The use of lasers in medicine and surgery has made tremendous progress since the 1990s and, in the field of dermatology, is now recognized to be effective in the treatment of hemangiomas, nevi dauda, sinuses, telangiectasias, etc. For example, for melasma, ephedrine and lentils, the laser is now the treatment of choice for superficial pigmented lesions. For example, for superficial pigmented lesions such as melasma, ephedrine, and age-related lentils: in fact, lasers are now the treatment of choice for many indications. As a benchmark for undergoing laser surgery and medical treatment, certain conditions are now indications for which laser is reimbursable by the Japanese National Health Insurance system. Lasers are also considered effective for the treatment of common skin conditions, including but not limited to warts, warts, senile warts, molluscum contagiosum, warts, condyloma, common warts, vitiligo, white patches, skin ulcers, ingrown toenails, and psoriasis vulgaris. Laser therapy is also used in the field of aesthetic dermatology to treat hair loss and acne, and there are many devices designed for facial aesthetics that can be used to treat photoaged and chronologically aged skin, including wrinkles and sagging.

What is a CO2 laser?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers were one of the first gas lasers to be used and are still the highest-powered continuous-wave lasers available today. For skin resurfacing treatments, the laser removes the outermost layer of damaged skin, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin underneath. This laser produces an effect similar to that of chemical peels or microdermabrasion. However, the skin can be removed without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive equipment.

Advantages of using CO2 laser for surface recoating

The small laser is gentle enough to treat delicate skin around the eyes and mouth, while the large laser is powerful enough to treat thicker skin on the forehead and cheeks. The CO2 laser has been used to treat the following problem areas of the face.

Deep Wrinkles

Changes in skin texture due to sun damage

Skin Spots

Acne and surgical scars

Trauma-induced scars

Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The development of the fractional CO2 laser is considered by many aesthetic professionals to be the most significant cosmetic treatment breakthrough in the past 15 years. The technology maintains the benefits and versatility of CO2 laser resurfacing but without the harsh side effects and extended downtimes that often accompanied these procedures.

Our fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is truly unique, versatile, and individualized to each person's particular skin type and skin thinness. Fractional CO2 laser treatments are an excellent choice for reducing the appearance of fine to very deep etched lines and wrinkles and can be also be used to improve acne scarring, tighten skin, help reduce pore size, and treat uneven skin tones, roughened skin texture, and brown spots.

Before the emergence of fractional lasers, laser skin resurfacing removed the skin's entire upper surface. Healing required extended periods of downtime. In contrast, the fractional CO2 laser transmits small columns of laser energy, making pinpoint treatment sites while targeting the deeper layers of the skin. The development of new collagen and elastin is triggered, and the skin surrounding the tiny treatment sites helps the skin to heal more quickly and safely.

CO2 VS Fractional C02 LASER

Fractional CO2 is a safer, more effective treatment than traditional fully ablative C02 laser, with minimal side effects. Benefits of fractional CO2 Laser treatment include

Less downtime compared to ablative CO2 lasers (7-10 days vs. 3-4 weeks)

Minimizes the chance of scarring, permanent hyperpigmentation, etc.

No need for complete anesthesia

Reduce skin age by 5-10 years

Reduces wrinkles, sunburn and acne scars

Improves skin tightening

How do I know which laser treatment is best for me?

The best way to determine which laser treatment is best for you is to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience evaluating and operating high-quality lasers. During your consultation, Dr. Miller will spend a great deal of time examining your skin and listening to your concerns. He will also take the time to educate you on the safety and effectiveness of different laser technologies and systems. The two of you will work together to select the best laser treatment plan for you to achieve the best results.

Will the laser treatment adversely affect my existing dermal fillers?

No. Typically, most of our laser skin resurfacing treatments in Orange County are unable to penetrate deep enough to not interfere with existing dermal fillers. The combination of fillers and laser resurfacing surfaces may be very effective in improving facial contours as well as the color, tone and texture of the skin. Many people choose to combine dermal resurfacing treatments with fillers.

How do I know if my skin is too dark for CO2 laser resurfacing?

Skin type is an important factor in evaluating a patient's suitability for CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Certain skin types have a higher risk of irregular pigmentation, and the CO2 fraction of the laser can be adjusted to meet the needs of most skin types.

Is laser skin resurfacing painful?

No. For fractional CO2 laser surgery, a series of steps will be taken to ensure that your procedure is very comfortable. A specially prepared local anesthetic lotion is applied to your skin for approximately 60-90 minutes. During this time, oral sedation is provided. In addition to targeted local numbing injections, other sedatives and painkillers are also provided prior to the procedure. We have found this series of steps to be very effective, with most patients not feeling any laser pulses at all, and making the treatment surprisingly comfortable from start to finish.

What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing can effectively reduce the appearance of fine to deeply etched lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, discoloration and acne scars. In addition to making the skin look younger and smoother, laser skin resurfacing can also tighten the skin, resulting in a more refreshed appearance.