If you are looking for a non-invasive yet incredibly effective way to restore, refresh and revitalize your skin, the chances are good that you have at least considered having a CO2 laser resurfacing procedure.
As is the case with most laser treatments, CO2 laser resurfacing offers some incredible benefits with very few side effects.
If you are curious about CO2 laser resurfacing, the time it takes to heal, and lots of other great information to help you make your decision about it, then you have come to the right place!
Let’s break down all of the most important information about CO2 laser resurfacing together.
What is CO2 laser resurfacing used to treat?
It is essential to know that there are several different types of laser treatments, and doctors often apply them to different issues or on different types of skin. However, when it comes to CO2 laser resurfacing, it is most commonly used to treat scars, warts, wrinkles, and other deeper forms of skin flaws.
The other lasers include erbium lasers, pulsed-dye lasers, intense pulsed light lasers, and fractional lasers. When you meet with the trained professional you are interested in getting your procedure done by, the chances are good that they will offer you different options in terms of what you are looking to treat. If the issues above are at the top of your list of things that you want to take care of, the chances are good that you will end up with Fractional CO2 as the best possible option.
How long does CO2 laser resurfacing take to heal?
While laser treatments are typically considered to be non-surgical treatments, that does not necessarily mean that every patient will be able to go along with their typical schedule following the procedure.
Furthermore, many people will be able to get the treatment done and continue living their normal routines immediately. All this to say is that every patient and procedure is unique depending on many different factors.
Ultimately, the period that recovery may take spans between no time at all and up to two to three weeks of the healing process. This depends on the depth of penetration of the lasers, the type of lasers used, the patient’s health, and their general healing rate.
Still, just because healing time can take several weeks, that does not mean that a patient with a longer healing time will have to spend the entire time cooped up indoors. In fact, laser treatments are outpatient treatments because once the procedure is finished, the patient can go home almost immediately after.
Mostly, longer recovery times just mean that the skin will be raw, red, and scabbed over as it heals. Beyond that, the patient may feel some physical discomfort around the laser treatment area. Additionally, patients with longer healing times may have to put certain activities on hold, such as activities that expose the patient to UV rays and exercise that can lead to possible irritation and infection, such as swimming and gym workouts.
How much does CO2 Laser Resurfacing cost?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure in all circumstances and because of that, insurance companies do not cover it.
For that reason, it is obviously quite important for everyone considering laser treatment to make sure that they can find an option within their budget. Still, everyone considering any kind of laser treatment should always prioritize experience, reputation, and reviews over cheapness.
So, when it comes to laser treatments overall, non-ablative laser treatments will typically run you just over $1,000 per session, while ablative treatments are likely to cost you around $2,300 per session.
The total treatment cost is also going to heavily depend on how many sessions you need on top of the size of the area you want to treat.
What to expect from the CO2 Laser?
Just like every type of medical procedure, there is a certain amount of preparation that will take place before. Here is what you can generally expect leading up to the procedure.
Step 1. Skin Preparation
Before the laser resurfacing treatment even takes place, you need to prepare your skin. This consists of routines that you start a couple of weeks in advance and between treatments. This is to increase the skin’s natural tolerance to the lasers. This can make the treatment less painful and can also reduce the risk of side effects.
Step 2. NumbingÂ
On the day of the actual procedure, the doctor will first apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. This is to reduce overall pain during the treatment, making it as comfortable as possible. However, in some cases – especially if a larger area of the body is the target – the doctor doing the procedure may elect to put the patient under a general anesthetic.
Step 3. Cleansing
Up next, a medical professional will cleanse your skin to remove excess dirt, oil, and bacteria. This ensures that the procedure is as effective as possible and reduces the risk of infection following the procedure.
Step 4. Applying Laser
The treatment will begin using the selected laser. During the procedure, a medical professional will move the laser slowly and methodically. This movement is to make sure that laser exposure is as successful and impactful as possible.
Step 5. Applying Protective Dressing
Finally, a medical professional will help the patient to wrap the treatment area with a protective dressing. This protection is very important to the skin at the end of the procedure. After that, the doctor will let the patient know how to care for the healing skin. The doctor will also help the patient to manage any possible discomfort or pain.
Conclusion
Now that you know about CO2 laser treatment, you may want to do a free consultation. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to start looking for possible doctors and Med spas that can carry it out for you. Remember though, never make such decisions based on price. Always go to the most skillful and most experienced practitioners. It’s your body!
Treatment Plans & Payment Plans
If you look for treatment plans that can get you solid results without breaking the bank, click here to see our Treatment Plans.
Read more like this:
Fractional CO2 Laser for Sun Damage
6 Laser Resurfacing Benefits You Need To Know About
What Is Laser Resurfacing? Your Complete Guide
Â