As we grow older, we develop fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, large pores, rough texture, uneven tone, and loose or sagging skin. These visible signs of aging can make us look older than we feel at heart. But one doesn't have to live with these signs of aging. Medical professionals can correct or improve them with a new state-of-the-art laser technology called the CO2RE® fractional skin resurfacing system. If you are seeking younger looking skin, keep reading to learn more about this innovative treatment and find out why it is superior to conventional resurfacing procedures.
What is a CO2RE?
CO2RE is a an ablative fractional laser that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth uneven skin tone and texture, and improve overall skin quality with only one treatment. It is the world's first fully integrated CO2 laser that is highly adaptable to each client's skin needs.
Features
The features that make CO2RE fractional laser special is that it precisely targets skin imperfections in the superficial, middle, and deep skin layers simultaneously. It permits providers to give patients the best results in skin resurfacing with a single treatment and with minimum downtime.
Type of laser
CO2RE is a fractional laser, meaning it removes skin layers in fractions. Targeted skin columns are treated, while the surrounding tissue remains intact, resulting in faster healing.
Areas of use
CO2RE® (CORE) laser can be used on the face and body. It is the ideal choice for full-face skin resurfacing, given its versatility. Providers can use this fractional CO2 laser to treat fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dull skin tone, uneven texture, scarring, skin laxity, and skin damaged by sun exposure.
How does the CO2RE laser work? Does it aid the natural exfoliation process?
The integrated CO2RE non-invasive laser device performs both resurfacing and fractional treatments which can be tailored to the needs of each patient.
Fractional CO2 lasers create microscopic channels in the skin and trigger the formation of new collagen and cell renewal. This fractional approach leaves the surrounding skin unharmed. This approach allows providers to perform deeper treatment with minimal discomfort for the patient.
The ablative approaches of the CO2RE system deliver superficial ablative treatments, meaning they remove dead skin tissue in fine, precise layers with minor dermal excisions. The dermal remodelling works like a natural exfoliation process to remove dead skin, revealing smoother, more youthful skin underneath.
What does CO2RE treat?
CO2RE is one of the most versatile fractional lasers available on the market right now. This laser treatment can be used on the face and body. It is used for fading fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, smoothening rough texture, addressing skin laxity, improving acne scars, and treating large pores, pigmentary changes, age spots, brown spots, sun damage, and other skin imperfections. In a nutshell, anyone who wants younger looking skin can benefit from CO2RE treatment.
Key benefits of the CO2RE system vs conventional resurfacing procedures
Flexibility
Key features of the CO2RE system that make it an industry leader include an internal scanner that can be optimized for individualized treatments. This gives providers unparalleled treatment flexibility and predictable clinical outcomes.
Versatility
CO2RE is a powerful and versatile laser with dual waves. Providers can adjust the treatment to target both superficial and deep dermal levels at the same time. This makes the treatment fast and more comfortable for clients with less downtime compared to conventional resurfacing procedures done with ablative lasers.
Convenience
The CO2RE laser treatments are done in a doctor's office. They are not invasive and do not involve surgery or hormones or injections. Results are achieved with only one treatment. In short, the CO2RE procedure is faster and more comfortable for patients and requires less downtime than surgical procedures such as a facelift. You get dramatic improvement in your skin and can restart all normal activities much faster.
Does CO2 laser really work?
CO2RE is an effective laser treatment that targets the superficial and deep skin layers simultaneously. It is a versatile system with six different treatment modes that can effectively treat specific skin concerns in the superficial and deeper dermal layers. The laser energy can precisely target fine lines, age spots, acne scars, etc., in the treatment area with controlled intensity, depth, and pattern for consistent results.
For clients, it means not only does the skin's surface look smoother and more radiant but the skin cells in the deeper layers are also renewed, leading to skin tightening and smoothening from within after the fractional laser resurfacing. CO2RE gives faster results and works for most types of skin damage and concerns. You need only one treatment and results are visible in a much shorter time than other types of laser ablation technology.
What can I expect during treatments?
Consultation
At the time of your initial consultation in the plastic surgery clinic, your doctor will obtain personal data including a complete medical history and skin history to ensure you can safely undergo CO2RE treatment. They will understand your skin concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment area and depth of fractionated ablative resurfacing treatment. The doctor will also discuss other treatment options with you.
Procedure
On the day of your appointment, the plastic surgeon will clean your skin and apply an anesthetic (numbing medicine) prior to the CO2RE procedure. This helps to reduce discomfort. For lighter treatments, a local anesthesia may be sufficient. For more aggressive fractional laser resurfacing, an injection of the anesthetic under the skin may be required.
Discomfort
Your doctor will give you protection for your eyes and start the treatment session with the CO2RE device. The anesthetic makes the discomfort tolerable for most patients undergoing light treatments. However, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort during deep ablative treatments. Notably, the discomfort is less compared to traditional ablative resurfacing because CORE is a fractional laser.
How long does CO2 laser resurfacing take to heal?
The CO2RE procedure typically makes the skin feel a little raw in the treated areas, especially with deeper treatments. This is a sensation similar to a sunburn. You can also expect peeling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate discomfort in the days after the treatment. The healing process takes 5-7 days after lighter treatment and 10-14 days with deeper treatment.
Notably, this is minimal downtime compared to some traditional ablation laser treatments and surgery which can have a long downtime. This is because, as noted, CO2RE is a fractional resurfacing procedure. It is much gentler than total ablation treatments that leave the skin very raw and red. The fractional resurfacing technology targets specific areas of damaged skin, while leaving healthy skin alone. This is the main difference between traditional and fractional resurfacing.
Treatment of the damaged areas stimulates the body’s natural healing process. The net result is you achieve better outcomes while also healing faster with less downtime, enabling you to get back to your daily routine much quicker.
What can I expect from the results?
CO2RE resurfacing treatments require an anesthetic and are associated with some downtime, but they give dramatic results which are long-lasting. Again, you can expect peeling and a sensation similar to a sunburn during the initial recovery period, but once your skin heals it will be smoother, brighter, more radiant and will look noticeably more youthful. Results vary based on the degree of skin damage. Most people see improvement in skin quality after 1-2 weeks. You can maintain the results of your procedure for longer by taking good care of your skin.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients need only one treatment with CO2RE laser. Your doctor may recommend a plan that includes a series of light treatments, depending on how long downtime you are okay with.
Is the CO2RE laser safe? Are there any side effects?
As noted above, common side effects include a raw sensation similar to a sunburn. You can also expect peeling. Side effects tend to be more with deeper treatments. Negative reactions are rare after CO2RE when performed in a reputed plastic surgery office by an experienced provider.
How do I know if CO2RE treatments are right for my skin tone?
If you have sun damaged skin and visible signs of aging and are seeking younger looking skin with a procedure that emulates the body's natural exfoliation process with less downtime compared to traditional ablative resurfacing, then CO2RE is the ideal choice for you. However, the final decision about whether it is an appropriate procedure for you will be made by your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Finding a provider for CORE fractional laser resurfacing
The MeTime app makes it easy to find providers for CO2RE fractional laser resurfacing in your area. You can chat with experts, upload pictures, do a video consult, and have suggestions sent directly to you. Take the first step toward younger looking skin - download the MeTime app today!
