CO2RE® CO2

CO2RE® is a versatile CO2 laser system used for fractional skin resurfacing and rejuvenation or fully ablative procedures.

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About CO2RE® CO2

Overview

It delivers short pulses of high-energy laser light to the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal.

The CO2RE® system’s distinctive attributes include:

  • Fractional and fully ablative modes: CO2RE® can deliver precise, fractionated laser energy to specific areas or perform fully ablative resurfacing for more extensive treatments.
  • Multiple wavelengths: A dual-wavelength approach (10,600 nm and 10,640 nm) allows for superior tissue interaction and customization to ensure optimal results.
  • Adjustable coagulation depth: Practitioners can fine-tune treatments by precisely adjusting the level of tissue coagulation.
  • Integrated cooling system: This technology enhances patient comfort and reduces the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Advanced delivery modes: Continuous wave, pulsed, and super-pulsed modes further enhance treatment customization and allow optimal energy delivery based on the specific indication and skin condition.
Advantages

Who is a good candidate for CO2RE®?

Generally, suitable candidates include those with:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles: CO2RE® CO2 laser can effectively reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines.
  • Acne scars: The laser treatment can help smooth out and minimize the appearance of acne scars.
  • Sun-damaged skin: Individuals with sunspots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation can benefit from the laser’s ability to target and remove pigmented lesions.
  • Uneven skin texture: Those with rough or uneven skin texture caused by factors like aging or scarring may find improvement with the laser treatment.
  • Skin laxity: The CO2RE® CO2 laser can stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter and firmer skin.
Pros
  • Precision and efficacy: Delivers precise and controlled energy pulses, effectively targeting areas without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Versatility: Suitable for various applications, including skin resurfacing, scar revision, wrinkle reduction, pigmentation correction, and even specific surgical procedures.
  • Deep tissue penetration: Able to penetrate deep into the skin layers, stimulating collagen production and promoting rejuvenation. Particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles, acne scars, and other complex skin conditions.
  • Customizable settings: Allows for precise control of energy settings, pulse duration, and spot size, enabling customization based on the individual patient’s needs.
  • Minimal downtime: Despite its powerful capabilities, the CO2RE® CO2 Laser offers relatively short recovery periods compared to older laser technologies.
Cons
  • Discomfort: Some patients may experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation during the procedure. However, topical anesthesia or cooling techniques help minimize pain.
  • Post-treatment irritation: Although rare, side effects such as redness, swelling, itching, and hyperpigmentation can occur following treatment and usually resolve independently within a few weeks.
  • Risk of hyperpigmentation: People with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment. Careful patient selection, appropriate energy settings, and pre- and post-treatment skin care can help mitigate this risk.
  • Skin sensitivity: The laser treatment may cause temporary sensitivity in the treated area, making it essential to diligently protect skin from sun exposure and follow post-treatment care instructions.
What to Expect

CO2 laser resurfacing is typically an outpatient procedure lasting 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment area size and desired intensity.

Before the procedure, your provider administers local anesthesia to numb the area and may provide an oral sedative for relaxation. General anesthesia may be used for fully ablative treatments, requiring transportation arrangements afterward.

During the procedure, the handheld laser device is moved across the treatment area, emitting a powerful beam of light in a grid-like pattern. Under general anesthesia, there’s no sensation. With local anesthesia, you may feel a snapping sensation.

Afterward, your skin is coated with ointment and dressings.

Recovery

Downtime varies from several days for fractional treatments to over two weeks for fully ablative ones. During this period, expect swelling, scabbing, and discomfort. You can manage pain with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.

To reduce swelling, use a combination of prescription steroids and ice packs, and elevate your head while sleeping. Follow your doctor’s cleansing and moisturizing instructions, possibly using medical-grade products they recommend.

Moisturize regularly to promote healthy skin turnover and prevent scabbing. After initial healing, expect pink skin for weeks. You can resume using makeup once the area fully heals.

When outdoors, protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent damage to the delicate regenerated skin.

Results

Visible outcomes depend on treatment intensity and healing duration. Noticeable results typically appear after skin restoration and redness resolution, taking weeks for fractional treatments and months for fully ablative ones.

Clients see immediate improvements post-healing, but collagen-enhancing effects take a few months to develop as new cells and proteins form fully.

With proper skin care and sun protection, results can last several years. Regular hydration and antioxidant-rich products, along with high-SPF sunscreen, are recommended to prevent recurring damage.

However, skin aging is inevitable, necessitating ongoing maintenance. Continuous laser treatments or other rejuvenation therapies can help sustain results over time.

Safety Profile

Fully ablative CO2 treatments pose significant risks, including burning and scarring due to the complete removal of surface of skin layers. This treatment is not indicated in darker skin types. Healing can be intense, with weeks of swelling, scabbing, and redness. Adhering strictly to post-treatment instructions, including cleansing and moisturizing, is crucial to minimize infection risk. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics post-treatment.

Fractional CO2 treatments carry lesser risks but can still cause burning and scarring, particularly for those with medium to deep skin tones. Following a doctor’s guidance is essential for healthy healing and infection prevention.

Avoid CO2 lasers for active acne as they can exacerbate inflammation and bacterial spread. Those on Accutane or completed within the last 6 months should also refrain from CO2 treatment due to impaired healing capabilities.

Inform your doctor of any history of cold sores so that you can receive antiviral medication before treatment to prevent flare-ups.

Cost

$1,500 – $3,500 per session. Prices vary depending on the area treated and geography.

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