CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 resurfacing laser (called CO2RE) is one of the most known and versatile wrinkle warriors in the laser industry, and at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. Tunable and able to deliver fully targeted treatments, clients enjoy minimal downtime for eyelid skin rejuvenation or fully ablative resurfacing when needed such as with traumatic or severe acne scars. It is a true Jack of all trades. When used by experienced and trained hands in its fractional fusion mode, CO2RE can reduce the effects of the fun we all have in California sun, minimize signs of aging, and enhance the tone and texture in one fast pass. In its deep mode, it can tackle surgical scars or deep “smoker’s lines” like nobody’s business!
Meet Our Lasers
CO2 Fractionated laser vs. Full CO2 laser
The CO2 laser is completely tunable and can be tailored for a client’s specific needs including the severity of the skin issue and your age. It is a CO2 Fractionated laser and Full CO2 laser in one, and in the right laser-trained hands you’ll experience incredible results. In the wrong hands, the results are not effective and can even be damaging. You deserve leading experts with the skills, training, experience, and tools to help you get results you’ll love.
This laser is a favorite for clients that have limited time to complete treatments and cannot return for multiple milder treatments. If you want to do one treatment and be done, the classic CO2 laser is the most powerful device available and is generally reserved for trauma or more significant scarring. While both CO2 Fractionated and Full CO2 can be tuned up or down in strength, we work with our patients to first understand their skin concerns and then make treatment recommendations.
What To Expect: CO2 Fractionated Laser Resurfacing
The Candela CO2Re Fractional laser is a versatile resurfacing laser and can fit any client’s needs as it can be tuned to deliver mild treatment for superficial sun damage and lines or more aggressive treatment to improve deeper lines, more severe sun damage, and surgical or traumatic scars even pre-cancerous lesions. Some of CO2RE impressive characteristics include:
- It can be fine-tuned to deliver great results in delicate areas like upper or lower eyelids as well as deep peri-oral “smoker” lines
- It is capable of fractional as well as full resurfacing
- It’s great for patients who want a one and done experience
- CO2 Fractional laser can help with deeper acne or post-traumatic scarring
- There are just 7 – 10 days of downtime
- Fantastic at minimizing wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots
- It has the capability to deliver treatments to multiple skin layers in one single pass
- It’s been described as a non-surgical facelift (yes, the results are that incredible!)
CO2 Fractionated Laser Resurfacing does have a little longer recovery when used in its more aggressive mode to treat the deep layers within the skin. This is ideal for patients who are seeking wish to avoid surgery but enjoy noticeable results. Lasers can also be paired with facelifts or eyelid surgeries to optimize and prolong surgical results.
Lighter lasers, such as the Fraxel Dual, need multiple treatments to achieve comparable results, whereas the Clear + Brilliant laser, although a great entry-level laser for the ones in their 30’s or clients with no option for prolonged downtime, cannot approach the “non-surgical facelift like results” that patients achieve with fewer CO2 fractional laser treatments in a short period of time. Post-treatment redness can last up to eight weeks, but is easily covered by makeup or tinted moisturizer after the initial recovery period.
Full CO2 Laser Resurfacing
The fully ablative mode of the CO2Re laser is rarely used these days and is reserved for only the most severe cases. Those with post-surgical or serious trauma and scarring may be a candidate for this laser (depending on the trauma or scar location), but might better benefit from the CO2 fractional laser. The best way to find out which laser—or lasers—is right for you is to talk with the pros at your Palo Alto Laser Center.
FAQs About Treating Veins
Lasers and light therapies are the most effective non-surgical treatments for almost every skin condition. Which laser is best for your skin concern will vary on your skin type (melanin), condition of your skin, area of your body being treated and others. However, you can rest easy knowing that we do have the right laser for you in our lineup. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to review your goals and we’ll together build a treatment plan.
Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, your safety and comfort are always our top priority. Discomfort varies person to person and laser to laser. To make your treatment more comfortable, we use topical numbing prior to any laser treatments with any discomfort. To make your experience even better we offer the latest in comfort therapy-the Pro-Nox. The patient administered analgesia system is safe (it is used during labor) and clears out of your body within minutes, so there is no need for anybody to pick you up or drive you.
Although CO2Re results last the longest from the resurfacing lasers line, results are not forever. The aging process is fluid and continues, partly directed by our genetics. However, we are also partly responsible through our actions such as wearing or not wearing daily sunscreen, smoking, or having too much fun in the sun. The CO2 Fractionated laser can yield beautiful results for several years when properly maintained with complementary treatments like Botox, fillers, Fraxel Dual, or microneedling.
Before and After Photos*
Individual results may vary, please schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and we’ll put together a custom treatment plan that’s right for your skin.
Top Image: Results at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. 3 additional results provided by Candela CO2RE.