CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery

Regain the smooth texture, tautness and radiance of your skin. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing is the gold standard in ablative skin resurfacing—it’s the most reliable and time-tested technique for reducing wrinkles and minimizing scarring.

Here at Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery, we strive to deliver the best CO2 laser resurfacing Tampa has to offer. We also proudly provide the safest & most innovative skincare procedures. To learn more about how this procedure can completely transform your skin, schedule a personalized consultation with us today.

What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, is a cosmetic procedure using state-of-the-art high-energy beam technology to accurately treat and correct many skin conditions.

How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?

You're not at your best when your skin isn’t at its best. Over time, wrinkles, blemishes, and sun damage can affect your skin and self-esteem. This laser technology is used in specific areas of concern by emitting quick, concentrated light energy to remove the affected outer layer of your skin. This micro injury helps stimulate the regeneration of healthy skin and promote new collagen growth, the protein responsible for producing refreshed and youthful skin.

What are the benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing?

When your use of at-home therapies like sunscreen and moisturizers hasn’t achieved the results you desire, CO2 laser resurfacing can help address many different skin concerns, including:

Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes
Scars including acne, surgical and trauma scars
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Eczema
Warts
Skin discoloration such as age spots and pigmentation concerns

Are you a candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing?

If your skin shows signs of sun damage, aging, pigmentation, sagging, scarring or other irregularities, you may consider CO2 laser technology. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, forming realistic expectations is critical.

Because while CO2 laser technology is one of the most effective treatments for aging and skin abnormalities, it cannot completely eliminate deep wrinkles or excessive sagging. Additionally, the results are not permanent—as you continue to age, you will develop more wrinkles.

For this reason, repeated treatments may be recommended. It’s also important to understand that CO2 laser resurfacing is much more intensive than other skin treatments. The laser removes layers of tissue while leaving some targeted areas (called “bridges”) untreated. These bridges then help replenish damaged areas, a healing process which takes anywhere from two to four weeks. To achieve the maximum benefit from fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing and reduce the amount of time necessary to recover, there are a number of steps that can be taken. Reduce or eliminate exposure to the sun, pretreatment of the skin with an exfoliant / metabolic accelerant such as Retin-A and an agent to reduce melanocyte, pigment-producing cell, activity. Botox and other neurolytic agents are also helpful in reducing muscle activity and prolonging the results from resurfacing.

Understanding the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure

Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing can be done in two ways.

The first is to perform multiple less aggressive treatments, which means a faster recovery—but requires up to three treatments to achieve the same result. The other option involves a more aggressive treatment with the goal of achieving the greatest improvement. If option generally yields more dramatic results but requires greater recovery time.

Postoperative care is the most important part of an uneventful recovery from fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing.

A dressing is in place for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Once the dressing is removed regular care is required, as it is imperative to keep the wound moist and clean. This will be necessary for 7-14 days.

Once the acute wound has healed, there may be persistent redness of the skin for six weeks to three months, with the latter being the rare occasion. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing is the only treatment available to dramatically reduce wrinkles. It does require a commitment of both time and energy but can accomplish things no other treatment can.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Results

Immediately following each treatment, your skin may have some redness or swelling. This can last several days, followed by some dryness and peeling. This healing process can take 3 to 4 weeks, resulting in a softer, more even skin tone. You will continue to see improvements in your skin as the new collagen is created, resulting in fewer wrinkles and a reduction of spots and scars. Results will vary depending on the natural aging process and skincare routines. Most Tampa CO2 laser resurfacing patients can maintain optimal results for several years.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Recovery

As with any procedure, following all detailed aftercare instructions is imperative to experience the best results possible with no complications. After your procedure, you will need an adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Restricting any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first 2 to 3 weeks will be essential. It will also be necessary to limit touching your face during the healing time and limit any activities that inhibit the healing process, such as smoking.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQs

How long do CO2 laser resurfacing results last?

Most people will see results of CO2 laser resurfacing for 3 to 5 years, depending on skincare regimens after each treatment.

What is the cost of CO2 laser resurfacing?

The cost of treatment varies based on the number of sessions needed to achieve your aesthetic goals. Our financial coordinator will be happy to discuss treatment costs and payment options.

Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt? What does it feel like?

While the procedure may cause a “pins and needles” sensation during treatment, we help minimize it using local anesthetics. Following the procedure, it is normal to feel warmth at the treatment site, much like a sunburn.

How many CO2 laser resurfacing sessions are needed?

The number of treatments needed will depend on the concerns you wish to address. Discuss this with your provider during your consultation.

How long do CO2 laser resurfacing treatments take?

Each session is different and depends on the size and severity of the area impacted. Taking into account the time for numbing agents to take effect, expect a maximum of two hours for treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Farrior is so much more than a doctor – he’s an artist. Dr. Farrior has the right medical knowledge and the artistic vision needed to create harmony among his patients’ facial features. He truly listens to his patients and is always open to their concerns.

2908 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609

813-875-3223

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