Originally performed in the 1980’s, continuous wave carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been used to treat cutaneous signs of photo damage that progressively increase with age and occur most prominently in individuals with fair skin.

With the technological advent of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing (developed in the 2000’s), a novel mechanism in which numerous narrow, microscopic columns of laser light are emitted was created. This then allows for focused and precise treatment of a defined fraction of the skin within a targeted area, leaving intervening areas of skin between the columns unaffected. The combination of damaged and undamaged skin adjacent to sites of laser injury allows for rapid reepithelialization of tissue after treatment through the migration of viable cells into wounded areas lifting, tightening, and regenerating healthy and youthful appearing skin.

For individuals with periorbital puffiness, pigmentation, or excess skin accumulated throughout their lifetime, CO2 fractional laser treatment can be an excellent non-invasive intervention that allows for tightening and reducing the tired aged appearance.

Typical treatment time, including pre-procedural preparation takes approximately 45 minutes. Recovery time can be anywhere from 3-7 days depending on the patient’s individual presentation and full effect is best observed 6-8 weeks following procedure. Most individuals require 2-3 treatments for maximal result.

Complications and adverse effects are rare but may include persistent redness, dyspigmentation, infections, and scarring. Transient post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation may occur in approximately 30 percent of patients and is more likely to occur in patients darker skin pigmentation. Hypo-pigmentation, which is more common in light skinned individuals, may not be evident until several months after the procedure.

Please contact MetroMD to schedule a consultation today!