Fractionated C02RE Laser Skin Resurfacing™ in St. Louis
What is fractionated laser resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing™ removes sun damage, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, crow’s feet, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. Combining the effectiveness of the traditional carbon dioxide laser — the gold standard in wrinkle removal — with a new application technique, the CO2RE? delivers powerful results without the traditional side effects. The undesired skin literally evaporates due to its high water content.
What is fractionated laser resurfacing useful for?
Fine to moderate wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and cheeks can be significantly improved. However, wrinkles caused by facial expressions such as horizontal forehead lines and nasolabial folds are less responsive. Lines that are only visible during muscle contraction do not respond to laser resurfacing and alternate treatment such as Botox® injections should be considered.
Most acne scars can be improved with fractionated laser resurfacing. Deep acne scars (“ice pick”) may need to be first surgically removed.
Sun damaged skin including blotchiness, brown spots, yellowish discoloration, irregularity and keratoses (pre-cancers) can all be improved and replaced with younger-appearing skin.
What will happen during fractionated resurfacing?
The treatment is done under local anesthesia. After treatment Aquaphor ointment is applied to the treated area.
What will happen after fractionated resurfacing?
Strict adherence to all advised postoperative instructions will reduce the possibility of unwanted side effects and complications, which include:
- Temporary redness, swelling, and slight crusting and oozing (usually subsides within 5 to 7 days)
- Infrequently, skin rawness or exacerbation of a pre-existing cold sore can occur.
- Long-term risks of discoloration and scarring are rare, but can potentially occur whenever there is disruption of the skin’s surface.
The improvement in wrinkles or acne scars is gradual, as new collagen is laid down during the 6-12 months after fractionated resurfacing
What are possible side effects?
Because the fractionated resurfacing lasers are so precise, with only a portion of the skin surface being treated, the risk of complications is minimized. Even in the most experienced surgeon’s hands, the following complications may very rarely occur: Infection, cold sores, skin darkening, skin lightening, demarcation lines or patches, persistent redness, skin depressions or scarring, flaring of acne, and eczema.
In order to minimize the risk of complications it is important to follow all postoperative wound care instructions completely.
How do I prepare for fractionated resurfacing?
You may be prescribed a couple of antibiotic prescriptions to start taking on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before treatment and after treatment for as long as
area remains red or pink. - Purchase
Large tube of Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Bottle of white vinegar - Take the medications as prescribed on the morning of the procedure.
- Remove makeup and/or jewelry.
- Remove contact lenses if the area around the eyes will be treated.
- Wear clothing that buttons down front (no pullovers).
- Have someone come with you who can drive you home if the area around the eyes will
be treated.
When will I see results?
Whereas a series of treatments is recommended for many other cosmetic treatment techniques, results can be achieved with only just one or two CO2 fractional laser treatments™. Most patients start to notice improvements in their skin as early as 1 week after the treatment. Continued improvements occur for the next 6 months and peak at around 6 months. At that time, the need for an additional treatment can be determined.
For emergencies at night or during the weekend, call (314) 878-3839, leave a message
and the doctor will contact you shortly thereafter.
Contact us to schedule a consultation at our St. Louis, MO office today.