The device uses high-energy, amplified light waves to vaporize the top layer of skin, allowing undamaged new skin to grow. Similar to dermabrasion, the laser works instantly and with minimal bleeding, leaving surrounding tissue undamaged. Repeated passes may be made to shave the skin down to a uniform level. Laser resurfacing is done with local anesthesia or light sedation, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Afterward, the treated skin feels like it has mild sunburn.
Initial healing takes a week, and redness continues to fade for several months.
Darker-skinned individuals are susceptible to pigment changes after CO2 laser therapy. The changes are usually permanent, so the procedure may not be appropriate for all patients. If you're considering laser surgery or any other facial plastic surgery procedure, tell your surgeon about any prescription or non-prescription medications that you are taking well in advance of the procedure. Several different types of medications have a possible side effect of photosensitivity, which increases the skin's reaction to light. This can leave your skin with a blue cast after laser treatment.