The Center for Eye and Laser Surgery of Severna Park, Maryland is proud to offer CO2 laser resurfacing for our patients.
CO2 laser resurfacing uses quick pulses of light energy to remove the very top layer of the skin, or epidermis, to allow the newer skin to emerge. This not only removes the appearance of wrinkles, bags under the eyes, sun and liver spots and scars, but stimulates the body into producing more collagen and elastin. These are substances that form a springy sort of underlayment for the skin and keep it supple and youthful looking.
There are many types of lasers that are used in cosmetic surgeries and treatments, but the CO2 laser is renown for being accurate. It only affects the targeted area while leaving healthy skin untouched. It does so by only vaporizing specific skin cells. The laser can also be used like a fine scalpel and can assist in blepharoplasty and other types of skin treatments. When the CO2 laser is used, it produces less loss of blood and therefore less bruising.
Before the laser resurfacing session, the patient will have a consultation with the surgeon to make sure that he or she is a good candidate for the procedure. The doctor will tell the patient to stop smoking, if he or she smokes, and stop taking certain medications or vitamin supplements that thin the blood. Both smoking and blood thinning medications can interfere with healing.
During the treatment, our doctors will apply a topical anesthetic to the area to reduce discomfort. After the treatment, the area will be pink but will heal in about a week. The patient can start to wear makeup after two weeks or so. CO2 laser resurfacing is an outpatient treatment, so the patient can go home soon after the session.
