Uneven skin texture, stubborn acne scars, and dark spots can make people feel self-conscious about their complexion. Creams, moisturizers, and serums help maintain skin health, but don’t address more significant changes in the underlying facial structure. To address deeper skin issues, you need a skincare treatment that reaches beneath the surface. The CO2 laser is a skin resurfacing tool that targets the root causes of skin damage. By safely removing damaged layers of the skin and stimulating cellular renewal, this treatment offers visible improvement.
What is a CO2 Laser Treatment?
A CO2 laser treatment is a skin resurfacing procedure that removes the thin, outer layer of your skin while also heating the underlying layer of the skin using concentrated light energy. CO2 lasers gently remove damaged outer layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers. Laser treatment is commonly used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve acne scars, reduce sun damage, and even out skin texture. As the skin heals, new, healthier skin forms revealing a smoother and more refreshed appearance.
What Are the Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatments?
CO2 laser treatments help the skin heal and renew to improve both surface imperfections and skin concerns.
Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As we age, natural collagen production slows down that causes skin laxity and wrinkles. By stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, the CO2 laser helps firm and plump the skin from within. This treatment is really effective for smoothing out deep-set wrinkles around the mouth and eyes as well as fine lines across the forehead and cheeks.
Fades Scars
Acne scars, surgical scars, and enlarged pores create a rough and bumpy skin texture. CO2 lasers break down the tough, fibrous bands of scar tissue so as the skin heals, the new collagen fills in pitted scars so the skin looks smoother, healthier, more even, and refreshed.
Repairs Uneven Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Years of sun exposure can cause age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. Because the CO2 laser targets outermost layers of the skin to strip away pigmented cells. Once the peeling process is done, the newly revealed skin appears noticeably brighter and more even in tone.
CO2 Laser Treatment: What to Expect
CO2 laser resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that reduces wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. Here's what you can expect during treatment.
During the CO2 Procedure
Before the treatment your esthetician will apply a topical numbing cream to your face to make sure you’re comfortable during the procedure. You will feel a warm, prickling sensation as the laser moves over your skin. The entire treatment session usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
CO2 Laser Recovery Timeline
Recovery from CO2 laser treatment can range anywhere from 7 to 14 days of downtime. Following treatment, it’s normal to experience redness, swelling, and peeling as the skin begins its healing process.
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In the first few days your skin will look and feel like it has a severe sunburn. You’re likely to experience redness, mild swelling, and tightness.
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After about a week, the treated skin will begin to crust and peel away. It’s important to let this happen naturally and not pick at it.
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After about two weeks, the heavy peeling subsides, showing pink skin that gradually fades to your natural skin tone.
CO2 Laser Results
You’ll notice ongoing improvement as collagen production increases, helping to rejuvenate and brighten the skin. Because collagen builds slowly, the skin will continue to tighten and smooth over the next three to six months. With proper sun protection and a good skincare routine, you’ll see long-lasting results.
CO2 Laser Treatments
We offer the following CO2 laser treatments at NM Aesthetics.
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Traditional CO2 laser resurfacing
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Clear + Brilliant®
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EVO Light Laser
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Intense Pulsed Light
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SkinPen Evo
CO2 Laser Treatment For Acne, Scars, Wrinkles, Uneven Pigmentation & Sun Damage at NM Aesthetics in the DMV Area
If you’re tired of relying on heavy makeup to conceal acne scars, dark spots, or uneven skin tone, CO2 laser treatments are a really effective way to rejuvenate and renew the skin. They also target fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth complexion. Contact us today to reserve an appointment to discuss what CO2 laser treatment is the best for your skin type. Our office is located in Arlington, but we also serve the DMV area, and are conveniently located in the Ballston Exchange.
FAQs
What does a CO2 laser do for the skin?
A CO2 laser removes damaged outer layers of skin to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. This helps improve overall skin texture, tone, and firmness over time.
How does CO2 laser improve skin texture?
By resurfacing the skin and encouraging new cell growth, CO2 laser treatment helps smooth rough areas, soften acne scars, and reduce uneven skin texture.
How does CO2 laser improve skin tone?
CO2 laser treatment helps fade sun damage, dark spots, and pigmentation irregularities for a more even and balanced skin tone.
Is CO2 laser treatment painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, but topical numbing cream usually helps minimize the pain.