Skin Tightening w/ Fractional CO2 Laser - Skin Tightening Treatment

What is Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening with a CO2 fractional laser works by affecting both the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin, rather than just one. Fractional lasers affect both at the same time by utilizing tiny dots of high-intensity lasers.

How it Works

A CO2 laser is composed of a mixture of carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Using very short, pulsed light energy, CO2 laser resurfacing precisely removes thin layers of skin with very little affect to surrounding tissue. The lasers work by vaporizing the outer layer of the skin by focusing in on water molecules, a procedure that reduces deep scars, wrinkles, and other imperfections.

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Ideal Candidates for Skin Tightening

Over time, our bodies produce less collagen, a protein which gives the skin it's fullness, and elastin, which gives the skin the ability to return to it's normal position after being stretched. Due to the decrease in collagen and elastin, the skin will appear looser and begin to sag. This is what leads to loose skin and wrinkles.

People with fine lines and sun damaged skin are more likely to have great improvement with fractional CO2 laser. Fairer skin is more appropriate than darker skin for this particular type of laser.

Things to Consider

What Skin Tightening Treats

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a proven treatment method for tightening loose skin. The heat introduced from the laser stimulates the skin and encourages the production of additional collagen. The result is skin that appears much closer to its younger state. CO2 lasers are capable of treating the following:

Treating fine lines on your upper lip, cheeks or forehead
Rejuvenating and tightening the skin on lower and upper eyelids
Improving eye wrinkles (crow’s feet)
Softening deep frown lines
Removing sun freckles and age spots
Reducing hyperpigmentation

Side Effects of Skin Tightening with a Fractional CO2 Laser

Patients report swelling, itching, tenderness and crusting after CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Other side effects include redness, skin irritation, pigment changes in skin, and sometimes bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection.

Operation Duration

15-30 Minutes

Anesthesia Use

Local or IV Sedation

Recovery Duration

7-14 Days

Insurance Covered

Uncovered

Recovery From Skin Tightening

Undergoing CO2 laser treatment requires a downtime of about five to seven days. This isn’t due to pain, but rather, the fact that you’ll be required to wear Aquaphor™ on your face to help with healing. After this time, you can expect your recovery to improve significantly.

After the treatment, you’ll notice a very significant reduction in age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. Your skin will also be tighter and will continue to improve over the next six to nine months after the procedure when you follow a proper skin care regimen and minimize your sun exposure.

Skin Tightening with Fractional CO2 Laser