Many people develop skin damage through exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays and other outdoor environmental irritants. Furthermore, the high altitude can cause additional skin vulnerability due to the potent and unimpeded sunlight.
How many treatments are necessary for the best results?
In most cases, 1-2 LASER sessions will create optimal improvement, though as many as 5 treatments may be suggested for deeper acne scars. Patients with advanced aging or acne scars will likely need at least two treatments for their skin. Dr. Weber may suggest that patients wait at least 3-6 months between treatments, as cellular regeneration at deeper layers of skin will require months to be visible at the skin’s surface.
Can the eyelids be treated during CO2 LASER resurfacing?
With the use of special protective contact lenses, treatment of the upper and lower eyelids may be performed safely. This is another LASER innovation that prevents the need for a more invasive surgery with additional risks and extended healing times, not to mention an increased cost. LASERing of the skin around the eyes and on the eyelids can reduce the need for blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery).
Which procedures can be combined with CO2 LASER resurfacing?
In some cases, facial rejuvenation surgery (blepharoplasty, brow lift, facelift, rhinoplasty) or fat grafting can be combined with LASER treatment following surgery. These combinations may extend regular recovery times, but often result in a more dramatic improvement.
Are the results long-lasting?
Skin rejuvenation results from the Eclipse Equinox CO2 LASER are long-lasting. LASER technology can turn back the hands of time, but will not halt the aging process altogether. The procedure can be performed again once the skin exhibits signs of aging or additional damaged cause by skin conditions like acne.
How does CO2 LASER resurfacing compare to facelift surgery?
This is a very important distinction. Facelift surgery lifts and repositions sagging skin and structural tissue. LASER resurfacing addresses textural issues and areas of skin discoloration. Thus, facelift surgery and LASER resurfacing are often provided together to optimize results.
Cosmetic LASER procedures are intended for mild to moderate correction of aesthetic concerns of facial skin. Patients with advanced signs of aging may best be served but undergoing a full facelift or targeted surgeries like a brow lift or lower facelift. While LASER skin treatments provide some tightening and smoothing of texture, aging and lax skin often must be tightened and lifted during surgery to create more dramatic changes. For advanced signs of aging, a facelift may be recommended as a corrective procedure.
Is the CO2 LASER safe for darker skin colors?
The Eclipse Equinox CO2 LASER is safe for lighter skin colors. Darker skin types are at higher risk of scarring or changes in pigmentation following ablative fractional LASER resurfacing. Dr. Weber will advise you whether fractional CO2 LASER resurfacing is safe and whether there are safer options available for your specific situation.