CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Latham, NY
Urbane Beauty Co. offers CO2 Laser Resurfacing from certified experts in Latham, NY which is a revolutionary treatment for wrinkles, sun damage and other skin imperfections.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a procedure involving the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a skin laser (ablative laser) to vaporize and remove thin layers of surface skin with minimal damage to the surrounding structures. It works by stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. As the skin heals and regrows, the treated skin appears clearer, smoother, and tighter. Laser resurfacing makes it possible to remove a lifetime of sun damage, wrinkles and blemishes from your skin! Here at Urbane Beauty Co. in Latham, NY, we have highly trained and certified CO2 laser technicians, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best results possible in the Albany area.
Why CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
The CO2 laser affords a level of precision, efficiency, control and accuracy that is not available with other methods such as Botox, microdermabrasion etc. CO2 laser resurfacing has been used for many years to treat a variety of different benign and malignant skin conditions. However, a revolutionary new generation of CO2 lasers allows us to use CO2 lasers to effectively treat conditions such as fine/deep wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone/texture, acne scarring, large pores, hyperpigmentation, warts, birthmarks, rhinophyma, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Resurfacing
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. Once your CO2 laser treatment is done, your nurse will give you an ice pack to cover the treated area.
With good skin care (sunscreens, skin-care products, moderation in sun-exposure, etc.) improvement will last for years. Remember: the clock starts again after your procedure – do your best to take good care of your skin and preserve your improvement!
Although some patients report discomfort during treatments, this discomfort is so mild that only topical anesthesia is usually required. No “knockout” anesthesia is needed, and patients are typically wide awake for the session as long as it is not a full face session.
Any part of the face down to the jawline can be resurfaced. Most patients want full face, peri-oral (around the mouth), or peri-orbital (around the eyes) resurfacing; or treatment of traumatic or acne scars.
Immediately following the surgery, the technician will apply a dressing to your skin. Swelling and “crusting” of the skin are normal. Ointments will keep the supple and will be applied for ten days following the surgery. The redness of the skin that persists after the initial healing phase ill usually fade in about 4 to 6 weeks. Avoidance of extremes in temperature and any activities that would cause stress to the healing skin should be avoided. It is imperative that you follow the post-procedure-care instructions.
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Pre-Appointment Care
- Prepare large container (i.e.gallon-size) of vinegar and water mixture (1 cup water, 2 tsp vinegar), cover and refrigerate to use cold following your laser procedure.
- Have plenty clean washcloths or hand-size towels available for vinegar and water soaks following your treatment.
- Hydrate– We recommend that for seven days pre-treatment you moisturize skin in the morning and evening, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to completely hydrate your skin and optimize treatment results.
- Self-Tanner– Stop self-tanner for four weeks prior to treatment.
- Skin Care– Stop exfoliating skincare products, such as retinols and glycolic acid, for one week before your treatment. This includes Retin-A.
- Prescription Medications– We will provide you with an antiviral to take before your appointment to decrease the risk of a herpetic outbreak. Take your first tablet 24 hours before your treatment and follow instructions on the bottle. Take other medications that may be prescribed for anxiety or pain management as instructed on the bottle. Stop taking prescription medications that may increase the risk of bruising as instructed and in coordination with your physician.
- Over the Counter Medications– Avoid aspirin, naproxen and Ibuprofen for one week prior to your treatment. Inform your provider if you are taking blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or Ibuprofen.
- Supplements- Avoid fish oil, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other supplements one week before treatment.
- Alcohol- Avoid alcohol for two days prior to treatment.
- Accutane- Inform your provider if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past year.
- Ice Packs– Store ice packs in your freezer for use after you get home from procedure.
- Special Events- Schedule your treatment at least four weeks prior to a special event i.e., wedding, vacation, speaking engagement, to allow time for the healing process.
- Secure a ride for after treatment– You must secure a ride home if you choose to use the pain and/or anxiety medication.
- Photographs– Take at-home photos to monitor your skin improvement.
Post-Appointment Care
Careful after-care is very important for producing a beautiful and lasting result.
- You will experience a burning sensation on the skin that will last between 30 minutes and up to 3-4 hours following your treatment on the first day.
- The treated area will remain reddish-brown for 2-4 days, or more, depending of the depth of your treatment.
- Begin vinegar soaks as soon as you arrive home and as often as needed (1 cup water mixed with 2 tsp vinegar. It is recommended that you prepare a large quantity – gal or more – the day before. Keep covered and refrigerated so that the mixture will be cold when you begin use. Replenish as needed).
- Use ice packs every two hours for 20 minutes maximum for swelling and discomfort.
- Every 2 hours cover the treated areas with onitment from your aftercare kit. Your skin should NEVER look dry and should always be glistening with ointment. If the skin is dry, you should be applying more than every 2 hours.
- Continue taking all medications as directed by your physician.
- If necessary, as directed by your physician take acetaminophen or pain reliever of physician’s choice.
- After 24 hours, cleanse your skin twice a day using Facial Cleanser from your aftercare kit. Crusting may occur, do not pick the crusts. Avoid hot water. Do not scrub treated area.
- Approximately 72 hours after treatment, the area will begin to peel. Do not pull on the peeling skin. Keep a moisturizing skin cream on all areas and let the skin peel spontaneously. The treated are will peel for 2-3 days and will be pink for a few days. Normal skin color usually returns rapidly once peeling is complete.
- Eye Area: Treatment to the upper eye lids may result in swelling and create a slight squint. Redness may persist up to 3 days. Cleanse your eyes with cool water and dab or pat very lightly with a soft towel. Avoid hot water. Lubricating the eye with drops (i.e. artificial tears) will help to decrease the dryness of your eyes.
- If the skin around the mouth is tight, minimize facial expressions, remember to moisturize with Recovery Balm, as needed and use a straw to drink.
- Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping or lifting heavy objects for 1 week after procedure. These activities may cause more swelling and pain on your face and slow down your recovery.
- Sleep at a slightly elevated position. Using 2-3 pillows under your head & neck or sleep a few nights in a reclining chair.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least six months. Use the sunscreen provided every day. Use a hat and sunglasses. Your skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun after having a laser treatment. Protecting your skin and limiting sun exposure ensures the best cosmetic results.
- Following treatment, normal activities may resume per level of comfort. However, no swimming or using hot tubs/whirlpools while redness is present, usually for at least 24-48 hours.
- Once you feel comfortable and healed, a normal skincare regime, including makeup or shaving, can be resumed. Be careful water is not too hot when shaving.
- Call the office immediately if problems of increased pain, fever, drainage of pus, signs of infection or bleeding occur.