CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Dr. Paul Phelps

CO2 laser resurfacing is a treatment that can transform your appearance by diminishing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and tightening skin for a more even, radiant complexion.

As you age, the levels of collagen and elastin–the proteins that maintain dermal structure and youthful appearance–begin to decline, resulting in sagging and skin tone changes. CO2 lasers increase collagen levels in your skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Dr. Paul Phelps, a Chicago-based oculofacial surgeon and member of the Oculofacial Society, has helped many patients enhance their appearances and reach their aesthetic goals with laser resurfacing treatments. He is considered a leading expert in periocular and facial CO2 laser resurfacing. This reliable and predictable procedure can help you achieve lasting results and restore your confidence in your appearance.

Contact the office or get in touch with Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery by calling (312) 888-5754 to learn more about how we can rejuvenate your skin with a noninvasive treatment.

About CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing treatments are one of the most effective ways to improve one’s appearance. Clinical trials have shown that CO2 laser resurfacing is especially effective at reducing wrinkles in the periocular area when combined with blepharoplasty surgery. CO2 lasers stimulate collagen production to improve the skin and reduce scar tissue. The gentle but powerful laser energy can transform one’s appearance without a lengthy recovery period by increasing cell turnover to refresh the skin naturally.

With CO2 laser treatments, we can address:

  • Periocular wrinkles: CO2 laser is one of the most powerful ways to improve wrinkles around the eyes.
  • Facial skin texture and tone: Long-term studies show the benefits of CO2 laser for several years after treatment.
  • Benign skin lesions: We can effectively remove moles and other blemishes of your skin while preserving the surrounding tissue, resulting in a smoother appearance.
  • Scars: We can treat raised (hypertrophic) or sunken (atrophic) scars by improving collagen levels in the skin.

What Makes CO2 Lasers Different?

CO2 lasers are ablative, meaning they resurface the top layer of the skin with heat and laser energy, stimulating collagen production to renew the treatment area while preserving the surrounding tissue. Nonablative lasers stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin without affecting the uppermost layer. This renews the skin over time and can target conditions that affect the deeper layers. Fractionated lasers work by treating narrow columns of skin with each pulse, leaving the surrounding untouched skin to support faster healing. Dr. Phelps utilizes the Lumenis Ultrapulse laser, a fractionated ablative CO2 laser renowned as one of the most powerful tools in aesthetic medicine.

Benefits

Treating your skin with CO2 laser resurfacing treatments offers several benefits, including:

  • Smoother skin: Addressing raised scars or those that create divots in the skin can help improve one’s appearance.
  • A more even complexion: If you have melasma or skin pigmentation, we can help you improve it for a more radiant look.
  • Reduced scar visibility: The treatment can improve the appearance of scars for a more even skin tone.
  • Improved collagen production: Increasing the collagen levels in your skin can help you achieve lasting results.
  • Customizable treatment options: We can simultaneously adjust the treatment to address multiple skin concerns.
  • Lasting results: If you take good care of your skin, you can enjoy long-lasting results.

Candidates

Suitable candidates have realistic expectations and are in good overall health. If you have an active skin infection, we recommend waiting for CO2 laser treatments. If you have a skin disorder, we may suggest alternative treatment options. We can also discuss alternatives if you have a skin condition that prevents you from receiving laser treatments. We can combine the treatment with other facial rejuvenation treatments for candidates with more comprehensive aesthetic goals.

You may also need a series of treatments depending on the condition of your skin. If so, we can discuss the best treatment plan during your consultation. A series of CO2 laser resurfacing treatments can help us safely and effectively address wrinkles, skin texture issues, and scars while preserving the surrounding tissue.

Consultation

During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history, skincare routine, and aesthetic goals to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Dr. Phelps will answer any questions you have about your treatment plan. He will also examine the treatment area and recommend additional treatments to help you achieve your desired results.

To learn more about how we can help you improve your skin, see our blog.

Preparation

To prepare for a laser treatment, you will need to:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Stop using nicotine or tobacco products
  • Stay hydrated
  • Discontinue medications and supplements that thin the blood

Depending on the location of the treatment area, you may also need to adjust your at-home skincare routine before the treatment. Using products containing retinoids can compromise the skin barrier, so Dr. Phelps will likely recommend stopping temporarily before your treatment.

Treatment Process

To begin the treatment, Dr. Phelps will cleanse your skin and apply an anesthetic for your comfort. The laser generates heat to increase collagen levels and improve your skin’s appearance. He passes the laser over your skin in an even motion and may make multiple passes, depending on its condition.

The session can take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the condition of your skin and the size of the treatment area. However, the length of your treatment will depend on your individual needs. We can provide specific instructions to help you recover.

Recovery

It may take about 1-2 weeks for the skin to heal after a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. You must avoid wearing makeup until the skin has re-epithelialized, meaning scabs have naturally fallen off. Do not pick at the skin as this can cause permanent scars. Excessive sun exposure must be avoided for several weeks to prevent pigmentation that could affect your results. Pink or red skin may persist for several months after treatment, this is a sign that collagen and elastin are continuing to be produced by your skin, and this can be covered by tinted sunscreen as soon as 10 days after treatment.

During your recovery, you must take good care of your skin. If we prescribe ointments or creams, you must use them consistently and continue to stay out of the sun to help your skin heal. Over time, the improved collagen levels in your skin will renew it for a smoother, rejuvenated appearance.

Results

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Dr. Paul Phelps

After a CO2 laser treatment, you can enjoy a more even skin tone and healthier-looking skin. Improving collagen levels in your skin can reduce the appearance of irregularities or discoloration. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, which could compromise your skin barrier, can also help you enjoy lasting results. If you have scars or other issues that require multiple sessions, we recommend that you make time for follow-ups to achieve the best results. Staying consistent with your treatment plan can help you improve your skin more effectively.

Additional Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

SofwaveTM

SofwaveTM is a non-invasive ultrasonic treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to lift sagging skin for a smoother appearance. The FDA-approved treatment effectively diminishes signs of aging to help patients enhance their skin. With Sofwave, we can perform a non-invasive eyelid lift to address sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-Rich plasma (PRP) is a nutrient-rich serum that can rejuvenate the skin, reduce fine lines, improve the appearance of under-eye bags, and help promote new hair growth. During a PRP treatment, we draw a small blood sample and extract the nutrient-rich PRP serum. We can then administer it directly to the skin or scalp to achieve improvements in the targeted area.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a microneedling and radiofrequency treatment that increases your skin’s collagen levels by creating tiny micro-wounds in the skin. The treatment can diminish wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look. The tiny needles can also penetrate the skin at various depths to tighten the skin for a smoother complexion. With the treatment, we can address mild skin laxity and improve your skin’s tone and texture for a softer, more radiant complexion. We can also address acne scarring and fine lines.

The Cost of CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatments in Chicago

The cost of a CO2 laser will depend on the size of the treatment area and the condition of your skin. If you need a treatment series or additional treatments, we can provide an all-inclusive quote to help you achieve your goals.

To receive a personalized cost estimate, schedule an appointment at our office today. Contact our office or call (312) 888-5754 to get started.

FAQ

How many treatment sessions will I need to improve my skin with CO2 laser resurfacing?

Most of these powerful resurfacing treatments are done only once every 5-10 years. If you have scars or other unique skin issues, you will likely need more than one treatment session to achieve results.

Are there any risks to laser resurfacing?

CO2 lasers may cause inflammation, a natural response as they resurface the skin’s top layer. There is also a potential risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Eye injury is another possible risk; however, our highly trained staff are skilled in using protective equipment to ensure safety while effectively treating the periocular area.

How soon can I return to normal activities after CO2 laser resurfacing?

You can return to your normal activities soon after the treatment, but we recommend avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 pm for two weeks and wearing a hat and sunglasses whenever outdoors.

When can I wear makeup again after CO2 laser resurfacing treatments?

You should avoid wearing makeup while your skin heals to prevent an infection that could damage your skin and impact your results. You may resume wearing tinted sunscreen and makeup once the scabs of your skin have all fallen off naturally.

References

  1. Eye U. Under Eye Skin Resurfacing With Blepharoplasty: A Look at Lasers. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published online October 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10570000/october-2024-clinical-update-oculoplastics-pdf
  2. Carter SR, Seiff SR, Choo PH, Vallabhanath P. Lower eyelid CO2 laser rejuvenation. Ophthalmology. 2001;108(3):437-441. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00593-5
  3. Kotlus BS. Dual-Depth Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing for Periocular Rhytidosis. Dermatologic Surgery. 2010;36(5):623-628. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01516.x
  4. Tretti Clementoni M, Galimberti M, Tourlaki A, Catenacci M, Lavagno R, Bencini PL. Random fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photodamaged facial skin: long-term evaluation. Lasers in Medical Science. 2012;28(2):643-650. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1116-1
  5. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  6. Grigoryan KV, Fusco I, Ronconi L, Tiziano Zingoni. Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Effective Treatment of Facial Traumatic Hypertrophic Scar: A Case Report. The American journal of case reports. 2024;25. doi:https://doi.org/10.12659/ajcr.942706