Some dermatologists and plastic surgeons prefer to use the traditional fully ablative lasers such as the Carbon dioxide or CO2 lasers. They consider it as the best treatment for treating deeper acne scars and wrinkles.
CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing treatments involves removal of the entire surface of the skin creating a wound equivalent to a second degree burn. As compared to fractionated lasers (Fraxel) which can be done segmentally ( using pinpoint laser beams), these lasers work like using a large paint brush on the treated area.
Some experts hold firm to the fact that “the more aggressive treatment you get, the better results you can achieve “. However, it is also imperative to consider that the more aggressive laser you get, the longer downtime you are likely to have.
Benefits of Traditional CO2 laser
- Traditional CO2 lasers have greater power density and can aggressively treat the skin compared to the fractionated ones.
- Only 1 treatment or session is done with traditional CO2 lasers
- Older traditional CO2 lasers removes about 0.3mm of the entire skin surface
- Usually recommended to treat wrinkles because more aggressive lasers are known to produce better effects
- The CO2 laser is an excellent treatment option for deeper wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damaged skin.
- Traditional CO2 removes the superficial layers of the skin throughout the treated area.
Disadvantages of Traditional CO2 lasers
- Takes about 12 days to heal and the redness that developed after healing can persist for many months, sometimes up to a year or more.
- May increase risks of complications including infection.
- Can be more painful compared to other lasers.
- May cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Can increase the risk of hypopigmentation (lines of demarcation) and scarring.
- These lasers could only treat the face alone.
- May cause uncomfortable tissue contractions.
To experience and see better results, it is important that you choose your treating physician carefully. Choose the one who is well-experienced and trustworthy. Also, you can ask or meet their previous patients and if possible search for before and after photos.
END OF…Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional CO2 Lasers
