What are the risks of CO2 laser?

What can go wrong with CO2 laser?

These complications included patchy erythema, demarcation zones, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, acne, scarring, herpes infection, bacterial infection, Candida infection, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, ectropion, and lack of desired result.

Is CO2 laser harmful?

Results: The incidence of side effects are generally very low for CO2 laser resurfacing, including scarring, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and infection. However, there is a significant and previously unreported risk of hypopigmentation in an area of the population who often seek improvement in the appearance.

Is CO2 fractional laser safe?

Unfortunately, the fractional CO2 laser is not for everyone. Individuals with extensive breakouts, open wounds, or any infections on the face are advised to stay away from this skin procedure. People who take oral isotretinoin should also avoid the procedure as it poses a risk for health and safety.

Is CO2 laser treatment worth it?

The revolutionary CO2 fractional laser is a great treatment for those patients who are suffering from severe sun damage, deeper wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, as well as acne scars. It also offers the benefits of skin tightening, a smooth and even complexion, and a radiant glow with just one session.

Skin Discoloration after Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars: Risks, Alternatives, and Treatments

How often should you get CO2 laser?

Experts agree that the effects last for as long as eight years or even longer. CO2 laser skin resurfacing rarely requires any repeated treatment. If your doctor is doing a facelift, they may go over the same area on your skin very lightly once more. Otherwise, you no longer have to go through the procedure again.

How long is recovery after CO2 laser?

After CO₂ laser treatment, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to heal. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time. Follow the guidelines below to help your skin heal and prevent infection. Once your CO₂ laser treatment is done, your nurse will give you an ice pack to cover the treated area.

Can laser damage face?

In most cases, laser resurfacing is very precise and causes little damage to the surrounding skin and tissue. It is done most often on the face. But it may be done on skin in other areas of the body, such as the hands, neck, and chest.

Can CO2 laser cause scarring?

The two most notable and well documented side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing are scarring and delayed onset hypopigmentation. Tissue ablation and thermal coagulation of the dermis are thought to drive the robust dermal remodeling that translates into clinical improvement following CO2 laser resurfacing.

What are the side effects of laser treatment on face?

What does your skin look like after CO2 laser?

You'll have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister.

Does skin peel after CO2 laser?

Skin peeling is expected after fractional laser treatments. This is the old superficial layer of skin peeling off to reveal the fresh new skin underneath. Peeling usually starts about 3 days post treatment and is gone by 7 to 10 days.

Are CO2 laser results permanent?

The results of the QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 Laser are permanent, dramatically reducing the need for any over-the-counter facial beauty products. The Dermatology Institute of Southern California is pleased to offer you the very best in facial skin care.

How many CO2 treatments are needed?

How many CO2 treatments will I need? Most patients only need one CO2 treatment to see results; However, some patients with deeper wrinkles or scarring may need multiple treatments to see results.

How do you sleep after CO2 laser?

After Surgery

This can be done by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath your head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks helps to ensure this. Following your laser procedure, a Silon dressing will be applied over your face.

How long does face stay red after CO2 laser?

For most fractionated CO2 treatments, treatment redness is expected to fade to a light pink and then resolve within several weeks to 2 or 3 months. For full field CO2 laser resurfacing, redness takes longer to resolve and some pink may still be noticeable 4-6 months after treatment.

How long does hyperpigmentation last after CO2 laser?

In our experience if treatment is begun early after diagnosis, the hyperpigmentation always clears within 2 to 6 weeks.

Which is better Fraxel or CO2 laser?

Fraxel™ laser¨: Either laser can be used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, or texture. But Fractional CO2 is our first choice for sun damage, wrinkles, and texture while the Fraxel laser is our first choice for acne scars. These choices are purely based on which laser is more effective for each condition.

What is the best skin resurfacing treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing is the best option for most patients thanks to the relatively short treatment time, proven rejuvenating effects, and long-lasting results. Treatment is quick and involves little to no discomfort.

What is the best laser for skin tightening?

IPL. When it comes to the best laser skin tightening treatment, Thermage and IPL are both excellent options that can provide for firmer, younger looking skin with little to no side effects and zero recovery time.

Is CO2 laser surgery painful?

The study concluded CO2 laser surgery caused minimal pain and swelling and it may be an alternative to scalpel surgery in treating oral leukoplakia.

How can I speed up healing after CO2 laser?

Which is better Microneedling or CO2 laser?

Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments. Because lasers deliver heat to the skin we see more side effects (such as temporary darkening or bruising) and longer downtime due to post-treatment swelling and redness.

Is laser good for your face?

“Lasers are great tools that can help improve various problems of the skin, such as acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and even tattoos and loose skin,” says the New York City–based dermatologist Tara Rao, MD.

Should you laser your face?

Laser hair removal can be performed anywhere on the face, such as the upper lip and chin. But you should avoid lasers when removing hair from around the eyelids and surrounding areas.