CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Plastic Surgeon & Skin Care Spa Serving Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee's Summit & Nearby Areas of Kansas & Missouri

Woman with amazing skin wearing her towel over her hair.

Do you suffer from sun damage, acne scars, brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles or struggle with skin laxity and texture problems. Then DOT SmartXide C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.

This CO2 laser resurfacing is the gold standard for laser skin resurfacing treating the effects of facial skin aging and promoting skin rejuvenation.

fractionated laser treatment Kansas CityWith this latest laser technology, the DOT SmartXide CO2 Fractionated Laser offers many of the benefits of the traditional CO2 laser treatment with a fraction of the downtime. Prior to DOT technology, patients had to endure lengthy, uncomfortable laser sessions with long recovery periods in order to rejuvenate their skin. Several now-outdated treatments involved eliminating an entire layer of the skin’s surface, leading significant redness, discomfort and downtime. Additionally, old CO2 laser technology couldn’t easily treat non-facial areas like the neck and upper chest because those areas didn’t heal as well as facial areas.

How Is DOT Therapy Different than Traditional CO2 Treatment?

DOT therapy creates thousands of microscopic “dot pattern” perforations in the skin without affecting the surrounding areas. This process encourages quick healing from the edge of these tiny perforations. DOT therapy is faster, safer, and more efficient than conventional CO2 treatment. Dr. Perez has greater control to tailor the procedure specifically to your needs and even adjust the treatment during your procedure to adapt to any skin challenges or problem areas.

A big reason why this system is so successful is that it stimulates new collagen production, which causes inner tightening of your skin. Although some results are immediately noticeable, you will likely see your results improve gradually over the course of three to five months following treatment. After your DOT CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, you can usually expect to recover fully in about three to seven days, depending on the level of energy used. The procedure is performed using a topical anesthetic (or mild oral sedative) and usually takes less than an hour to complete.

Benefits of a CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment

The benefits of the SmartXide Dot C02 Laser resurfacing is that there is minimal downtime and rapid healing.  This quick procedure has low risks and accurate results, and treatments can be customized to the patients needs and desired recovery time. CO2 laser resurfacing can help to restore your youthful beauty by improving the appearance of:

  • Sun damage
  • Loose skin
  • Wrinkled skin
  • Acne scars
  • Actinic keratosis
  • Other scars

 Some of the most common treatment areas for CO2 laser resurfacing include:

  • Full face
  • Neck
  • Area around the mouth
  • Décolletage
  • Unsightly scars
  • Eyelids
  • Back of the hands

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Most people who want to improve the tone or texture of their skin are ideal candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing. The SmartXide treatment is more comfortable and requires less downtime than many other CO2 laser treatments. These features can make it work for a wide range of patients.

If you have fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, sagging skin, or other cosmetic issues, then you could benefit from this treatment. However, SmartXide may not be appropriate for deeper skin tones. Talk to our board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

What Happens During CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Before your laser resurfacing treatment begins, you will be given a topical anesthetic or a mild oral sedative. This step will help ensure that you do not feel pain during your laser appointment. You will also receive protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe from the powerful laser energy.

SmartXide treatments use dermal optical thermolysis, also known as DOT therapy, to create thousands of microscopic perforations. These perforations stimulate collagen and elastin. Since there is no damage to the surrounding skin, the treated areas will heal at a relatively fast rate.

How Do I Prepare for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

There are things you will need to do before your appointment to ensure the best results. Leading up to your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, you will likely be asked to:

  • Stop using exfoliating products like retinol and scrubs
  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning products, and tanning beds
  • Drink plenty of water and apply moisturizer regularly
  • Arrive at our practice without any makeup on your face or neck

How Long Do CO2 Laser Resurfacing Results Last?

The results of your laser resurfacing treatment can last for several years. This treatment activates your skin’s natural rejuvenation process to provide visible and continuous improvements. Our office will provide you with more information about what to expect.

In some cases, a series of SmartXide treatments can increase the longevity of your new look. However, they will not stop the aging process or protect your skin from bad habits.

Be sure to take care of your skin by avoiding unprotected sun exposure and using medical-grade skin care products. It is also beneficial to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated.

Will the Results of My CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment Look Natural?

CO2 laser resurfacing treatments like SmartXide work by triggering internal skin rejuvenation. Your body will respond by producing its own natural collagen and elastin proteins. You can expect to look fresh-faced and rejuvenated without appearing like you’ve had any work done.

Keep in mind that your results can be technique-dependent. That’s why it’s important to visit an experienced provider such as board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Victor Perez for the treatment.

The Recovery

Depending on the depth of treatment and the areas being treated, you may experience redness anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks following treatment.  Most patients will see improvement with one treatment, however Dr. Perez recommends a series of treatments 4 to 6 months apart for best results.  Those who suffer from significant skin damage may need more than one treatment or series of treatments to achieve their desired results.

As with any skin rejuvenation procedure, best results are obtained by using skin care products containing Hydroquinone and a Retinoid before and after the treatment.

The Results

Take a look at our before-and-after gallery to see what we have been able to do for some of our patients. For more information about DOT and other laser treatment options, please call 913-685-1108 to speak to a friendly team member today. Renue Aesthetic Surgery serves Overland Park, Olathe, and nearby Kansas City areas.