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CO2 Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser – How Does it Work?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a type of laser skin treatment that uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to carefully resurface the outer layers of skin. It is commonly used to treat signs of skin damage and ageing, such as wrinkles, age spots, scars, and fine lines.

Some things to know about CO2 laser resurfacing:

  • This laser treatment works by directing focused, short pulsating beams of light at uneven skin. This removes thin outer layers of damaged skin, layer by layer.  
  • This controlled microdamage triggers the growth of new collagen fibres, leading to tighter, smoother, younger-looking skin over time as the skin heals. 
  • It can be done over the entire face or just on specific areas with damage or scars. 
  • The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia or with numbing medication. Recovery time is around 2 weeks. 
  • Side effects can include temporary reddening or changes in colour, swelling, itching, and tenderness – all of which subside within a couple of days. Proper aftercare helps minimise these risks. 
  • Several repeat treatments may be needed for best results, with improvements seen over the following months as new collagen develops.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation treatment that removes damaged or aged outer skin and works at a deeper level to stimulate collagen regeneration for smoother, firmer and more youthful looking skin. 

Targeted Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing can treat numerous cosmetic and medical skin issues including visible signs of ageing, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, texture irregularities, acne scars, surgical scars and general skin aesthetic improvement.

Fine lines and wrinkles 

CO2 laser resurfacing can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may prove especially effective on: 

  • crow’s feet
  • lines and wrinkles on the forehead 
  • laugh lines, or those appearing around the mouth 

Not only can it reduce the appearance of wrinkles right away, it also encourages collagen production, which can improve the health of your skin over time. 

Sun-damaged skin 

Exposure to UV light may contribute to visible signs of skin ageing, such as: 

  • wrinkles 
  • sagging due to decreased elasticity 
  • rough and uneven skin texture 
  • liver spots and sunspots 
  • Fine lines 
  • Irregular pigmentation 

CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly reduce the appearance of all the above. 

Acne scars 

C02 laser treatment helps reduce the appearance of acne scarring by stimulating collagen production that helps tighten and smooth out the scars. 

Sebaceous hyperplasia 

This condition occurs when sebum gets trapped in an oil gland. When this happens, the gland becomes enlarged and causes a small, waxy bump on the skin, usually on the face. While harmless, some people have them removed for cosmetic reasons. 

CO2 lasers can effectively remove these bumps and prevent them from coming back, though some research suggests that Erbium Laser may be a better option for treating this condition. 

Where Can I Get CO2 Treatments with Contour Clinics?

You can find CO2 Laser treatment in Sydney including our Newtown clinic.

As a doctor-led clinic, Contour Clinics is skilled and experienced in delivering laser therapy treatments with leading results. We are the experts in cosmetic medicine and skin rejuvenation. 

If you are concerned about the signs of ageing showing on in your skin and are looking for a solution, we’d love to chat to you about the excellent results of CO2 Laser resurfacing treatment. 

Get in touch today and book a consultation with one of our Cosmetic Practitioners for an expert assessment and personalised treatment plan. 

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