A Carbon Dioxide laser (CO2 Laser) provides a new surface to the skin through its beams of light. It was very popular in the 80's to rejuvenate the skin and treat damaged skin.
Laser light is emitted by short, concentrated beams of light which target water in skin cells, removing cells from the epidermis, making it fresher, clearer and newer.
At the same time it penetrates deep into the dermis to stimulate the production of new collagen which will give the skin more firmness and clarity later.
CO2 laser treatment is targeted at fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentary disorders due to sun damage and aging; acne scars, stretch marks and texture disorders on the face, neck and décolleté.
It can also treat benign lesions such as warts, birthmarks, as well as some types of cancer.
Rhinophyma, which is a skin problem in which the nose thickens and grows, can also be treated with a CO2 laser.
The CO2 laser resurfacing procedure can include the entire face or a portion depending on what concerns the patient.
There are two types of CO2 laser: Ablative and Fractionated. The main difference between them is the amount of skin that each removes.
The Ablative CO2 laser completely removes the skin in the treatment area as its name says. It removes the entire top layer of skin and heats deep within the dermis to trigger a regenerative healing response that leads to collagen and elastin production.
The Fractionated CO2 laser, on the other hand, releases light beams in the form of columns, leaving healthy skin with a pixelated pattern between them, so recovery is much faster. Treatment is considered less aggressive.