CO2 Skin Resurfacing
CO2 Skin Resurfacing
What to expect
Prior to your treatment your dermal clinician will run you through all the important pre and post information to maximise treatment results and ensure that you are following all necessary precautions to minimise treatment risks.
Duration
Half an hour before your treatment numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
Depending on the treatment area, a CO2 treatment can take up to 1 hour.
Downtime
Following the CO2 laser treatment, you can expect around 5-7 days of social downtime as the skin will be red and flaky. It is generally advised that patients rest at home for at least the first few days following the procedure. As CO2 is an ablative laser treatment, patients will have some bleeding and swelling immediately after the procedure in the area treated. Some patients may notice their skin is slightly pink for up to a month after the treatment. It is important that patients follow the aftercare instructions given to them by the dermal clinician to enhance results as well as minimise risks associated post-treatment.
Price
Pricing for the CO2 laser depends on the size of the treatment area.
Your dermal clinician will discuss pricing with you during your consultation prior to treatment.
What to expect
Prior to your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, your medical practitioner will run you through all the important pre and post information to maximise treatment results and ensure that you are following all necessary precautions to minimise treatment risks.
Duration
Half an hour before your CO2 skin resurfacing, numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort during the treatment.
Depending on the treatment area, a CO2 laser treatment can take up to 1 hour.
Downtime
Following the CO2 laser treatment, you can expect around 5–7 days of social downtime as the skin will be red and flaky. It is generally advised that patients rest at home for at least the first few days following the treatment. As CO2 is an ablative laser treatment, patients may experience some bleeding and swelling at the treatment area. Some patients may notice their skin is slightly pink for up to a month after the treatment. It is important that patients follow the aftercare instructions given to them by our Registered Doctors and Nurses to ensure a smooth recovery.
Price
Pricing for CO2 laser in Wollongong depends on the size of the treatment area.
We’ll discuss pricing with you during your initial consultation.
What is CO2 laser treatment?
CO2 laser treatment, also known as fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, is a medical treatment used to improve the appearance of skin by treating various skin conditions such as facial lines, scars, uneven texture and pigmentation problems.
The treatment involves the use of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to target and remove layers of damaged skin and help stimulate the production of new collagen.
Indications
- Skin ageing
- Scarring on the face and body
- Uneven pigment
- Actinic keratosis
- Scarring due to breakouts
- Fine lines
- Raised birthmarks
- Benign lesions like warts and skin tags
Before the treatment:
A consultation with one of our Registered Doctors is required to assess the patient’s skin condition and determine if they are a suitable candidate for CO2 laser in Wollongong. The patient’s medical history and any potential risks associated with the treatment are discussed during this stage.
Book a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment in Wollongong today
At Advantage Skin Clinic, whether you’re dealing with benign lesions, fine lines, scarring or sun damage that’s resulted in pigmentation, our CO2 laser in Wollongong can help you manage these concerns.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Registered Doctors or learn more about our pricing.
FAQ’S
Who is suitable for a CO2 treatment?
CO2 laser is suitable for patients with a number of skin conditions including texture, pigmentation, scars and fine lines.
However, being an ablative treatment, it’s unsuitable for individuals with darker skin tones due to the heightened risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Patients with such skin types can explore various alternative treatments available at Advantage Skin Clinic.
How many sessions are required to see results?
Many patients notice visible improvements after just one session. However, optimal results often require a series of treatments, spaced several weeks apart. Your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
How long do the results of CO2 laser resurfacing last?
On average, the results of CO2 laser resurfacing can last three to five years. However, it will vary based on factors like age, lifestyle, overall health and how consistently you follow your skincare routine.
Use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin and shield it from UV damage. A balanced diet, regular exercise and quality sleep further support skin repair and regeneration.
Everyone’s skin is unique, so results from our CO2 laser in Wollongong may differ.
What skincare products should I use after treatment?
After CO2 skin resurfacing, it’s important to use gentle, nourishing skincare products to aid in healing and protect your newly treated skin. Here’s a basic guide:
- Gentle cleanser — Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to slough away makeup, SPF and debris and keep your skin clean without causing irritation.
- Moisturiser — Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturiser with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Sunscreen — A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is a must. Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays, so daily sunscreen and regular application are crucial.
- Healing ointment — Immediately after treatment, the use of a healing ointment will be recommended by your medical practitioner to soothe and protect your skin from pollutants as it heals.
How does CO2 laser resurfacing compare to other skin laser and resurfacing treatments?
This treatment stands out for its advanced CO2 lasers, which carefully remove thin layers of skin. The technology minimises heat impact on the surrounding areas, ensuring safe and targeted results.
CO2 fractional lasers penetrate further into the epidermis than other laser treatments, leading to more noticeable and lasting results.
Here’s how other laser treatments differ:
- IPL Laser — This non-invasive treatment delivers high-intensity pulses of light energy into the skin to minimise sun damage, age spots, blood vessels, facial lines, birthmarks and vascular lesions like rosacea and port wine stains.
- Erbium YAG iPixel Skin Treatment — This advanced ablative fractionated laser blends Erbium and PIXEL technology for precise skin penetration, helping diminish the appearance of pigmentation, scars and fine lines.
- ND:YAG Long Pulse Laser — This method uses neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) to deliver controlled pulses of laser energy. Its long pulse duration makes it suitable for hair removal and treating vascular lesions like spider veins and certain birthmarks.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced medical practitioners to assess your overall skin health and discover what medical-grade treatments may help address your concerns.
Is CO2 skin resurfacing painful?
CO2 skin resurfacing can involve some discomfort, as the laser creates controlled injury to targeted areas of the skin. Most people describe the sensation as warm or prickling. A topical anaesthetic will be applied prior to your treatment, and your practitioner will monitor your comfort throughout the session.
What should I avoid doing after CO2 laser treatment?
After CO2 laser treatment, you will need to avoid anything that may disrupt the healing process. This includes sun exposure, strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and activities that generate heat around the face. Do not rub, scratch or pick at the treated skin, and avoid makeup until your medical practitioner confirms it is appropriate. Cleansing should be gentle, and only the products recommended by your practitioner should be used.
Environmental irritants such as dust, chemicals and aerosols should also be avoided, as they may aggravate sensitive skin. Treatments such as waxing, exfoliation or peels should not be performed during the early stages of recovery. We’ll provide detailed guidance on cleansing, hydrating and protecting the area as well as when normal activities and skincare products can be safely resumed.
Is CO2 laser resurfacing safe for all skin types?
CO2 laser is generally suitable for fair to medium skin tones. Factors such as pigmentation, sensitivity, medical history and previous treatments are assessed to ensure the treatment can be performed safely.
Can CO2 skin resurfacing be combined with other treatments?
CO2 resurfacing can be paired with selected non-surgical treatments when appropriate. Your medical practitioner will advise which options may work well together and outline the recommended timing to maintain safety and optimal outcomes.
Will I need a follow-up treatment after CO2 resurfacing?
A follow-up treatment may be recommended, as some concerns respond best to multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. We’ll continuously check your progress and advise whether additional sessions would support improved outcomes.
What other services do you offer at Advantage Skin Clinic?
Our highly trained Registered Doctors and Nurses specialise in delivering treatments for various skin types and concerns:
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