After a long, sunny Sacramento summer, it’s common to notice more fine lines, uneven tone and rougher texture than you did in the spring. The good news is that the cooler months are the perfect time to do something about it. In fact, fall and winter are so well suited for skin resurfacing that many surgeons and dermatologists call this time of year “laser season.”
Why Timing Matters for Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing uses a high-energy beam to remove dull and damaged outer layers of skin. As the skin heals, it produces new collagen, which can help to minimize wrinkles, soften scars, even out skin tone and create a smoother texture. It can also provide a small degree of skin tightening.
Because the treatment removes the skin’s outer layers, the fresh skin underneath is especially vulnerable to the sun while it heals. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery advises patients to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen on newly resurfaced skin. That’s much easier to do in late fall and winter, when the days are shorter and more time is spent indoors.
What Sets Our CO2 Laser Treatment Apart
Many med spas offer quick “lunchtime” laser treatments, but CO2 laser resurfacing at our practice is a far more in-depth procedure. It’s performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons in a surgical suite, with the patient under full anesthesia.
We use the MiXto and Tetra Pro CO2 lasers, which are fully programmable so each treatment can be tailored to what your skin needs. Our surgeons have performed almost 600 laser skin resurfacing procedures, and that experience matters. In inexperienced hands, a CO2 laser can cause lasting skin damage and scarring.
Because CO2 laser resurfacing may cause some degree of permanent skin discoloration, patients with lighter skin tones tend to see the best results. Your surgeon will help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your skin during your consultation.
What to Expect During Recovery
For the first several days after treatment, your skin will be oozy, swollen and sensitive. The treated layers will then peel away to reveal new skin. During this time, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized and stay out of the sun for several weeks. Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions to follow at home.
Scheduling your treatment in November lets you heal during the season when staying indoors comes naturally. Many people also have extra time off around the holidays, which makes it easier to rest. By the time spring arrives, your refreshed skin will be ready to enjoy.
Pair Laser Resurfacing with Facial Surgery
CO2 laser resurfacing can also be a great addition for patients who are already planning facial rejuvenation surgery. Many of our patients combine it with a facelift or eyelid surgery to improve both skin quality and facial structure at the same time. You can see real patient examples in our laser resurfacing photo gallery.
If you’re considering CO2 laser resurfacing this season, call our Sacramento office at 916-983-9895 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation.
