CO2 Laser Resurfacing

C02 laser facial resurfacing targets irregular skin pigmentation and spotting, wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, and acne scarring that has been present for any number of years. Let Dr. Halaas redefine your face, leaving you with fresh skin that looks as healthy and youthful as ever.

As the name suggests, C02 laser facial resurfacing employs laser technology to smooth the face and provide a balanced, even texture to the skin. It is among the most effective treatments aimed at erasing deep-set wrinkles and acne scarring, and Dr. Halaas is proud to offer the solution to her patients.

The C02 laser resurfacing technology has come a long way since its inception in 1964, and is available at our office in its latest version to date. The laser targets the skin at varying depths, in accordance with the patient’s particular condition and skin sensitivity. It has always been a relatively popular treatment and has, for the past five decades, eliminated a number of unsightly ailments that can detract from a person’s natural beauty. A single treatment by Dr. Halaas yields unmatched results and is effective as both a short-term and long-term solution.

Introducing the Ultra Pulse Endeavor by Lumenis

There are in fact different technologies and techniques behind C02 laser facial resurfacing. But, like in all her endeavors, Dr. Halaas is committed to providing her patients with only the best quality, safest machinery on the market.

Dr. Halaas has recently invested much of her time in refining her expertise and mastering Lumenis’ latest development, the Ultra Pulse Encore, so as to be sure that her patients are most satisfied with the results of their treatment.

The Ultra Pulse Endeavor is different from older, alternative C02 laser technologies. Versatility is a key factor when it comes to laser resurfacing, and the Ultra Pulse Endeavor is unique as it has four specific settings to work with: Active FX, DeepFX, TotalFX, and SCAAR FX. In this way, Dr. Halaas can treat nearly all types of skin and adjust her methods to correct a full spectrum of severity. No matter how big or small the issue, the Ultra Pulse Endeavor can be programmed to fix it.

Before & After

Laser Resurfacing

Before and After of Laser Resurfacing procedure

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Laser Resurfacing

Before and After of Laser Resurfacing procedure

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Active FX: The lightest, most surface-level treatment available. This option is best for patients who want to treat wrinkles, scarring, or uneven skin pigmentation that is not relatively deep-set and rooted. Recovery from this treatment is the shortest, and typically ranges from 1-2 days.

Deep FX: The most effective solution for facial wrinkles and discolored skin that is deep-set and complex. The Deep FX laser penetrates the skin at a deeper level than the Active FX feature, so it is a stronger treatment with a slightly longer recovery of up to 5 days.

TotalFX: A combination of Active FX and Deep FX, designed to give results of both treatments. The Total FX option stimulates a long-term, lasting regeneration of the skin. Recovery typically lasts 2-3 days.

SCAAR FX: This option is groundbreaking and innovative; it is the best laser treatment for visible results in eliminating deep, substantial scarring. SCAAR FX is able to penetrate the skin up to four times deeper level than other lasers so that the scarring can be healed at the root. The scarred tissue will be exchanged for healthy tissue at a rate much superior to any other available option so that skin can once again look and function normally. Recovery for this option is the longest, and averages up to 6 days.

Each of these specific settings can be used individually or in conjunction with one another to yield the best results. Dr. Halaas will customize your treatment plan prior to your procedure, pre-determining which setting is optimal for each area of the face to be treated.

Am I a Candidate?

Because of its versatile nature and ability to adjust to a variety of treatment plans, CO2 laser facial resurfacing offers great advantages for a wide range of patients. Most commonly, Dr. Halaas employs a CO2 laser to treat patients who have:

Any amount of acne scarring, be it minimal or severe
Hyperpigmentation marked by uneven skin coloring that results from exposure to the sun, environmental factors, or the condition dyschromia
Profound facial wrinkling resulting from aging or prolonged exposure to the sun
Fine lines concentrated around the mouth and eyes, as the laser can be precisely adjusted to hone in on these areas

There is no specific age range that is treated by C02 laser resurfacing. However, if you have relatively dark skin, C02 laser resurfacing may not be the best option and Dr. Halaas will work with you to explore other treatments.

The Procedure

Dr. Halaas is committed to ensuring that her patients feel fully comfortable at each step of the process. At your initial consultation appointment, Dr. Halaas will explain all the implications of your C02 laser treatment and will formulate an individualized strategy that ensures the best results with the least amount of risk of complication.

When it comes time to perform the procedure, Dr. Halaas will apply numbing gel to the affected area to further promote your comfort. Local anesthesia is also often administered to ease the process. The procedure itself typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour and a half, ranging in proportion to the severity of the condition and the areas to be treated. Patients often report feeling hot and tingly after treatment, which is completely normal.

Dr. Halaas will design a full-length plan for your treatment, from start to finish. She is there to answer any questions or concerns that may appear along the way and is excited to be able to provide you with smoother, evened skin to boost your confidence and put an end to all insecurities involving your skin.

Recovery

The Ultra Pulse Endeavor has proven to improve results at both ends of treatment so results are more prominent while recovery remains minimal. Using the technology, Dr. Halaas is able to substantially cut a patient’s recovery. You will be able to return to your day-to-day life more quickly, all while looking and feeling your best.

Minimal redness and swelling are common side effects of a C02 laser resurfacing procedure, but generally subside within two to three weeks. To help accelerate your recovery, Dr. Halaas may recommend icing the affected areas in timed intervals. In some cases, ointment may have to be applied to prevent scabbing. Keeping the face clean and fresh is essential during this crucial time, and Dr. Halaas will discuss with you how to properly wash your face after your procedure.

Patients can wear makeup during this time to conceal signs of treatment but are strongly advised to refrain from touching or picking at the affected areas until they are fully healed. Finally, it is important to remember that exposure to the sun can reverse the effects of the treatment. Always apply a reliable sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to properly protect your skin from the sun.

Results

A C02 laser resurfacing treatment performed by Dr. Halaas involves virtually no risk and countless potential benefits, so what are you waiting for? Results appear both immediately and gradually, as your skin continues to improve and refresh for the months following your treatment. You will start to notice your skin looking revived as new, smoother skin is generated. These positive results will continue as your skin heals and redness subsides.

Dr. Halaas may recommend that you undergo 2-3 laser treatments to supplement your initial procedure and to make results last longer. Though the visible benefits of your C02 laser resurfacing treatment can last years, it is important to touch up with additional treatment to maintain your new look.

Written by Dr. Halaas