CO2 laser resurfacing of the skin has been shown to provide long-lasting reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring and a host of other skin conditions. Although many women and men are aware of its effectiveness, they might be less aware of the actual reason these treatments work so well.
Collagen and the Aging Process
In order to understand how CO2 laser resurfacing works, it is beneficial to understand what collagen is and how it works in our bodies. Collagen is a very important and by far the most bountiful protein found in the human body. It’s responsible for keeping bones strong and joints flexible and agile. It maintains muscle and tissue health like no other protein in the body. It’s also extremely important for keeping the skin supple, firm, smooth and youthful.
As we age, the production of collagen in the body begins to decrease. This is felt in areas of the body such as the tendons and joints as they become weaker and less flexible. It also becomes visible on the skin as wrinkles, lines, sagging skin and other skin conditions related to aging.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a skin treatment in which a fluctuating and concentrated light beam is aimed at areas of the skin that need treatment. It has the effect of essentially removing the topmost layers of the skin a layer at a time.
The body responds to this treatment as if it were a minor to severe skin injury, depending on the intensity of the treatment. The body then initiates its natural defense mechanism by producing and releasing healing agents that are absorbed by the skin. One of these healing agents happens to be collagen. It’s produced at a higher level when the body perceives the treatment as a skin injury.
There are two kinds of lasers that can be used for laser resurfacing treatments: erbium and carbon dioxide, or CO2. While erbium laser resurfacing treatments are used to treat moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the surface level of the skin, CO2 lasers reach into deeper layers of the skin using a fractional method. This enables the CO2 laser to treat conditions such as deep scars, warts, deep wrinkles and other, more severe skin conditions.
Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Right for Me?
During a consultation at Carolina Plastic Surgery in Fayetteville, our team of professionals can evaluate the condition of your skin and help you determine if CO2 laser resurfacing can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment to learn more!
