What can be expected during and after CO2 laser resurfacing?

People pricing CO2 laser resurfacing around Rancho Cordova tend to ask what the day and the week after actually involve, because a quote should match the treatment you will really have.

The short answer

Cleveland Clinic says that in general, all forms of laser resurfacing are performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia in combination with orally or intravenously administered sedative medications. For the days after, Cleveland Clinic says that immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned.

What moves the picture

Cleveland Clinic also says that redness, swelling, itching or stinging may last for a few days. It adds that wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or forehead may be treated individually, or a full-face laserabrasion may be performed. The area treated is one thing a quote has to name, so ask whether the price is for one area or the whole face.

Two clinical papers go deeper: Noninvasive Facial Rejuvenation, Part 3, on lasers, chemical peels and other physician-directed modalities, and a paper on fractional CO2 laser resurfacing complications.

From ballpark to quote

Ask the provider to list what the price covers, including the area treated and the type of anesthesia or sedation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a general page on laser skin resurfacing to read before the appointment.

Always ask what area a price covers.