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CO2 Skin Laser

Introducing a Powerful Surgical Technique
Laser Resurfacing
For the Improvement or Removal of Wrinkles and Scars

Dr. Pilest no longer performs standard CO2 laser treatments. Latest CO2 technology using Fraxel fractional laser has replaced full surface procedures. Read about the Fraxel CO2 Skin Laser here

CO2 Laser Resurfacing:
It is now possible to remove or improve facial wrinkles, lines and scars using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. This technique allows for excellent treatment of facial imperfections, with great precision, without blood loss and with very minimal risk of scarring. Laser resurfacing results are long lasting with correction often maintained for years.

How does the CO2 Laser work?
Although the CO2 laser has been around since the 1960's, advancements have made it safer and more effective for use on human skin. A high-powered, short-pulsed laser light is directed at the skin surface, controlled by a computerized scanner. Each pulse/pass delivers an identical amount of energy that uniformly removes precise amounts of skin. Deeper imperfections are treated with additional passes.

How does the CO2 Laser differ from dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion produces a lot of bleeding which reduces visibility, plus the depth of dermabrasion can vary by the amount of pressure being applied. Post-operatively, the patient has more discomfort due to the amount of oozing and bleeding of the dermabraded skin. The CO2 Laser seals blood vessels, resulting in an almost bloodless wound. There is also more precise control of skin removal for more selective and accurate treatment of individual lines and less risk of scarring.

What areas can be treated?
While specific areas can be targeted, such as frown furrows, crow's feet, laugh lines, smoker's lines and fine wrinkling, FULL FACE resurfacing produces even more dramatic results.

Will I need anesthetic?
For regional areas (zones), a local anesthetic combined with a topical anesthetic cream and a light oral sedative is all that is required. For full face laser resurfacing, an I.V. sedation administered by an anesthesiologist is recommended.

A light sedative (consisting of Demoral and Vistaril) injected about 30 minutes prior to surgery may be required. Larger areas may require IV sedation or a general anesthetic administered by an anesthesiologist.

Is there any pretreatment?
You may be prescribed Retin-A or an Alpha Hydroxy Acid cream beginning two weeks prior to surgery. Darker compacted or tanned individuals may also use a bleaching agent to reduce excess skin pigment during this same time. Prior to surgery, patients will be given a prescription for Zovirax tablets to lessen the possibility of flare-up of fever blisters. Oral antibiotics are also started on the day of surgery. Photographs will be taken before the treatment and on follow-up visits.

What happens during the healing period?
Following Laser Resurfacing, injury to the skin will appear similar to a second-degree burn. The initial post-operative appearance looks like an abrasion, where the surface of the skin appears red and weepy. This appearance lasts for seven to fourteen days, at which time most patients can return to work. Makeup use can be resumed at that time. The treated areas can remain a pink or red color, which will gradually fade over the next two to six months and may be covered with cosmetics.

How much improvement should I expect?
In most cases, all of the wrinkles will not be entirely removed, because this may result in a plastic, rigid appearance. Instead, the goal is to improve the appearance by giving a smoother, more even surface contour. With conservative therapy, improvement of approximately 50 percent can be seen in a single treatment. If necessary, specific areas can be retreated after six months. The use of sunscreen to protect the newly resurfaced skin is highly recommended. The use of other topical medications and creams to improve and prolong the results will be discussed and initiated two to three weeks following surgery.

What are the risks?
Studies have shown Laser Resurfacing to provide excellent results with a low risk of adverse effects. However, it is clearly best to select a physician adequately trained to screen candidates and perform CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing. And, while reports of complications are uncommon, side effects are possible with any procedure where the skin surface is removed.

Hyperpigmentation (darkening skin color):
This is more common in those patients with dark complexions, and is usually temporary, lasting three to six months. This can be treated by a combination of bleaching creams and Retin A. Sunscreens and sun avoidance can minimize risks.

Hypopigmentation (lightened skin color):
This is uncommon and is temporary in most cases but may be permanent.

Erythema (redness of skin):
The areas that are treated will have a red-pink color for two to six months. This is thought to represent increased blood flow from healing as well as new growth of superficial tissue. It will fade gradually.

Induration (hardness) and Tightness:
It is not uncommon for the treated area to feel tight and itchy after seven to ten days.

Scarring:
Scarring is not anticipated as a consequence of this procedure. If it does occur, it is usually the result of some secondary factors, which interfere with healing, such as infection, irritation, scratching/picking, or poor wound care. Most of these factors only result in temporary scars that will blend with the surrounding skin over time, although some scarring can be permanent. Hypertopic scars or keloids can occur in susceptible individuals. These should respond to injections or topical agents. If you have a history of hypertopic or keloid-type scars, you may be susceptible to increased scarring.

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2010 © Total Dermatology is one of Southern California's top laser dermatology centers offering laser treatments for sundamage, pigmentation, acne and acne scars and Fraxel CO2 laser for 3 in 1 skin rejuvenation. A Nonsurgical Nose Job is possible with simple injections of Radiesse. Dr. Pilest, a Board Certified dermatologist and one of Orange County's most popular cosmetic dermatology specialists, offers patients in Orange County a wide variety of wrinkle fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, Radiesse (also known as Radiance), and Sculptra. Dr. Pilest treats patients from the Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Mission Viejo and Orange County area as well as cities throughout California, the United States and abroad. He is recognized as a master level injection specialist and is a national teaching faculty member for Bioform Medical. Dr. Pilest is well known for his expert treatments in managing Rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Home - Meet Dr. Pilest - What We Treat - Juvederm - Restylane - Sculptra Volumizer - Thermage PLUS - Fraxel - FotoFacial - Vein Laser - Velasmooth for Cellulite - Esthetician Services - Testimonials - News/Seminars - Patient Financing - Office Map & Location - Google Map - Contact Us Site Map Notice Of Privacy Practices Content Development & SEO by Dermatologist News