CO2 laser treatment can: remove certain types of skin cancer address cosmetic skin issues, such as fine or deep lines, wrinkles, and acne scars treat areas of skin discoloration, like sun spots and age spots However, your personal situation will vary, so not all uses may be suited to you. For example, for darker skin types, burns and hyperpigmentation can be a risk.
How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?
CO2 laser resurfacing uses pulses of laser light to remove the top layer of cells from your skin. The laser penetrates the skin’s surface, and the water in your skin cells absorbs the light. When this happens, the epidermis, or superficial layer of your skin, is vaporized. The dermis, or middle layer, heats up, stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. As the area heals, new, firmer, smoother skin replaces the old layer. Depending on what they are treating, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon might use a fractional laser, which targets smaller sections of the skin. Fractional lasers, however, don’t affect every cell like traditional CO2 lasers, so they are mostly used for fine lines or blotchy skin rather than larger areas of skin.
How to prepare :
Your skin specialist will give you instructions to prepare for treatment. Depending on your medical history, pre-care typically involves:
avoiding tanning or heavy sun exposure for 4 weeks before treatment
not using medications that cause sun sensitivity, such as doxycycline, for 3 days before treatment
taking an antiviral medication for a few days and after treatment if you have a history of herpes or shingles
quitting smoking for 2 weeks before and after treatment, since smoking can interfere with healing.
Fitzpatrick skin types
It’s important to consider how your skin type may affect how you’ll react to laser resurfacing.
Non-fractional CO2 laser is not suitableTrusted Source for Fitzpatrick skin types 3 or higher.
For skin types 3 to 6, Er:YAG lasers have a lower risk of pigmentation and scarring than CO2 lasers.
For acne scars:
Ablative carbon dioxide laser or Er:YAG lasers can be used in skin types 1 to 4 to help treat acne scars. They should not be used in skin types 5 and 6, as thermal injury commonly causes postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
For skin resurfacing:
Er:YAG lasers can be used in darker skin, but with important considerations and precautions
The procedure:
Here’s an idea of what to expect on the day of your CO2 laser treatment:
This outpatient procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the issue being addressed and the area of skin receiving treatment.
CO2 laser resurfacing does involve some pain. The level of pain you experience will depend on the depth and extent of resurfacing, the skill of the skin specialist, and your own pain tolerance.
You’ll receive a local anesthetic to prevent pain and help you relax.
Before the treatment begins, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned, and you’ll receive special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser. During the treatment, the skin specialist will move the laser wand slowly over the area of skin being treated.
You may receive an ice pack to apply to the treated area for 15 minutes to prevent swelling.
Finally, an antibacterial ointment and nonstick dressing will be applied to the treated skin. Leave this on as instructed, usually for 24 hours.
You may need more than one treatment session, depending on the treatment required and intensity of the laser used.
What are the benefits?
CO2 laser resurfacing can treat numerous cosmetic and medical skin issues, from visible signs of aging and sun damage to scars and skin cancer.
Fine lines and wrinkles
CO2 laser resurfacing can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may prove especially effective on:
crow’s feet, or lines and wrinkles under and around the eyes
lines and wrinkles on the forehead laugh lines, or those appearing around the mouth
Not only can it reduce the appearance of wrinkles right away, but it also encourages collagen production, which can improve the health of your skin over time.
Sun-damaged skin
Exposure to UV light may contribute to visible signs of skin aging, such as:
wrinkles
sagging due to decreased elasticity
rough and uneven skin texture
liver spots and sun spots
spider veins
CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly reduce the appearance of all of the above.
Baggy eyes
Loose skin above the upper and lower eyelids can cause what’s commonly known as “baggy” or “hooded eyes.”
CO2 lasers can help tighten skin, and they may also help improve eyelid skin laxity and minimize the appearance of baggy eyes.
Acne scars
CO2 laser treatment helps reduce the appearance of acne scarring by stimulating collagen production that helps tighten and smooth out the scars.
That said, it may not work on all types of acne scars.
Warts
Dermatologists usually recommend other treatment methods, like over-the-counter remedies or freezing, for warts. But they may use lasers on warts that don’t respond to other treatments.
Sebaceous hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs when sebum gets trapped in an oil gland. When this happens, the gland becomes enlarged and causes a small, waxy bump on the skin, usually on the face. While harmless, some people have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
CO2 lasers can effectively remove these bumps and prevent them from growing back, though some research suggests that an erbium laser may be a better option. A 2020 review found that treatment with an erbium laser often only requires one session and involves fewer side effects than CO2 and other lasers.
Skin cancer
CO2 lasers can help prevent or treat skin cancers by shrinking and destroying tissue with little bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue.
Skin specialist can use CO2 lasers on pre-cancerous actinic keratoses or, in some cases, to treat certain types of early stage skin cancer.
Safety and side effects CO2 lasers have been used since the early 1960sTrusted Source and are considered safe and effective.
Still, like most procedures, CO2 laser resurfacing does involve some risk. Having the treatment performed by a reputable, board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can greatly minimize your risk of complications.
Common side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing include:
some skin discoloration and swelling
skin that feels raw, similar to a mild sunburn itching
dryness and peeling
sun sensitivity
Deeper, more extensive resurfacing can leave your skin looking and feeling like it might after severe sunburn. Your skin might also ooze and blister.
