What is it?
The CO2RE (by Syneron Candela) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fractional Laser Resurfacing removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method (columns of skin are removed, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing) to help reduce “age-spots” (also called sun freckles, liver spots, and lentigines), fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, textural irregularities, dull skin tone, and a thinned collagen layer of the face, neck, and chest.
This laser targets the water in skin cells, vaporizing it and thereby removing the the most superficial layers of skin. This reveals new firmer skin beneath. Fine lines and wrinkles are minimized and acne scars appear smoother.
How is the procedure done?
The laser is projected on to the skin via a small hand piece. There is also a vacuum smoke extractor used during the treatment.
How many treatments are recommended?
1-4 treatments may be necessary but 2 or 3 is average for those with moderate skin aging and damage.
How long will it last?
Results typically last for years but this depends on other factors, such as how quickly your skin ages.
What are the side effects?
For the most aggressive treatments, the new skin that is revealed may be open and pink for 10 days after treatment. After the 10 days the skin will be healed but will remain pink for several months until it fades back down to the normal skin tone in about 2-6 months. In less aggressive treatments, some pinkness, scabbing and peeling may be noticed over 4-9 days.
What does it feel like after the procedure?
After the treatment most patients describe the post-procedure feeling as a bad sunburn for about 12 hours to 2 days. Some patients may experience itching or stinging a few days after the procedure.
How often can you have this done?
Repeating treatments every 2-3 months until the desired correction is achieved works well for many patients.
How much downtime is involved?
Minimum 3 to 10 days down time. In this time the skin will be open and bright pink. The redness can persist potentially anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks, all depending on the aggressiveness of the setting. Most patients have rosiness to their skin for another 8-12 weeks.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
A good candidate for carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing is typically an individual who has developed significant facial lines and wrinkling. A candidate may also have facial scars such as acne scarring or uneven pigmentation they wish to correct.
What is the difference between the Fractional CO2 laser and Resurfacing CO2 laser?
Fractionated CO2 is more like Sublative and Erbium Pixel. Resurfacing CO2 is an aggressive laser treatment with increased downtime.
Does the treatment hurt?
We will numb you before the procedure to help with discomfort.
Is the cO2 procedure safe?
Yes, the CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is perfectly safe. With the predictability of the CO2 laser, skin can be precisely ablated layer by layer to provide incredibly safe results with minimal side-effects.
May I put makeup over treated area?
No make-up may be applied while the skin is open to avoid the risk of infection.
How much does CO2RE CO2 Laser cost?
Price Range: $800 – $2200