With the holidays just around the corner, many people are interested in convenient non-surgical treatments that allow them to look and feel their best. The CO2 fractional laser is frequently a top choice for treating some of the most common skin complaints, including fine lines, dilated skin pores, skin textural irregularities, and discoloration. Learn more about how this popular treatment can give you glowing skin this season.
Lasers Treat More Than You Think
Laser treatment can be completely customized depending on the patient’s skin tone and concerns.
Dr. Cangello offers laser treatments that address the following:
- Signs of age (including fine lines and wrinkles)
- Mild skin laxity
- Discoloration
- Enlarged pores
- Raised scars and deep-pitted acne scars
- Skin surface textural irregularities
MicroLaser Peel vs. More Ablative Treatments
Fractional CO2 laser technology provides versatile treatment options, including light, medium, and deep skin resurfacing.
The right depth of treatment depends on the patient’s cosmetic concerns, recovery preferences, and ultimate goals. Below we break down the key differences between these treatments.
MicroLaser Peel
The MicroLaser Peel is an excellent option for those who want to look tone up the skin and give it a beautiful fresh glow. This is great treatment option prior to an event because the period is very short (1-2 days) and doesn’t require that you take any time off from work. This treatment delivers a beam of laser energy that has been separated into smaller beams, resulting in columns of controlled injury on the skin’s surface. Since the areas between the beams are untouched, healing is rapid and there is little discomfort. This process jumpstarts the production of collagen and elastin – two important skin-building proteins. The damaged, aged skin is eventually replaced with newer, healthier skin.
With minimal downtime, the MicroLaser peel is a top choice for busy professionals who want to look and feel great without disrupting their schedule. Most patients have puffy or pink skin for only a day or two afterward. While this treatment can’t address brown spots or severe skin irregularities, it’s a great way to achieve a more vibrant, refreshed complexion before a big event.
Medium Depth Treatment
For those seeking a moderate level of resurfacing, the medium strength treatment is an ideal choice. This fractional CO2 treatment offers more dramatic results by ablating more of the treatment area. As a result, it can better address textural irregularities, reduce fine lines, eliminate brown spots, and tighten pores.
Most medium depth treatments (it is a laser treatment, not a peel. The term micro laser peel is just a marketing term to indicate that it is not more intense than a light chemical peel that people frequently get) will require about 3-5 days of social downtime. During this time, the skin will look pink, slightly puffy, and it may have a sunburn sensation. The skin may flake and slough slightly as it does after a bad sunburn. Many patients schedule this peel before a long weekend, so they can maximize their recovery and start the next week with a fully refreshed look.
Deep Resurfacing
A deep treatment can provide full skin resurfacing. This fully ablative treatment is often performed under mild sedation to ensure safety and comfort. While a deep resurfacing treatment does require a longer downtime, it can treat significant textural irregularities, deeper wrinkles, and the most stubborn skin discoloration. Patients may need up to 10 days for full recovery, but the results are dramatic and long-lasting.
To get started on a customized laser treatment plan, contact Dr. Cangello’s office at (212) 644-4416 for a personal consultation.
