Are you considering laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate your skin and reduce fine lines, uneven texture, or scars?
You're not alone. Laser resurfacing treatments have gained popularity among those seeking to improve skin tone and texture. Boston Center for Plastic Surgery offers CO2 laser resurfacing using the Lumenis AcuPulse™. Discover what CO2 laser resurfacing can do for you, and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons today.
Laser resurfacing utilizes beams of light energy to renew and improve the skin. Various types of laser skin resurfacing treatments are available, differing in depth and targeted areas. Lasers are versatile and effective for addressing various cosmetic skin concerns.
AcuPulse is a CO2 laser treatment system offering eleven different treatment options. During skin resurfacing with AcuPulse, the laser can penetrate deeply to minimize severe creases and lines or provide gentler treatment for superficial lines, discoloration, and minor skin imperfections.
The choice of laser used during resurfacing treatment determines the extent of results and recovery time. AcuPulse offers various options, including fractional ablative or traditional fully ablative treatments. It can also treat small growths on the body, such as syringomas, pearly penile papules, rhinophymatous rosacea, birthmarks, and more.
This treatment causes less skin damage by leaving areas of undamaged skin, resulting in safer and quicker healing. It reaches the deeper skin layers, stimulating new collagen production and skin remodeling. Fractional ablative laser treatments are commonly used for fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, such as those from acne or surgery.
This treatment produces the most dramatic results by removing the top skin layer, resulting in more intense wrinkle improvement. Recovery from fully ablative laser treatment usually takes longer than non-ablative treatment, allowing the skin to fully heal and regenerate. Fully ablative treatments are often used for deep wrinkles around the mouth and to treat loose upper eyelid skin.
A gentler, fully ablative treatment can improve sun damage and brown spots, resulting in a laser peel. This procedure has shorter healing and recovery times and effectively removes sun damage and brown spots in one session.
How is CO2 laser resurfacing different from other laser treatments?
Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt?
What should I avoid before laser treatment?
When can I expect results?
How long will results last after laser resurfacing?
Will I need repeat treatments?
Will I need time off from work after laser resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing targets water within the skin, making it suitable for addressing severe skin concerns like deep wrinkles and scarring.
Patients typically feel a sensation of heat during treatment, but numbing ointment is applied to minimize discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience a sunburn-like sensation but no pain.
To reduce the risk of side effects, avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks before treatment. Discontinue the use of products containing retinol, sunless tanners, and sunbeds. Dr. Miller, Dr. Doherty,and Dr. Michelon will provide guidance during your consultation and pre-treatment visit.
Results appear as the skin heals and collagen production increases, typically within four weeks of treatment. Skin continues to improve over 3-4 months.
The duration of results depends on factors like your skin type, sun exposure, and skin care after treatment.
You can have AcuPulse treatments as needed to maintain or enhance results. Discuss the best treatment schedule with Dr. Doherty.
Typically, patients take three to seven days off work after CO2 laser resurfacing, but downtime varies based on the treatment type.
