KayaKalp
75 Herrick Street
Parkhurst Building, Suite 105
Beverly, Massachusetts, 01915
Ph. 978.927.6556
Fx. 978.927.9467
| Procedure: | Improve the appearance of facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation by using ablation laser with CO2 . |
| Length: | 30 minutes -60 minutes |
| Anesthesia: | Local Lidocaine, or IV sedation |
| In/Outpatient: | In Office Procedure, outpatient or operating room. |
| Side Effects: | Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, bruising, redness and crusting of the skin. |
| Risks: | Hyperpigmentation, Scarring, Skin sensitivity changes, damage to Deeper structures. |
| Recovery: | Back to work: 1-2 weeks depending on the depth of the peel and chemical used. . More strenuous activity: 2 or more. Fading of redness and hyperpigmentation 3 months to 2 years. |
If You're Considering CO2 Laser Resurfacing...
CO2 Laser using a mechanical laser to remove the surface of the skin to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Although CO2 Laser may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. This brochure provides basic information about certain types of CO2 Laser treatments and the results you might expect. It won't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you and Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel have decided on a specific resurfacing program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not understand.
Deciding if CO2 Laser is right for you
CO2 Laser is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. CO2 Laser may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. Currently the use of CO2 laser is not covered by insurance companies and is considered strictly a cosmetic procedure.
All CO2 Lasers carry some uncertainty and risk. CO2 Laser is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
Planning for a CO2 Laser
In some states, no medical degree is required to perform a CO2 Laser. Many states have laws that permit non-physicians to use and operate a CO2 Laser. You should be warned that CO2 Lasers have been offered by inadequately trained practitioners claiming "miracle techniques" to rejuvenate the skin.
It is very important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel may offer you a choice of skin resurfacing techniques or suggest a combination of techniques to obtain the best result for you.
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your physician prior to the procedure. Remember, CO2 Laser treatments are usually not covered by medical insurances.
Before Your CO2 Laser Procedure
Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel will instruct you on how to prepare for your CO2 Laser treatment. Sometimes Retin-A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the CO2 to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your CO2 Laser treatment. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and help you out for a day or two.
Where Your CO2 Laser Procedure Be Performed
Most CO2 Lasers may be safely performed in a plastic surgeon's office, office-based surgical facility or outpatient surgical center. Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel may want you to stay overnight in a facility or hospital if other cosmetic procedures are performed simultaneously.
Types of Anesthesia
Local Lidocaine blocks or IV sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable. Routinely Dr. M. Patel and Dr. J. Patel will perform the CO2 laser in the operating room to optimize your comfort level with the assistance of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.
CO2 Laser Technology
The CO2 laser produces a beam of infrared light with the principal wavelength bands centering around 9.4 and 10.6 micrometers.
The active laser medium (laser gain/amplification medium) is a gas discharge which is air cooled (water cooled in higher power applications). The filling gas within the discharge tube consists primarily of:
The specific proportions vary according to the particular laser.
The CO2 Laser Procedure
Dr. M. Patel and Dr. J. Patel use a CO2 Laser to resurface the skin. This instrument allows us to use a high-energy beam to vaporize scars, lines, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, layer by layer. The laser affords a level of precision, control and accuracy that is not available by other methods. The laser can only be used up to the jaw line because of difficulties in healing if used on the skin of the neck. (There are other treatments available to address the neck). This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, in an accredited and licensed hospital setting under anesthesia sedation. Patients are discharged the same day to a responsible party. You cannot drive yourself home after treatment.
After Your CO2 Laser Procedure
Recovery from CO2 Laser Resurfacing the exfoliation of skin requires new skin to grow from the deeper layers. During the first two weeks, a significant amount of redness and weeping of the skin can be expected. An ointment is applied during the first 7 to 10 days to keep the skin moist. Patients must refrain from wearing make-up during the first two weeks. The skin may continue to show signs of pink or redness for several weeks following surgery. Our KayaKalp Skin care specialist will assist you in helping to prepare the skin for treatment as well as applying camouflage make-up during the second week. Swelling may also occur and should resolve within the first couple of weeks. The skin heals extremely well over time and sun exposure should be avoided during the first six weeks following treatment.
After an CO2 laser procedure, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor's specific post-operative instructions. It can also cause significant swelling, depending on the number of passes and depth of the CO2 laser treatment.
If the areas around your eyes were treated with CO2 laser, your eyes may even be swollen shut temporarily. You will need someone to help care for you for a day or two. You may also be limited to a liquid diet and advised not to talk very much during the first few days of recovery.
Getting Back to Normal
With a CO2 laser treatment, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with this treatment. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sun block with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
Depending on the number of passes used by the Dr. M. Patel, or Dr. J. Patel, moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected. During this time, it is especially important that you use a sun block or blotchy, irregular skin coloring may result.
About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup. (For makeup tips, ask Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel to set up an appointment with our KayaKalp skin care director on camouflage cosmetics.)
Your New Look
Your results will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effects of aging and sun exposure. You should notice a considerable improvement in the overall tone of your skin. Previous blotchiness, sun spots and uneven tones of your skin should disappear with CO2 laser resurfacing resulting in a healthier, younger looking appearance to your skin. It will be imperative that you continue to keep this new look by using Sun block on a daily basis. Our KayaKalp Skincare specialist will be happy to assist you with the maintenance of your new skin.