CO2 Laser in Tampa & The Villages, FL
By Dr. Richard Castellano, Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
If you have spent years in the sun, especially without adequate sun protection, then you know what it can do to your skin. Fortunately, CO2 laser skin rejuvenation can reduce or eliminate wrinkles, skin discoloration, sun spots, and skin laxity. At ImageLift®, Dr. Castellano offers CO2 laser treatments and other laser treatments to the residents of Tampa, The Villages and the surrounding areas of Central Florida.
What is CO2 Laser Treatment?
The CO2 laser treatment is considered to be the gold standard of skin resurfacing treatments, as it provides some of the most dramatic results in improving skin tone and texture. As a laser skin resurfacing treatment, CO2 lasers use light energy to remove thin layers of skin tissue. It is highly customizable, as it can be adjusted for the optimal treatment of various skin types, treatment areas, skin concerns and treatment goals. The laser resurfacing process can eliminate imperfections to reveal brighter, healthier skin. Additionally, the CO2 laser treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin to provide further rejuvenation benefits in the months following treatment.
The CO2 laser treatment is appropriate for targeting conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities.
What are the Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment?
The CO2 laser treatment is one of the most effective laser treatments available, largely due to its numerous benefits. These benefits include:
- Precision: The CO2 laser can be adjusted to precisely target specific areas and depths of the skin, making it highly customizable. This makes it an ideal treatment for targeting individual skin concerns.
- Collagen Stimulation: CO2 laser treatment promotes the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. This helps patients achieve long-term improvements in skin firmness, texture and elasticity in addition to correcting skin concerns.
- Versatility: CO2 laser treatment can be used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, and back.
What Should I Do Before a CO2 Laser Treatment?
The most important consideration before a CO2 laser treatment is to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the weeks prior. You should also avoid using any medications that cause increased sun sensitivity. These precautions will keep your skin hydrated and minimize the risk of complications during your procedure. Additionally, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rich Castellano of ImageLift® to ensure that CO2 laser resurfacing is a good fit for you.
What is the CO2 Laser Treatment Like?
Depending on the depth and intensity of the CO2 laser treatment, we may start with administering a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. We’ll also give you protective eyewear to prevent any irritation to the eyes. After these preparations are complete, we’ll use a CO2 laser device to deliver focused laser energy to the targeted areas of the skin. This energy is absorbed by water in the skin cells, destroying the skin cells in the process. You may experience sensations of heat, warmth, or a mild prickling or stinging sensation as the laser treatment is applied. The entire CO2 laser treatment can range from a few minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the size of the treatment area(s).
Is There Any Downtime After CO2 Laser Treatment?
Yes, CO2 laser treatment requires approximately 2 to 6 weeks of downtime. Your skin may appear red, swollen, and feel sensitive, similar to a sunburn. We’ll provide you with specific post-treatment instructions that include the use of various skincare products and routines to facilitate the healing process. During this time, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure, exercise, swimming, bathing in hot water, and skin care products that might irritate the skin.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect from CO2 Laser Treatment?
Following CO2 laser resurfacing, you can expect to see initial improvements in your skin’s appearance within a few weeks. However, it can take several months for the full results of treatment to develop. This is because the stimulation of collagen production and the remodeling of the skin’s structure happens gradually over the following weeks and months. Most patients achieve their final results within 3-6 months, and find that these results last as long as 5 years. Routine maintenance or touch-up treatments can help prolong these results even further.
How Do I Start My CO2 Laser Treatment Journey?
To get started with your CO2 laser treatment, the first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rich Castellano and the rest of the team at ImageLift®. Contact us today to schedule your visit. We’re proud to offer CO2 laser treatment and other laser treatments to men and women living in The Villages, Tampa and the surrounding areas of Central Florida.