WHAT IS CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing stimulates new collagen growth for smoother and tighter skin in the treatment area. CO2 laser devices work by delivering focused columns of strong heat energy into the skin, causing water within the skin cells to rapidly heat. The heat creates controlled damage to the surrounding tissue to trigger the body’s natural healing response.
Over the course of three to seven days, the skin self-exfoliates to expose fresh, new skin with improved tone and texture. In just a few weeks, you’ll be fully healed with brighter, more youthful looking skin. Collagen production will increase over time for gradual, ongoing improvements.
CO2 lasers can be used all over the face and body. In fact, Dr. Emer is so experienced that he can actually take the CO2 laser right to the eyelash line, for precise results that are also perfectly safe.
Dr. Emer often uses CO2 lasers as part of complex combination treatments for conditions such as acne scarring or to improve the appearance of surgical scars in procedures such as facelifts, neck-lifts, or mommy makeovers (tummy tucks and breast lifts). CO2 laser skin resurfacing can also treat scars from traumatic injuries and burns.
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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING?
WHAT IS THE BEST CO2 LASER FOR ME?
The CO2 laser devices used by Dr. Emer are considered ablative lasers, which means the surface of the skin is purposefully wounded as part of the treatment. While CO2 laser devices have this in common, there are distinct differences between the various CO2 lasers in Dr. Emer’s extensive collection.
Based on the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and skin concerns, Dr. Emer will select the CO2 laser device that can deliver the best outcome. At his Beverly Hills medical practice, Dr. Emer often relies on the Deka Dot ablative fractional laser, the Lumenis UltraPulse laser, and the DeepFX and ActiveFX lasers for CO2 laser skin resurfacing.
DEKA DOT
ABLATIVE FRACTIONAL LASER
A powerful ablative fractional laser, Deka Dot is a resurfacing system that allows Dr. Emer to rejuvenate the skin, improve fine lines, and correct pigment irregularities and skin texture. One treatment session can provide visible results.
The Deka Dot laser is powerful yet gentle enough that even sensitive areas like the skin around the eyes can be treated for a subtle eye lift. Treatments are customized with various depths, passes, and energy based on your ultimate goals.
Once skin has been thoroughly treated, a soothing serum is applied and a bandage may be applied. Stimulated collagen production begins immediately.
Lumenis Ultrapulse
CO2 LASER RESURFACING, COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIST DR. JASON EMER
If you are concerned about scars, sun damage, signs of aging around the eyes and mouth, and neck lines, then Lumenis UltraPulse may be the solution. The Lumenis UltraPulse is an incredibly versatile fractional CO2 laser system. With three treatment options in one device, the UltraPulse allows Dr. Emer to tailor laser skin resurfacing procedures to the precise needs of each unique patient.
UltraPulse DeepFX can provide deep, concentrated microablation for small spot treatments. The UltraPulse ActiveFX option can target a larger treatment area at a more superficial level. Combining DeepFX and ActiveFX creates the TotalFX treatment, which can comprehensively address fine lines and superficial blemishes as well as deeper wrinkles and more pronounced scars.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an aggressive skin rejuvenation treatment. Dr. Emer will ensure your comfort during the procedure by administering nitrous gas, nerve blocks, topical creams, and/or oral medications as needed.
Before beginning your laser skin resurfacing procedure, the treatment area will be cleansed, and you will be given eye protection to wear for the duration of the laser skin resurfacing session.
Dr. Emer will then calibrate the laser device to most effectively treat your unique skin. He will meticulously direct the laser device across the treatment area to vaporize damaged, superficial skin cells.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Downtime can be minimal or extensive depending on the intensity of your treatment. Redness and swelling are normal after laser skin resurfacing. Patients may appear to have a mild to severe sunburn, with similar discomfort to that associated with an actual sunburn.
The most aggressive CO2 laser skin treatments can cause a crust to form over the skin. It is important not to pick at the crust in order to prevent scarring.
Within a week or less of your procedure, the dead skin will start to peel away. The new layer of skin that is revealed after peeling will be pink initially. As you continue to heal, the pink color will fade.
CO2 LASER RESURFACING FOR ACNE SCARS
Dr. Emer uses, among other devices and techniques, the DeepFX and ActiveFX CO2 laser treatments to help resurface skin that has been damaged by acne scars. First, Dr. Emer uses DeepFX at a strong intensity to send focused laser energy deep into the tissue to remodel old scar tissue.
Next, Dr. Emer uses a feathering technique with ActiveFX to evenly dehydrate the outermost layer of skin. This causes the skin to scab. Over the next five to 10 days, the dead skin cells will flake off to reveal a healthier, more beautiful complexion.
CO2 LASERS FOR WRINKLES & SUN DAMAGE
Sun damage and wrinkles are two of the most common signs of aging that affect our skin. Sun damage can be the beginning stage of actinic keratosis, a form of precancer that can lead to the development of squamous cell carcinomas.
Actinic keratosis appears as scaly patches on the skin. CO2 laser skin resurfacing can remove these rough patches to prevent skin cancer and improve skin texture.
Wrinkles form as our natural production of collagen declines with age. CO2 laser skin resurfacing promotes increased collagen production in the dermal layer to minimize deeper wrinkles and encourage firmer, tighter skin.
Targeting the top layers of the skin, carbon dioxide and an ultra-pulse beam is used to eliminate aging and damaged cells. Microscopic heat channels are created to promote collagen production, and blood vessels are cleared and tightened, giving off a renewed texture and brighter complexion.
CO2 LASER COMBINATION TREATMENTS
CO2 Lasers are an excellent complement to a number of other cosmetic and medical treatments, including those for fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and skin laxity. CO2 lasers promote collagen production and reduce recovery time.
Dr. Emer often uses it as part of more complex combination treatments for conditions such as acne scarring, or as a complement to surgeries such as facelifts and neck-lifts. In fact, CO2 laser therapy can accomplish more than any other procedure in 60- to 90-minute sessions. New collagen production can continue for months and years.
Targeting the top layers of the skin, carbon dioxide and an ultra-pulse beam is used to eliminate aging and damaged cells. Microscopic heat channels are created to promote collagen production, and blood vessels are cleared and tightened, giving off a renewed texture and brighter complexion.
CO2 LASER TREATMENTS TO ENHANCE SURGICAL PROCEDURES
At Dr. Emer’s Beverly Hills medical practice, plastic surgeries are often combined with complementary procedures, such as laser resurfacing treatments, in order to provide complete rejuvenation in the treated area.
After plastic surgeries like facelifts, neck lifts, and tummy tucks, Dr. Emer can perform laser skin resurfacing to ensure that the skin looks as youthful as your enhanced facial or body contours. Using the ablative CO2 or erbium resurfacing lasers, Dr. Emer is able to:
- Improve deep layers of scarred and sun-damaged skin
- Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- Provide additional skin tightening
- Create smooth, vibrant, and evenly textured skin
- Decrease discoloration and pore size
- Promote cell regeneration and long-term collagen production for a more vibrant appearance
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BEFORE & AFTER
TESTIMONIALS
HOW DOES DR. EMER DO CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING DIFFERENTLY?
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CO2 LASER SKIN TREATMENT AFTERCARE
Dr. Emer will help speed up healing with customized aftercare protocols. He often recommends stem cells and growth factors (PRP/Acell), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV therapy, topical skincare from his Emerage Skin product line, and red LED light therapy to accelerate healing.
As part of your aftercare instructions, Dr. Emer will advise you regarding an at-home skincare regimen to support optimal improvements. It is vital that you follow his recommendations for cleansing the area, protecting the new, healthy skin with appropriate skincare products, and preventing sun damage with consistent use of an approved sunscreen.
HOW MUCH DOES CO2 LASER RESURFACING COST?
The cost of your CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment will be based on the size of the treatment area and the techniques required to resolve your unique skin concerns. Dr. Emer has garnered worldwide recognition for his advanced combination treatments.
His approach to skin rejuvenation often combines CO2 laser treatments with complementary procedures to take your results to the next level. Incorporating companion procedures to enhance your CO2 laser results will affect the overall price of your CO2 laser treatment.
