At Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, we know a thing or two about sun exposure, being in southern Florida. Because of this, we get a lot of questions about the best ways to prevent and remedy the damage that direct sunlight can do to skin. One of the more popular procedures that has come along lately is CO2 laser resurfacing, which is the topic of our ACA Question of the Week this week. This question comes in from a Twitter follower in Pompano Beach and asks, “Planning on spending August escaping the heat. Sun exposure is hard to escape. I am a daily sunscreen user. Pros and Cons welcomed. Thank you.”
CO2 laser resurfacing is actually one of two different procedures that both rely on carbon dioxide gas to strip away the dead skin layers that accumulate on the upper levels of the epidermis and dermis, allowing new, healthy skin to replace the damaged and dead skin. This is also becoming a popular treatment for minimizing or resolving fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth that haven’t fully set into the skin yet, because of the way it exposes the healthy subsurface skin. Dr. Pane says to think of this procedure as a very precise, targeted chemical peel.
The primary difference between the procedures used in CO2 laser resurfacing is the length of time during which the patient is exposed to the laser. In a standard CO2 laser treatment, the patient remains under the laser for a single, extended session which does carry a slightly longer post-procedure recovery time. A fractional CO2 treatment consists of smaller treatments and more tightly defined areas spread out over several sessions. While each of these treatments has a shorter duration individually, the additional treatment and recovery time may not make this an ideal solution for people with busier schedules.
Regardless of which type of CO2 laser procedure you choose, it is very important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the recovery period. Sunlight can make the skin more tender and prone to sunburn, aggravating the very problems the laser was intended to correct because the thin layer of dead skin that protects the facial area is now stripped away. Avoiding sun exposure to the greatest possible degree and following aftercare instructions diligently can help prevent postoperative complications and maximize the results the patient can expect from the procedure.
Protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and a high-SPF sunscreen or sunblock are important, especially in the summer, after CO2 laser resurfacing procedures. The amount of recovery time necessary depends in part on the energy of the laser used in the procedure, but also on overall skin quality, tone and pigmentation. Patients with less melanin content in their skin and thus paler complexions may need more time out of the sun after CO2 laser treatments than those with darker complexions, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the time of an in-person consultation with the surgeon prior to the procedure being done.
During the in-person consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the areas to be addressed and what options are available for treating the problems. Some patients do not respond as well to certain treatments or methodologies, so it’s always a good idea not to get too hung up on any specific procedure or corrective treatment. A complete medical history briefing, clinical examination of the area and an in-depth discussion of what results are desired by the patient are standard parts of the consultation. These help to ensure the surgeon and patient are on the same page regarding the capabilities and limitations of the available options, as well as how to achieve the best results with the minimum possible risk of postoperative difficulties and side effects.
The best results usually start with getting the best possible information. Dr. Pane and the staff of ACA firmly believe that patient education leads to more knowledgeable patients who better understand how their cosmetic procedures work, what to expect and how to self-care after their treatments. If you have a question about cosmetic surgery, we invite you to contact us at (541) 422-4116, email us at https://acplasticsurg.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Your question may be our next ACA Question of the Week, which Dr. Thomas A. Pane will answer live in an upcoming Google Hangout, helping us to help you and other patients get the information you need to make wise decisions about your care. Remember, the only bad question is the one you don’t ask!