Is the CO2RE treatment safe?

Yes.  To minimize the potential for any negative reactions to the treatment, a personal interview and clinical examination will be conducted to obtain relevant facts about your medical and dermatologic history, and any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past. If you are prone to cold sores, you need to ask your doctor for an antiviral prescription before the treatment. A short course of antibiotics may also be recommend to minimise the risk of infection.

Is the treatment painful?

You can expect some moderate discomfort during the treatment.  To minimise the discomfort we apply topical anaesthetic to the area an hour before the treatment and cool the area throughout the procedure. Oral pain relievers may also be prescribed by the Doctor prior to the treatment.

What can I expect after the treatment?

The skin will appear bright red and feel like a bad sunburn after the treatment. You may cool the skin down with ice wrapped in a clean cloth, and may notice small spots of blood on your face which you can pat with a clean tissue. The area treated usually only stings for a few hours post the treatment. The area will be very swollen for a few days. The skin will look pink and then bronze. This is normal. You can expect peeling of dead skin – this is a natural exfoliation process and may last up to 7-10 days. Patients experience itchiness typical to sunburn.

How long is the recovery?

Typically the social downtime is 6 days.  The appearance of the skin is not really socially acceptable during the first few days. Patient will not be able to go to work within the first 5 days.  No make-up may be applied for the first 7 days after the treatment.

Do I need any special precautions after the treatment?

Care for your skin after the procedure is crucial.  It is important that you keep out of the sun. Wear a hat when coming to the rooms for your check-ups, otherwise stay indoors. It is important that you wash your hands to avoid infection. We encourage you come in at least once after your treatment for red light therapy (which accelerates healing) and for your doctor to assess your skin’s recovery. Recommended products will be given to you on the day of the treatment. Vaseline blue seal (original) to be applied at least 4 times a day for the first 5-6 days. You may wash your face very gently 48 hrs after treatment with Cetaphil cleansing lotion using your hands and luke warm water. Avoid sponges, face cloths or cotton discs when cleansing.  5-6 days after treatment and once the doctor has seen you, you must use the Cetaphil moisturiser and sun block twice a day for 3 months.

When will I see results?

Results can be seen within a few days after the initial healing phase is complete – around day 5. The texture and tone of the skin will gradually improve leaving your skin looking smoother and tighter. Fine lines, wrinkles and age spots will start to show immediate improvement but results will continue for up to six months with new collagen regeneration that “plumps” up the skin. The results are permanent.

How many treatments will I need?

Generally you will see the difference you want after just one treatment.

How long will the results last?

Results are permanent but the CO2RE doesn’t stop the ageing process but it certainly sets it back a few years!

How does it work?

The CO2 Fractional Laser enables the Doctor to regulate and control the depth of penetration and the amount of heat delivered to the area. The energy delivered into the skin is divided up into “fractions” allowing maximum time for thermal cooling of the tissue.  This process is less painful for the patient and allows for a faster recovery!

What are the risks?

Hypo-pigmentation, skin lightening, is a rare complication.  Hyper-pigmentation, skin darkening, is a reaction more common in patients with dark or olive tones and can become worse if exposed to sunlight.  Scarring, although rare, can occur whenever the skins surface has been disrupted.  Strict adherence to post treatment instructions will reduce the possibility of these complications.

Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure?

Fractional Co2 Laser resurfacing is suitable for:

• the younger patient with severe acne scars
• the middle-aged patient with wrinkles and age spots
• the older patient with wrinkles, age spots and pre-cancerous lesions

Is it just for the face or can it be used on other areas of the body?

It is most commonly used on the face but is also used on the neck, chest, arms and hands.

Who is not a suitable candidate?

Dark skin types are more prone to hyper-pigmentation so a pre consultation with a doctor is vital in order to access suitability.