Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that utilises laser technology to improve the appearance of the skin. It works by removing the outer layers of damaged skin, stimulating collagen production, and promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells. Laser skin resurfacing can help with

• acne scarring
• sun damage
• wrinkles
• stretch marks

Laser skin resurfacing is typically performed in one to three sessions, spaced two to three months apart.

CO2 Fractional Laser is an ablative laser treatment that requires downtime for healing, but you can see results after just one session. It is recommended to space out the treatments to give your skin time to fully heal before considering another session.

Non-ablative lasers (Q-switched and Pico) are gentler and have less downtime. You might need multiple sessions to achieve your desired results, but they space them out to allow your skin to recover.

It's best to consult with a professional to determine the best course of treatment for you and how often you can get it done safely.

CO2 laser is a highly effective skin rejuvenation treatment to remove the outer layers of damaged skin. This procedure promotes collagen production, resulting in smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin. It's commonly used to treat wrinkles, scars, warts, and other skin imperfections. Book a free consultation to speak to one of our experienced practitioners at our laser clinic in Brisbane to get a CO2 laser treatment tailored to your skin's needs.

While CO2 laser treatment can be a great option for improving your skin's appearance, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects before you decide if it's right for you.

CO2 laser treatment can cause discomfort and sunburn-like feeling immediately after the treatment. The skin will start shedding within 3-4 days. However, these side effects are temporary and should subside within a week.

One session of CO2 laser treatment might be enough for some people but usually 1 to 3 sessions are required for the best possible results. The number of treatments usually depends on your skin concerns and desired results. During your consultation at our Brisbane laser clinic, our experienced professionals will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Here are some factors that might make you not a good candidate for a CO2 laser treatment:

• Darker skin tones: CO2 lasers can be risky for people with darker skin tones because the laser light can damage melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This can lead to scarring or uneven pigmentation.
• Certain medical conditions: If you have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scars, uncontrolled diabetes, or a weakened immune system, you may not be a good candidate for CO2 laser treatment.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is generally not recommended to get CO2 laser treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Smoking: Smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Unrealistic expectations: CO2 laser treatment is a powerful tool, but it is not a miracle cure. It is important to have realistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve.

CO2 lasers target the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. In simpler terms, the CO2 laser removes the outermost layer (epidermis) and heats the deeper layer (dermis) to stimulate collagen production. This helps with wrinkles, scars and uneven skin tone. A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine the appropriate depth for your CO2 laser treatment.

• Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled injuries in the skin. This triggers the body's natural healing process, which can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and minimize scars. Microneedling is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that uses a laser beam to remove the top layer of skin. This can be very effective for treating deeper wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. However, CO2 laser resurfacing is also associated with more downtime and a greater risk of side effects, such as scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

• Your skin concerns: Microneedling is a good option for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and large pores. CO2 laser resurfacing is more effective for deeper wrinkles, sun damage, and severe acne scars.
• Your skin type: Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types. CO2 laser resurfacing is not recommended for people with darker skin tones, as it can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Your downtime: Microneedling has minimal downtime, and you can usually resume your normal activities the next day. CO2 laser resurfacing can cause significant redness, swelling, and crusting, and it may take a week or more for your skin to heal completely.

Your budget: Microneedling is typically less expensive than CO2 laser resurfacing.

Usually, a numbing gel is applied before the laser treatment commences to keep you comfortable. However, your skin will immediately start to feel a moderate sunburn as soon as the effectiveness of the numbing gel starts to wear off.

Here are some tips for speeding up healing after a CO2 laser treatment:

• Listen to your doctor's advice: They will give you specific instructions on how to care for your skin after the treatment.
• Keep your skin moist: Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser as recommended by your doctor. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, which can dry out your skin.
• Stay out of the sun: Sun exposure can slow healing and increase the risk of scarring. Use sunscreen with SPF 50+ every day, even on cloudy days.
• Drink plenty of water: This will help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Don't pick at your skin: This can increase the risk of infection and scarring. Let your skin heal naturally.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time to heal, so make sure you're getting enough sleep.

By following these tips, you can help to speed up your healing and get the best results from your CO2 laser treatment.

After a CO2 laser treatment, it's common for your face to peel for about 5 to 7 days as your skin goes through the healing process. This peeling is part of the natural exfoliation and regeneration process that reveals fresh, rejuvenated skin. Our team at the Brisbane clinic will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and effective recovery.