Skin Care Articles

MIXto Co2 Laser

Joyce Black, RN, CPSN

I have been working exclusively in the area skin care for the past 15 years after many wonderful years in the operating room with Dr. Carraway.  The beginning years in skin care were sometimes frustrating.  Surgery gives us an immediate gratification factor that justifies its application.  Skin care can be slow and tedious.  The end result of constant skin care can be gratifying if the patient is willing to persevere.

Well, my desire for instant gratification has been fed more and more as the years have progressed.  Two factors make this true…. my basic knowledge and industry advances.  Among these advances are in the area of laser technology.  Not only are we able to do more for our patients wrinkles and scars, we are even seeing more tightening and texture improvement of not just facial skin, but of the arms, neck and chest as well. My experience with laser technologies has been constant and ever changing.  I am so excited about Co2 fractional laser technology.  As a practitioner I am able to visibly improve my patient’s skin without enormous expense or downtime.

Co2 “fractional” technology allows for tiny organized .18mm channels to be laid down in a fairly organized fashion on the skin’s surface.  The depth and space between the channels are controlled by the laser settings.  These microscopic channels cause a healing process beginning within the deeper layers of the skin.  After this, a series of larger superficial .3mm channels are created which provides immediate skin tightening and exfoliation.  New collagen remodeling is only one of the many benefits.  Wrinkle reduction and improvement in the quality of the skin is always apparent post laser.

Patients are generally able to wear make-up in 5-7 days, however, redness may last longer and varies according to the aggressiveness of the procedure.  Most people experience a mild burning during the procedure and for a couple of days after.

We are always excited to discuss options for your skin care needs and consider Co2 fractional laser to be another one of those options available at the ASCC.