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Written by Dr Josh Wall (Founder)
CO2 laser treatments are gaining popularity for their impressive skin rejuvenation results, but there are still many misconceptions about the procedure. At Contour Clinics, we’re here to debunk these common myths and provide you with clear, factual information.
Our founder, Dr. Josh Wall, is here to debunk the biggest myths about CO2 laser treatments. Get the facts and discover why it’s a safe, effective solution for lasting skin rejuvenation.
In the past, traditional CO2 laser treatments, known as full-field ablation, were indeed quite painful. Full field ablation removes an entire layer of the skins surface. This was the standard Co2 a decade ago, but today with advanced fractional laser technology, we treat only a fraction of the skin at a time. Rather than the entire skin being removed, targeted columns of skin are removed to reduce downtime and significantly reduce discomfort. Combined with powerful numbing agents/nerve blocks and nitrous gas, most patients describe the sensation as a warm prickling feeling, similar to a mild sunburn, lasting only 24-48 hours and easily managed with simple analgesics.
Historically, downtime from CO2 laser treatments could extend to months. Thanks to fractional laser technology, downtime now typically lasts only about one to two weeks, adjustable depending on your needs. Common post-treatment effects include redness, crusting, mild oozing, and minimal pinpoint bleeding, all of which resolve quickly.
This is a widespread myth. In fact, younger people greatly benefit from CO2 laser treatments as a preventive measure for collagen loss. It effectively addresses acne scars, enlarged pores, sun damage, and acts as a powerful collagen stimulator, making prevention much easier than treating advanced signs of ageing.
All medical procedures carry risk. Your Contour Clinics Clinician will explain the risks as they relate to your own specific circumstances.
When performed by skilled professionals using modern fractional technology, CO2 laser treatments are extremely safe. Scarring and pigment changes are rare and typically result from improper laser settings, inadequate skin preparation, or poor aftercare.
CO2 laser treatments can safely be performed on darker skin tones with careful precautions. Contour Clinics conducts thorough test spots and implements pre- and post-treatment pigmentation protocols to minimise risk effectively, making this treatment accessible to a broader range of skin types.
CO2 laser treatments are versatile and highly effective beyond just facial rejuvenation. The neck, chest, hands, and other areas commonly affected by skin damage or laxity also respond exceptionally well to CO2 laser treatments.
Performed incorrectly, long lasting redness is a potential rare risk of the Co2 procedure. However, if the correct settings are used, specific to your individual skin characteristics and goals of treatment, the risk of long-term redness is very rare.
Redness typically peaks within the first week and gradually fades. You may experience mild pinkness for a few weeks, especially if treating acne scars, but this redness can be covered with makeup and generally resolves within a month.
CO2 laser is far from cosmetic fluff. It is a medical-grade skin resurfacing treatment that remodels tissue deeply and effectively. It’s a serious solution for genuine skin rejuvenation, providing substantial, lasting improvements rather than superficial results.
At Contour Clinics, our expert team is committed to delivering safe, personalised, and effective CO2 laser treatments. Schedule a consultation today to discover how we can help rejuvenate your skin.
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