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.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening)
This is the most common side effect. It is more common on darker skin types. Thankfully it usually spontaneously improves. Improvement can be speeded up by the addition of topical treatment.
Generally, pigmentation from laser treatments typically starts fading within 7 to 14 days. However, it may take several weeks or even months for complete fading, particularly in darker skin tones. Proper post-treatment care and sun protection are crucial in helping to speed up the process.
Noticeable refinements from fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing accumulate incrementally over a series of three to five treatments. Initially, overall brightness emerges as pigmentation fades along with smaller pores and a softened wrinkle appearance.
After the treatment, you will notice improvements in your skin texture, tone, and appearance. Fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots noticeably diminish, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. On average, results from your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can last between 3 and 5 years.
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.
A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.
The cost of full-face CO2 laser resurfacing varies greatly across the United States. Fees can range from $3,000–$7,000, including the surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia.
Because your skin takes time to add new collagen to its framework, your CO2 laser resurfacing results will take several weeks to appear, with full results developing over the next few months. Once established, the results of laser skin rejuvenation are long-lasting.
Erbium laser:
In contrast, the Erbium: YAG laser has a wavelength of 2,940 nm. This is 10 to 20 times better absorbed by water and human skin than the CO2 laser and was developed for this reason [5].
In the first few days following your laser treatment, you may notice that the pigmentation appears darker than before. This is caused by the treated pigment rising to the skin's surface as it breaks down, signalling the start of the healing process.
Keeping the skin moist and hydrated eases and accelerates the healing process. Any discomfort diminishes as your skin continues to heal and rebuild. Days 4 to 5: out with the old… The outer layer of the treated skin begins to exfoliate and slough off, and pinkish, fresh skin emerges underneath.
“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the pigmentation to fade. BBL and laser treatment are not one-off treatments. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
CO2 laser therapy treats pigmentation by destroying the outer layers of the skin and stimulating re-epithelialization and cell turnover in the deeper layers. This removes pigmentation and restructures collagen to both improve dark spots and reduce wrinkles.
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.
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.
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.
On average, most patients get to enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for anywhere between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy. Many patients maintain treatments by returning every so often for a touch-up or supplementary skin treatment.
What is the fractional C02 laser treatment price in India? A single session of laser skin resurfacing usually costs around INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 in India but then, it depends on the severity of the case. This is multiplied by the number of sessions required to fetch the overall cost.
Will my insurance cover laser skin resurfacing? Insurance does not cover laser resurfacing because it is an elective cosmetic surgery.
Laser treatments often provide more immediate and noticeable improvements than microneedling, especially for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin damage.
Months 2-6. The magic of collagen rebuilding becomes more apparent in the months following the procedure. Patients often observe a tighter and smoother skin texture as the newly stimulated collagen continues to develop. The skin feels rejuvenated, and the results become increasingly noticeable.
This article delves into the top laser treatments that have captured the hearts of celebrities, including ForeverYoung BBL, DiamondGlow, PRP, laser hair removal, and Sciton DiVa. Each treatment offers unique benefits, from rejuvenating the skin to ensuring it remains as flawless as the public personas that swear by it.
CO2 laser treatments and Botox are both equally effective in restoring your natural beauty, although generally CO2 lasers provide longer lasting results. Before you decide which one is best for you, it's essential that you consider whether you are a good candidate for either.