What is the eCO2™ Plus Fractional Laser?
A carbon dioxide laser (CO2 laser) resurfaces skin to improve skin texture and remove pigmentation with targeted beams of light. Applied to a small fraction of skin at a time, eCO2™ Plus stimulates collagen in the skin and rejuvenates the skin cells below the skin’s surface. This helps smooth out the creases that cause wrinkling and scarring. The laser removes surface cells of the epidermis, making way for fresh, new skin.
What skin issues can benefit from the eCO2™ Plus Fractional Laser?
You might pursue fractional treatments for:
- Wrinkles, Rhytids & Fine Lines
- Skin Resurfacing
- Scars (Acne, Burn, Surgical, etc.)
- Textural Irregularities
- Dyschromia
- Pigmented Lesions & Lentigines
- Solar/Actinic Elastosis
- Nevi and Skin Blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
The eCO2™ Plus Procedure:
CO2 laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. Appointments last from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and aggressiveness of treatment.
If you’re having a fractional CO2 laser treatment, your doctor will first numb you with a local anesthetic.
Once your skin is numb , Dr. Gray begins moving the handheld laser device across the treatment area as it emits its powerful light beam. The beam is usually a square, so the device is carefully moved section by section, lining up each ablated square in a grid-like pattern until the full area has been treated.
What should I expect during recovery?
Your downtime and healing process will depend on the intensity of your treatment, but most people experience swelling and redness for up to a week. Your skin should look and feel mostly healed by day six or seven. Before then, you can use cold compresses to help alleviate any discomfort. Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce swelling.
After more intense treatments at a higher setting, you may need a few extra days off work. You should be healed and presentable within 12 days, but your complexion may appear bronzed or flushed for about two weeks. Don’t pick or peel any flakes or scabs.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two to three months (ideally longer, to help preserve your results). When you’re outside, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat.
How soon will I see results?
You’ll see your final results 8–12 weeks after your procedure. Results can last up to three years. Surface skin results will be apparent as soon as healing’s complete, but it takes a few months to see the firming effects of increased collagen as your body naturally produces new cells and structural proteins.