CO2 laser resurfacing has become one of our office’s most popular treatments, especially in the wintertime. This groundbreaking procedure can help even out your skin texture and reduce pigment issues caused by sun exposure and age.
At the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, we have a range of treatments available to help our patients improve their skin texture and tone. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend BOTOX®, Kybella®, injectable fillers, surgery, or laser skin resurfacing. If you’re hoping to reduce visible fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, or uneven pigmentation, laser resurfacing is an excellent choice.
CO2 laser resurfacing’s precision and ability to control energy levels and depth of penetration are unparalleled. Though chemical peels can often achieve beautiful results, they don’t have the same ability to target trouble spots.
This treatment is relatively gentle, but you will need to schedule about five days of downtime after your procedure to allow the skin to heal. Within two weeks, the majority of redness will be gone and you can apply makeup to cover any lasting irritation. Though the procedure is safe and effective on its own, there are a few things you can do to ensure you see the best results possible.
1. Work With a Board-Certified Surgeon
Today, there are countless med spas and BOTOX® bars all offering the same promise of aesthetic transformation, safety, and relaxation. However, inconsistent national and state legislation can make finding a trustworthy and safe provider challenging.
By working with a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office, you guarantee you’ll receive the highest level of care. Lasers are a powerful tool, and in the wrong hands, can lead to severe damage. At the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, our entire team consists of experienced, trained experts in their field.
Whether you choose to work with us or another provider, be sure to look for certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Dermatology, or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. As the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Alan Matarasso, MD, puts it – be absolutely certain your provider has attained certification to perform the specific procedure you are getting done.
2. Prepare Your Skin
Depending on your skin type, many patients benefit from some pre-procedural care. Usually, this consists of regularly applying a mixture of Retin-A, hydroquinone, and a steroid. If you have darker skin, this step can considerably improve your results.
Talk to your doctor to determine whether this is right for you. If so, generally we recommend patients begin applying the mixture one to two weeks before your appointment.
3. Post-Procedural Care
Immediately following your treatment, it’s critical to take proper care of your skin. Laser resurfacing is an injury of sorts, and you must treat it as such to maximize healing and cosmetic benefits. We’ll send you home with all the information you need to successfully care for your skin.
It’s paramount to keep the treated area moist and covered at all times. Vaseline or Aquaphor work well to this end. We can also discuss the use of Biafine, a prescription cream that recruits your skin’s mast cells. These cells aid the healing process, and many patients who use this method report quicker recovery times and less discomfort. If you’re interested in Biafine, talk to your doctor about it during your consultation.
4. Protecting Your Skin
The best way to maximize your results over the long term is to protect your skin and avoid sun exposure. The sun’s harmful rays can increase the risk of scarring, as well as hypo- or hyperpigmentation. After you’ve fully healed, it’s essential to wear a light and powerful sunblock (at least 30 SPF) every day. Ideally, you should reapply every few hours or before you go outside.
Hats can provide an added barrier to help protect your skin, too. We recommend you wear one for at least two months following your treatment. Long term, though, it never hurts to wear a hat as much as possible when outdoors. Doing so will help your results last as long as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have any questions about the laser resurfacing process or think CO2 laser resurfacing could be right for you, please give us a call at 410-744-0900 or contact us online today. During your in-person consultation at one of our two Maryland offices, we can determine if this procedure is right for you.
If not, we have a range of procedures and non-invasive treatments to fit every skin type, age, and lifestyle.