Mild Issues: If you have minor skin concerns like fine lines or mild sun damage, one to two sessions may be sufficient for visible improvement. Moderate Concerns: People with moderate skin issues, such as deeper wrinkles or moderate scarring, may require two to four sessions several weeks apart.
Each fractional laser application renews damaged outer epidermal skin and restores supporting collagen structure deeper down. Over three to five sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, continual regeneration of smooth, evenly toned skin accrues to provide significant cumulative enhancements.
It takes three to four weeks for proper healing and effective results. This laser technology normally requires three to five sessions during these four weeks or as suggested by the dermatologist.
Patients can see changes in their appearance after just one session. 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.
CO2 laser treatment can minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles, lines, and uneven pigmentation. The term “fractional laser” means that the beam of light only targets a fraction of the skin at a time. Rather than resurface the entire area being treated, specialists focus microscopic beams of light in multiple areas.
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.
CO2 Lasers: These are among the most intense laser treatments and are often used for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant scarring. The recovery time can be longer, but the results are typically more dramatic.
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.
The Fraxel Dual Laser can treat anything from pigmentation, age spots and sun damage, to fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars. "Overall, the Fraxel can improve skin tone and texture within days of treatment," adds Dr.
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.
Laser treatments often provide more immediate and noticeable improvements than microneedling, especially for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin damage.
Your skin looks rejuvenated, smoother, and more youthful. If you've had laser for scar removal, you will notice a more even skin tone and texture, although treating deep acne scars may require multiple laser sessions.
At what age can one start considering fractional CO2 laser treatment? Fractional CO2 laser treatment is generally considered safe for individuals in their late 20s to early 30s who wish to address early signs of aging or specific skin concerns.
After the treatment, you'll notice a very significant reduction in age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. Your skin will also be tighter and will continue to improve over the next six to nine months after the procedure when you follow a proper skin care regimen and minimize your sun exposure.
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.
Also, more significant wrinkles and lines are best treated using the CO2 laser method. If the lines and wrinkles you are concerned with haven't fully set, then Botox is a great option for you. This is best suited for those lines that occur when your smile or frown such as crow's feet.
However, treatments are still highly effective beyond these years, with amazing results, so it's never too late! We will always champion people's right to feel good about themselves and to look their best at ANY age.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments
Like ultrasound treatments, RF treatments are effective for smoothing and tightening skin in older patients as well as postponing the need for a surgical lift in younger patients.
Laser treatments generally last longer than Ultherapy. Laser treatments stimulate collagen growth for 6 months, which then delivers benefits to your skin that last for a couple of years. Ultherapy works much quicker. But to continue to enjoy the results, clients often return for yearly touch-ups.
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].
You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Active acne. Very dark skin. Deep wrinkles.
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.
The average cost for CO2 laser skin resurfacing is between $1,999-$2,999 per session. While this is a pretty sizeable range, the exact price will depend entirely on how much correction is needed per session.
Botox is a renowned treatment for deep wrinkles on the face; many consider it the best treatment there is! This method focuses on relaxing the facial muscles, preventing future wrinkles from forming. It takes minutes to complete and leaves a significant difference on your skin.
CO2 lasers have always been the best choice for fine lines, deeper wrinkles and acne scars. They remove tissue (ablate), resulting in some tightening as well. Fraxel is the brand name of an erbium laser that is also very nice for acne scars and texture.