What is the downside of a CO2 laser?

Author: Dane Schimmel  |  Last update: Thursday, April 24, 2025

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.

How risky is a CO2 laser?

Risks and Considerations

Pigmentation Changes: Some individuals may experience changes in skin pigmentation, particularly if they have darker skin tones. Infection and Scarring: There is a small risk of infection and scarring if post-treatment care is not followed properly.

Is a CO2 laser really worth it?

The greatest benefit of this procedure is that the results are permanent. Once healing is complete the skin you are left with is your new skin. The procedure doesn't have to be repeated like other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers.

Is there anything better than a CO2 laser?

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].

Who should not get a CO2 laser?

A history of poor wound healing, keloids, or hypertrophic scarring may be an indication to avoid aggressive skin resurfacing. Patients who tan easily may be at risk for hyperpigmentation after their laser session.

Watch this before you buy a CO2 laser

How many years does CO2 laser take off?

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.

What are the disadvantages of CO2 lasers?

What Are the Limitations of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
  • Even though we can minimize pain during the treatment, it can still be uncomfortable.
  • Social downtime lasts 10 to 14 days.
  • You can't work out for a couple of weeks while healing.
  • The heat from the laser may stimulate cold sores.

How much does a CO2 laser cost?

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.

What is the next best thing to CO2 laser?

Recovery time is another advantage of Erbium YAG lasers over CO2 lasers. Patients typically experience less downtime with Erbium YAG treatments. While CO2 lasers may require weeks for full recovery, Erbium YAG users can return to normal activities sooner. Most people experience mild redness and swelling post-treatment.

What is better, a chemical peel or a CO2 laser?

Questioning both techniques based on safety, reliability, and uniformity of results often leads to the same understanding. That is, laser treatments are more accurate, safer, and arguably more effective than chemical peels while also minimizing downtime.

Is CO2 laser as good as a facelift?

Enhanced Results: The Deep Plane Facelift provides the lift and structural correction, while CO2 laser resurfacing improves skin texture, tone, and quality. Together, they offer a more complete rejuvenation than either procedure could achieve alone.

What will my face look like after a CO2 laser?

Immediately after CO2 or UltraClear laser, the treated skin feels warm, similar to a sunburn, and appears red and swollen. This is normal and should be an expected reaction. You may also experience a temporary stinging sensation and mild oozing or pinpoint bleeding depending on the depth of treatment.

How much younger does a CO2 laser make you look?

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.

Who is not a candidate for CO2 laser?

You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Active acne. Very dark skin. Deep wrinkles.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

Which is better, microneedling or CO2 laser?

Laser treatments often provide more immediate and noticeable improvements than microneedling, especially for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin damage.

What is the best laser for a 60 year old woman?

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.

What is better than a CO2 laser?

The flexibility of an Erbium:YAG laser's pulse formats and energy capabilities make it a desirable and safer alternative to the older CO2 laser for ablative and fractional treatments.

How long is recovery from a CO2 laser?

Skin care after CO2 laser treatment. After CO2 laser treatment, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to heal. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time. Follow the guidelines below to help your skin heal and prevent infection.

How much does 1 session of CO2 laser cost?

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.

Is 1 session of CO2 laser enough?

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.

How can I speed up healing after a CO2 laser?

Top 10 CO2 Laser Recovery Tips for Fast Recovery & Best Results
  1. Listen to Your Doctor's Advice. After your CO2 laser treatment, it's important to do what your doctor says. ...
  2. Keep Skin Moist. ...
  3. Stay Out of the Sun. ...
  4. Drink Lots of Water. ...
  5. Don't Pick Your Skin. ...
  6. Use Gentle Skin Products. ...
  7. Sleep with Your Head Up. ...
  8. Eat Healthy Foods.

What is the main disadvantage of CO2?

Exposure to carbon dioxide can produce a variety of health effects. These may include headaches, dizziness, restlessness, a tingling or pins or needles feeling, difficulty breathing, sweating, tiredness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia, and convulsions.

Can a CO2 laser go wrong?

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).

What is the biggest danger of using a laser level?

The risk of eye injury from laser light and heat is particularly of concern as eyes focus and intensify light entering them. Repeated exposure to relatively low powered lasers, or from a single exposure to medium powered lasers may cause long term damage to sight or minor damage to skin.

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