occur after laser treatment (Figure 9).
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.
Your skin will need a brief recovery period that can take up to three weeks, but once this period passes, you'll begin to notice a smoother texture and more even tone. Then, in the coming months, additional improvements will start to develop, including the reduction of: Age spots and sunspots.
Laser removal of acne scars can cost thousands of dollars, especially if you're having a large area of skin treated by specialist physicians. Generally, treatment requires two to five laser sessions. Acne scar removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore isn't covered by medical insurance.
The Average Number of CO2 Laser Sessions
On average, most individuals need a series of three to five sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve significant improvement in the appearance of their acne scars.
[7] Hyperpigmentation can be due to the accumulation of extracellular melanin from the destruction of melanocytes or increased melanin production due to post-treatment inflammation. As such, it does not typically last longer than three to four months.
The tiny grid marks the microneedling process leaves as normal and should fade within a few days to a week. To help minimize their appearance, keep your skin moisturized with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Avoid any exfoliating products or treatments until your skin has fully healed.
However, it is also reported that despite CO2 lasers having superior results, the Erbium: YAG laser is better tolerated with less downtime in acne scar patients [8].
How many years does CO2 laser last? In general, the results from a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can last 3 to 5 years. This varies based on individual factors like your lifestyle, age, and how well you care for your skin post-treatment.
Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.