How painful is CO2 laser resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses targeted beams of light to help remove the superficial layer of the skin. This will help address some of the cosmetic issues on the skin, treat areas of the skin that are discolored, and remove skin cancer. It can be very effective, but most patients wonder whether this type of procedure is going to cause them pain as they get it done.
CO2 laser resurfacing is not painful, according to The Fountain Of Youth Med Spa (here are driving directions to their location). The doctor you use will put on a light amount of anesthesia to help you during the procedure, but heavy amounts are not needed. You may notice a little tingling during the procedure, and your skin may be sensitive. The pain should not be unbearable, and most patients do not notice any pain at all.
CO2 laser resurfacing is a great procedure that is going to help you to rejuvenate the skin and feel amazing. But many patients worry that the pain of getting this procedure done will be too much for them to handle. Let’s take a closer look at CO2 laser resurfacing to see if it is the right option for you.
Will CO2 laser resurfacing cause me pain?
You should not notice much if any, pain when you get the CO2 laser resurfacing process done on your face. This treatment is going to be a great one to help you make the cells stronger and can get rid of some of the common issues that may appear on the skin as well.
CO2 laser resurfacing is going to use some pulses of light from a laser. The beams are designed to penetrate the surface of the skin where the water inside the cells of the skin will be able to absorb them. When this happens, the epidermis will vaporize. The dermis, or the middle layer, will heat up. This is enough to stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers. When the area works to heal, new firmer, smoother skin will help replace some of the older layers.
During this process, the doctor will have the choice to target specific areas of your skin with precision. This means that you can target the area of the skin that you want to work on rather than having to mess with the other areas.
The CO2 Laser Resurfacing Procedure
To help understand how this procedure works and figure out why it shouldn’t cause a lot of pain when you get it done, it can help to know more about the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure. Some of the steps that happen include:
- The procedure, which is often outpatient, will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the area that needs to be addressed.
- CO2 laser resurfacing will have a bit of pain, but it depends on the extent and depth of the resurfacing, the skill of the surgeon, and your pain tolerance. You will be able to get anesthesia if you are worried about it to help.
- Before the treatment begins, the skin will be cleaned, and you will have some special eyewear to help keep the eyes protected from the laser.
- During the treatment, the surgeon will move the laser wand over the area they are treating.
- You may get an ice pack to put on the area and treat it for 15 minutes to help with the swelling.
- You will be given antibacterial ointment and nonstick dressing to put on the skin. Leave this on for 24 hours to help prevent infection.
Depending on the treatment that you need, you may have to go through more than one treatment to get the results you want.
How to Prepare for the CO2 Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Your doctor will give you some specific instructions to help you prepare for the treatment. Some of the steps that you will need to follow include the following:
- Quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after the treatment, as smoking can interfere with healing.
- Take antiviral medication for a few days before your treatment to help keep you safe.
- Avoid medications that could cause sensitivity, like doxycycline, for at least three days before the treatment.
- Avoid heavy sun exposure or tanning for at least four weeks before the treatment to help it be more effective.
You can talk with your doctor to see if there are any other rules or requirements you should follow to get the best results from the CO2 treatment.
Choosing CO2 Laser Resurfacing for Your Needs
There are a lot of great treatments that you can choose to help smooth out the skin, bring back your younger looks, and get rid of some of the imperfections on your body. With the help of your doctor, you will be able to decide whether CO2 laser resurfacing to help you get rid of these issues and feel your very best.
