How CO2 Lasers Address Wrinkles, Scars, and Sun Damage

CO2 laser treatments are one of the most popular dermatologic trends on the market, known for their dramatic results and minimal downtime. Celebrities, influencers, and skin care gurus swear by the procedure, lauding it for its anti-aging abilities and the ensuing glow after the treatment. But what exactly is a CO2 laser treatment? The mere mention of CO2 often brings our minds back to complicated chemistry lessons, leaving an impression that the treatment is a complicated, futuristic procedure only for those cheeky plastic surgery scenes on The Real Housewives. However, the procedure is actually fairly straightforward and an excellent, minimally invasive addition to a luxury skin-care routine.  Barrett Plastic Surgery offers Barrett Luminosity, a Beverly Hills CO2 laser treatment designed to target multiple cosmetic skin concerns. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the latest skin-care trend:

What is a CO2 laser treatment? How is it performed?

The CO2 laser is the gold standard for skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing involves using lasers to remove the top layers of the skin (epidermis) to improve the skin’s appearance and texture. CO2, the scientific formula for carbon dioxide, is extremely effective in removing the epidermis, making it an ideal type of laser for this procedure. A CO2 laser emits invisible, far-infrared light generated from carbon dioxide at a strategic wavelength meant for absorbing water molecules, allowing the skin to quickly heat up and evaporate with minimal damage. From there, the heat stimulates new cell growth as the skin begins to heal itself. The result is brand-new, baby-soft skin with improved clarity and increased collagen production. Additionally, this treatment can assist post-operative healing and scar revision at any stage. 

What are the benefits?

There are numerous benefits to CO2 laser resurfacing including an overall improvement in skin tone, texture, and appearance from the stimulated collagen production. Patients love the effects, saying it may seem extreme, but the results are beyond what even the strictest product-based skincare routine can achieve. 

Other benefits include:

• Improves sun damage
• Eliminates warts, moles, superficial non-melanoma skin cancers, benign skin growths, and general blemishes
• Treats scarring from surgery, chicken pox, and acne
• Superior skin rejuvenation than basic skincare
• Safely targets multiple skin lesions
• Long-lasting anti-aging effects
• Increases skin elasticity

Who is a good candidate? What areas does it target?

Good candidates for this treatment experience skin blemishes ranging from purely cosmetic challenges like fine lines and wrinkles to scarring from medical procedures or other damage. Patients should be prepared to deal with consistent aftercare as swelling, bruising, and wounds are common after the treatment.

Ideal candidates have reasonable expectations for the treatment. CO2 resurfacing only targets shallow problems in the epidermis so patients with deep wrinkles and stretch marks should seek a different treatment. 

CO2 laser technology targets:

• Irregular skin tone or texture
• Hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, and freckles
• Enlarged pores
• Shallow scarring and stretch marks
• Fine lines and wrinkles

Who shouldn’t get the treatment? 

There are a few things to consider before getting CO2 laser resurfacing as there are some patients who aren’t good candidates:

Skin tones for lasers: CO2 laser treatments are not recommended for patients with dark skin as they are more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring due to higher melanin levels. Melanin is the naturally occurring pigmentation found in people with darker skin tones that helps absorb light from UV rays and redistribute it while protecting the body’s internal cells from damage. People with darker skin tones should avoid CO2 laser resurfacing and instead seek non-ablative, picosecond, or Q-switched lasers for treatments.

Active acne: People currently experiencing an acne breakout should avoid laser resurfacing as it worsens the pain and appearance of flare-ups. 

Medical conditions: Patients with active cutaneous bacterial skin infections, cold sores, HIV, hepatitis C, or connective tissue diseases should avoid this treatment.

How is it performed? How long does a CO2 laser treatment last?

CO2 laser resurfacing involves applying short, concentrated pulses of light to the patient’s skin to remove the epidermis. Patients wear a gown and eye protection during the session.

For patients getting a partial treatment, the specialist will apply numbing medication to the treatment area with the session lasting 30-45 min. For a full facial treatment, specialists may use a local anesthetic with the session lasting an hour and a half to two hours.

Patients will see results immediately and will continuously improve in the following days. Most patients experience skin redness and tenderness for a few hours or days, depending on the depth of their treatment. Typically, Barrett Luminosity is administered in a series of three treatments for optimal results. 

How should I prepare?

The specialist works closely with the patient during the initial consultation to under the patient’s specific skin condition goals, and any other information necessary to create a unique, individualized treatment plan. Patients are expected to stop using retinol, glycolic, or salicylic acid products, avoid the sun, and plan time to recover. For Barrett Brilliance, patients will begin a special skincare regime four to six weeks before the procedure to properly prepare their skin. Those with a history of cold sores should ask about antivirals to prevent possible outbreaks. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and set time aside from work and child care for healing.

Is the process painful?

While specialists use numbing creams and other anesthetics for CO2 resurfacing, the process does still include a mild level of discomfort depending on the extent of the procedure. One patient described it as a mild zapping similar to laser hair removal, noting “The sensation felt like a rubber band lightly hitting my skin.”

What can I expect during the healing process?

After CO2 skin treatments, patients are sent home with a recovery kit containing the necessary creams and balms to aid healing. The specialist may also use an airtight, non-stick dressing to protect the face directly after the procedure. It’s normal for the skin to blister, ooze, and crust over, which can be off-putting at first, but these are all signs that new, healthier skin is resurfacing. While downtime varies depending on the extent of the procedure, patients should expect to spend four to ten days recovering. 

Here are some tips for aftercare: 

• Use distilled water and vinegar to clean the skin two to five times a day for anti-microbial protection
• Avoid rubbing, picking, scratching
• Sleep with head elevated
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean, soft towel to ease the area during the first 24-48 hours
• Apply Vaseline, Eucerin, or other balms to care for scabs and wounds
• Avoid makeup until fully healed
• After the areas are fully healed, green-based makeup is great for covering redness

Are there risks? 

Like any procedure, CO2 laser resurfacing has risks, including infection, blood clots, scarring, and other associated possible complications. Finding a qualified, board-certified technician with a reputation for successful procedures significantly reduces the risk of complications. 

Other risks include:

• Acne flares
• Cold sore reactivation
• Skin burns
• Milia
• Hyperpigmentation
• Ectropion

I’m interested in CO2 laser resurfacing, what are the next steps?

If you’re interested in Barrett Luminosity CO2 treatments, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential patients. Our practice sets the standard for natural-looking results with a holistic approach to effectively minimize post-surgical downtime and scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 398-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Keep up with us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates. We look forward to guiding you on your journey!