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LOOKIN’ GOOD Looking Younger as You Grow Older? Have You Heard of CO2 Laser?

By Dr. Hansel DeBartolo

One of my patients, Linda (not her real name) was recently planning her third wedding. She loved the way her skin looked after the last CO2 laser treatment I gave her and, wanting to look her best for her wedding, she planned the big day around when I could provide the treatment.

While I have personally witnessed the dramatic results that can be obtained, you can imagine my surprise when Linda brought in her wedding pictures – along with the pictures from her first wedding. Laying the pictures side by side, there was no question that Linda looked better at her third wedding than at her first!

So what is this CO2 laser treatment that Linda received? In my office I have 13 different lasers, each with a different use and purpose. The CO2 is a state of the art laser which physically removes very small amounts of skin layers at a time. It is sometimes referred to as a “laser peel” or “resurfacing.” How does CO2 laser treatment work?

As we age, our skin layers become thinner due to a loss of collagen. The CO2 laser combines carbon dioxide with electricity and other gases to create a laser light. When applied to the skin surface, the heat from the laser light vaporizes small parts of the skin, which parts are then gently removed. The healing process stimulates your skin to produce more collagen which reduces the depth of wrinkle lines in the face and leaves the skin looking plumper and younger.

The treatment also reduces pigmentation in the skin and increases the skin’s elasticity. It can be used in conjunction with Botox® or fillers to further reduce the very deep wrinkles and lines on your face. The end result is a facial appearance that makes you look longer and reduces wrinkles – all without surgery, scalpels or stitches.

Since some skin types may need pre-treatment or multiple treatments to achieve desired results, consultation with a competent practitioner is recommended. There is no need for sedation and there is minimum discomfort associated with the process. Though the treated area will appear red for a couple days after treatment, normal activities can be resumed immediately. While the procedure should be performed by a trained and experienced practitioner, the treatment is safe for most medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, although some conditions may require pretreatment or preventative antibiotics. An evaluation prior to treatment is strongly recommended to determine whether pre-treatments or multiple treatments will be needed.

For more extensive information about CO2 laser, BOTOX® or other cosmetic procedures, please visit my website