C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO₂ Laser Resurfacing continues to be an ideal method for eliminating moderate to deep lines and creases due to aging and photodamage and with the ActiveFX peel using the CO₂ lite features, is now the ideal method for a lighter minimal downtime peel.

Skin resurfacing with heavier settings is a tried and true approach to skin rejuvenation precisely removing layers of skin to correct fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and smooth skin, soften pucker marks, and repair skin discoloration. The results of laser resurfacing are generally quite dramatic and long-lasting.

The UltraPulse Encore has broadened the applications for CO₂ laser technology. This laser not only delivers superior tissue effects when treating moderate to deep wrinkles, but when performing a ActiveFX it also addresses fine lines and uneven pigment. By producing a controlled superficial laser peel confined to the epidermis, the ActiveFX with CO₂ Lite improves skin tone and surface imperfections with only minimal downtime.

Q&A

C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Q: How does Ultrapulse skin resurfacing work?

A: The UltraPulse Encore is a CO₂ laser designed to offer the versatility of both deep and light - minimal downtime, skin resurfacing.  The wavelength of light emitted by a CO₂ laser is very well absorbed by water in the skin.  “Ultrapulses” of the laser vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation over time of new, underlying collagen to provide better elasticity and support for the skin.

With upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the CO₂ laser removes loose skin, and if present, fat pads. On the lower lid, fat pads are removed with no visible incision and no stitches. Because the laser beam seals blood vessels as it touches them, the physician can clearly judge how much tissue to remove, and there is less swelling and bruising than with traditional eyelifts.

Q: Can CO₂ laser technology be used less invasively for treating milder indications?

A:With Lumenis' CO₂ laser technology, skin resurfacing is so precise that you can tailor treatment according to the nature and extent of photodamage, wrinkling, skin type and individual requirements for recovery time. For instance, the Active-FX peel using the unique CO₂ Lite feature allows you to achieve a superficial laser peel with just one pass.  CO₂ Lite utilizes fluences that are below the ablation threshold and with a single pass imparts intraepidermal coagulation that is confined to the epidermis with little to no thermal injury in the dermis.  In addition, the CoolScan program on the CPG places pulses in such a manner as to minimize thermal conduction of heat to deeper tissues and reduce the recovery period.  The epidermis is typically left intact and serves as a natural wound dressing. The coagulated epidermis sloughs off in 3-5 days. Downtime is typically 4-7 days and offer substantial results. Offering both superior results for treating deep wrinkles and the ability to achieve controlled superficial resurfacing, the UltraPulse Encore is the most logical choice for an "all-in-one" resurfacing laser.

Q: What results can my patients expect, and how long will the benefits of treatment last?

A: Laser resurfacing can restore your patient's skin to a healthy state, similar to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring. With proper sun protection, results can persist for more than five years. In areas where muscle activity is strong, lines may begin to reappear sooner. After laser eyelid surgery, the cosmetic improvement is usually sustained. Typically, only one blepharoplasty procedure is needed to remove excess skin and fat pads. As skin continues to age at a normal rate, you may advise your patient to maintain results with a 'touch-up' resurfacing treatment. In any event, with cosmetic laser surgery you will have definitively 'turned back the clock.'

Q: What are the advantages of using authentic CO₂ vs. erbium lasers with extended pulse widths?

A: A bilateral study comparing resurfacing with long pulse erbium:YAG followed by traditional short-pulse erbium ablation to UltraPulse CO₂ followed by short-pulse erbium ablation (Rostan E, Goldman M, Fitzpatrick R. Laser Resurfacing With a Dual-Mode, Long-Pulse Erbium:YAG Laser Compared to the 950-µs Pulsed CO₂ Laser. Am J Cosmetic Surg. 2000; 17(4):227-231.) found that there was no statistical difference in healing between the two sides and in 5 patients (26%), greater clinical improvement in periorbital lines, perioral lines, or both was noted on the UltraPulse CO₂ side. (A reprint of this article can be ordered from the Lumenis web site, Lumenis Lit. # 5448).

The value of utilizing authentic CO₂:

• When addressing moderate to severe wrinkles, true high-energy short-pulsed CO₂ technology has proven to be the superior modality.
• Physicians report that continued, progressive improvement in solar elastosis is seen post UltraPulse CO₂ laser resurfacing.
• The hemostatic effect only afforded by CO₂ provides superior visualization of clinical endpoints.
• For surgical incisions, the cutting ability of CO₂ is unsurpassed