In Tallahassee, CO2 laser treatments have become one of the go-to choices for those seeking to perfect their imperfections and reclaim their shine. But with their growing popularity grows a number of myths and misconceptions about this advanced skincare technology. In the age of instant information, it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction.
At Harmonized Aesthetics, we want to ensure you have all the facts before starting a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. Our team of experts care deeply about educating our clients and want to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in our services.
In this blog, we’ll be debunking the most common myths about CO2 lasers we’ve heard floating around the internet, providing you with the truth about what this powerful treatment can—and can’t—do for your skin.
What is CO2 laser resurfacing?
Before we break down the myths surrounding the CO2 laser in Tallahassee, it’s important to understand what the treatment is and what it can accomplish. This advanced laser technology is designed to treat a variety of skin concerns, and helps to reveal a smoother, healthier complexion after your first treatment.
How CO2 Laser Resurfacing Works
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is a skin treatment that utilizes laser energy to precisely remove damaged skin layers and deeply penetrate the skin. This boosts natural collagen and elastin production, giving your skin a more plump and youthful appearance.
By removing the damaged outer layers on the skin, new skin cells regenerate. Tailoring CO2 treatments to individual needs ensures optimal results, paving the way to a rejuvenated complexion.
CO2 resurfacing can treat several concerns, including:
- Age spots
- Skin laxity
- Uneven texture and tone
- Acne, injury, and surgical scars
- Enlarged pores
- Sun damage
- Fine lines and wrinkles
Areas of Treatment With CO2 Laser Resurfacing
We can use the CO2 laser in Tallahassee on many areas of the face, but also other parts of the body. It is typically used to address concerns in the following areas:
- Lower eyelids
- Upper eyelids
- Around the mouth
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Hands
At Harmonized, you’ll start your CO2 laser treatment with a personalized consultation. During this open, comfortable conversation, you’ll be able to discuss potential treatment zones with a CO2 resurfacing expert.
The Treatment and Results
After an initial consultation, you’ll move onto your first session with CO2 laser resurfacing! You’ll sit comfortably in our treatment room, and your resurfacing practitioner will begin the treatment. Working quickly and efficiently, we’ll pass the laser device over your predetermined area(s).
There are some recommended recovery times after a CO2 laser treatment, though it varies depending on the individual and the treatment depth. We usually recommend taking 3 to 7 days of downtime to let your skin heal.
After this brief period, you may already be able to see a difference in your skin. Your complexion may be smoother and more even in tone, with noticeably smaller pores. However, the real benefits of the CO2 laser treatment will continue to build for 3 to 6 months after your treatment.
This is due to how the laser penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to repair deep-set damage and boost collagen production. You’ll continue to experience the benefits of laser resurfacing months after your initial treatment.
If you are curious about CO2 laser treatments, check out our top 5 reasons for choosing laser treatments in Tallahassee to learn more!
The Myths of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Knowledge is power, and our team at Harmonized Aesthetics wants to make sure you have all the right information at hand when it comes to treatments with a CO2 laser in Tallahassee.
There are some common myths and misconceptions we hear about this powerful treatment, and we want to help clear up any confusion there may be!
Myth #1: CO2 laser treatments are very painful
Thanks to significant advancements in CO2 laser technology, laser resurfacing procedures have become more and more tolerable. This allows for patients to achieve significant results with minimal discomfort.
Because it is a deep laser treatment, there is some discomfort with a fractional CO2 laser. Our providers will work to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Patients often describe the sensation of laser resurfacing similar to that of a rubber band snapping, or pins and needles on the skin with warmth involved.
Myth #2: CO2 lasers are unsafe
A common misconception about laser treatments is that they are damaging to skin and can cause scarring after treatments. This is not the case! When your treatment is performed by a reputable administrator, it is completely safe.
Doctors have been using CO2 lasers in treatments for decades, noticing their aesthetic uses for over 50 years and regularly employing them for cosmetic treatments since the mid-1990s.
Myth # 3: CO2 laser results are instantaneous
Though you might notice some results in the days following your initial resurfacing treatment, the best results come after your skin has fully healed. You’ll see the most dramatic improvements a little later because the treatment puts your skin’s collagen production and healing process into overdrive to rejuvenate your skin from within.
With the rejuvenation, you’ll notice your skin become smoother, uneven tones even out, and wrinkles and fine lines diminish. To prolong these results after your treatment, we recommend that you:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen
- Moisturize daily
- Avoid tanning beds
- Avoid smoking
Myth #4: CO2 laser treatments require a long recovery time
Treatments involving a CO2 laser in Tallahassee are considered noninvasive, which means there are no snips, cuts, or surgery required to see the lasting results in your skin. Redness and swelling are typical for all laser resurfacing, which subsides within 24 hours for most mild-to-moderate treatments.
Depending on the intensity of your treatment, you may require up to a week of downtime for redness to fully subside.
Generally, it takes 1 week for your skin to completely recover from your laser skin treatment. To promote a quick and speedy recovery, our team often recommends that, after your laser resurfacing session, you:
- Stay well moisturized
- Avoid strenuous activities for 1 to 2 weeks
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking
These tips will help your skin bounce back quicker after your CO2 laser resurfacing session, and will help to maximize the results you see in the mirror.
Myth #5: CO2 laser treatments are only for aging skin
CO2 treatments are extremely versatile and fully customizable. This means they can address acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture—regardless of your age.
Starting good skin care habits early on can help to lock in more youthful-looking skin for the future. Besides scar reduction, CO2 laser treatments are very effective at minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, making them a comprehensive solution for skin rejuvenation. With a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, you can achieve smoother, more radiant skin.
If you’re curious about CO2 resurfacing and the impact it can have on reducing scars, check out our treatment guide on laser scar removal in Tallahassee to learn how you can fade scars into a thing of the past.
Myth #6: 1 CO2 treatment solves everything
Most patients do notice significant improvements after just 1 session with a CO2 laser in Tallahassee, but depending on the severity of your skin concerns, we may recommend follow-up sessions. With CO2 laser resurfacing, each session builds upon the last, with results cumulating for even greater improvements.
Finding a customized treatment based on your individual skin needs is an important part of ensuring you love what you see in the mirror after your treatment. By combining multiple treatments, we can take your results even further.
While the results from your treatment are long-lasting, many patients opt to return for maintenance sessions every 1 to 2 years. This helps to keep the skin looking young and refreshed, especially when paired with an at-home skincare routine containing a medical-grade lineup of products..
Myths No More: Experience the Real Benefits of a CO2 Laser
In Tallahassee, looking and feeling your best is only one click or call away. Your skin journey starts here at Harmonized Aesthetics. We’ll discuss your concerns and goals, so we can create a one-of-a-kind plan to optimize your every visit.
Get in touch with us now to explore CO2 laser treatments, create your personalized aesthetic plan, and achieve stunning results!
