How Often Should I Get Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Signs of aging of the skin can begin in subtle ways, with fine lines, loss of firmness, and pigmentation issues. Treat minor to advanced signs of aging with fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. CO2 laser treatment rejuvenates your skin for a brighter, firmer, more youthful appearance. 

What is Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is among the most powerful tools for skin rejuvenation. At the Langdon Center, we offer several types of laser skin resurfacing so we can target your specific concerns. These include ActiveFX, DeepFX, and TotalFX. Each type works at a specific skin depth to give effective, predictable results. Laser skin resurfacing is a highly customizable procedure that can be adjusted to your goals and lifestyle. 

Fractional CO2 Laser Before and After

The Langdon Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery performed Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing on a 60-year-old woman. The pictures display the condition of the patient’s skin before and after the treatment, showcasing the enhancement in skin appearance post-procedure.

How Does CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Work? 

CO2 laser skin resurfacing works by utilizing advanced scanner technology to deliver precise, controlled energy to the skin. Using a fractional CO2 laser handpiece, it glides over targeted areas, commonly the face, neck, décolleté, hands, or arms delivering a grid of microscopic laser beams. These beams create controlled micro-injuries in the deeper dermal layer, addressing signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

The term “fractional” refers to the technique of treating only a fraction of the skin’s surface, creating thousands of tiny columns of micro-damage. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, promoting the regeneration of healthy collagen and elastin fibers. Untreated surrounding skin helps accelerate the recovery process, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

By boosting collagen production, this treatment not only smooths wrinkles and improves firmness but also enhances the overall texture and radiance of the skin, leaving it with a brighter, more even tone.

How Often Should I Get Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The frequency of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments depends on your skin condition, goals, and the intensity of the treatment. Generally, most people undergo a single treatment every 6 to 12 months for maintenance.

However, for more dramatic results or to address deeper skin concerns such as severe wrinkles, scars, or sun damage, some may benefit from a series of 2 to 3 treatments spaced 3 to 6 months apart. After each treatment, your skin needs time to heal and produce new collagen, which can take several months.

In general, higher-power laser skin resurfacing may require only one treatment but several days of downtime. A lighter, more superficial treatment may require several treatments, but each will have minimal downtime. Our team at the Langdon Center will help you determine which type of treatment best fits your needs. 

Is There Any Downtime After Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Yes, there is typically some downtime after co2 laser resurfacing, though the duration can vary depending on the intensity of the treatment and your skin type. The co2 fractional laser downtime also depends on the depth of the laser treatment. A superficial resurfacing may result in a few days of minor redness and swelling. A deeper treatment may involve up to a week of flaking, redness, and sensitivity. Dr. Langdon and his team will let you know what to expect based on your treatment plan. 

Generally, you can expect around 5 to 7 days of visible recovery time. Immediately after the procedure, your skin may appear red and swollen, similar to a sunburn. Over the next few days, the skin will likely start to peel or flake as it heals. Some people may also experience mild discomfort, itching, or tightness during this time.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical post-treatment timeline:

• Days 1-3: Redness, swelling, and a sensation of warmth or tightness. This is perfectly normal and should subside after around 24-48 hours.
• Days 3-5: Peeling and flaking as new skin forms. Over the next few days, your face will start to feel tight. A yellowish serous fluid could also start to weep from the treated areas, and crusts are not uncommon to develop. Again, this is perfectly normal and indicates fresh skin is being grown underneath.
• Days 5-7: Improvement in appearance, with most redness and peeling subsiding. After approximately a week, your skin will largely heal, and any crusted or peeling areas will typically be resolved. However, mild redness or a pinkish tone may remain for a few more weeks as your skin continues to regenerate and recover. This redness is a sign of the healing process and the production of new collagen beneath the surface.

By the end of the first week, many people can resume their normal activities with makeup to cover any lingering redness. The pinkness gradually fades over the following weeks, and you’ll notice ongoing improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness. During this period, it’s essential to protect your skin from sun exposure, use gentle skincare products, and follow prescribed post-care instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Good candidates for laser skin resurfacing are looking to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. This treatment is also effective in treating acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Not all lasers are safe for all skin types and tones, so we will help you plan the best treatment for your unique skin needs. 

Take the Next Step 

If you have further questions about fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at 203-453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.