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There’s a lot of confusion surrounding CO2 lasers. Many people mistakenly believe they’re used for only cosmetic skin rejuvenation. In reality, CO2 lasers—especially modern systems like the UltraPulse CO2 laser serve a crucial role in surgical dermatology, offering a precise, controlled way to treat a wide variety of skin lesions and conditions.
What Is a CO2 Laser?
A CO2 laser uses a concentrated beam of infrared light to vaporize or excise skin tissue. It can be used in:
- Focused mode, acting like a surgical scalpel with pinpoint precision
- Defocused mode, vaporizing skin lesions with minimal tissue trauma
CO2 lasers can be utilized for skin resurfacing but are most effective when combined with other lasers such as the Fotona SP Dynamis laser system.
What Conditions Can CO2 Lasers Treat?
CO2 lasers are often used to remove growths, treat pre-cancerous or specific types of skin cancers, and perform precise skin surgery, especially in delicate areas like the face and eyelids.
Here are some of the most common conditions it can treat:
- Benign growths such as seborrheic keratosis, fibrous papules, xanthelasma, pilar scalp cyst, skin tags, and certain types of moles (in conjunction with a skin biopsy).
- Pre-cancerous and specific types of cancerous lesions.
- Vascular lesions like cherry angiomas and pyogenic granulomas.
- Special cases, including keloid scars, rhinophyma (nose overgrowth), stretched earlobes, and eyelid surgery.
- The UltraPulse CO2 laser, with the DeepFX & SCAAR FX handpieces, represents the state of the art laser for the treatment of scars including acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, and burn scars.
This treatment is all about precision and safety, especially in sensitive or high-risk areas.
Why Use a CO2 Laser Over Traditional Surgery?
There are several key advantages of CO2 laser surgery over scalpel-based methods:
- Helpful for patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders
- Minimal damage to the surrounding tissue
- Less postoperative pain as it seals nerve endings as it cuts
- Lower infection risk as the laser sterilizes as it works
- Safe for use around medical devices like pacemakers or monitors
This makes the CO2 laser particularly useful for facial lesions, sensitive areas such as the eyelids, and patients with a higher surgical risk.
Combining Laser Technologies for Better Outcomes
CO2 lasers aren’t used in isolation. Many procedures benefit from combining different laser systems depending on the patient’s goals.
For example, while the UltraPulse CO2 laser is excellent for lesion removal, the optimal results with resurfacing is achieved when combined with a platform like the Fotona Dynamis and Erbium Laser. Combining technologies allows providers to address both medical and aesthetic needs in a strategic, customized way.
What to Expect from CO2 Laser Surgery
A typical CO2 laser procedure includes:
- Consultation: Your provider assesses the lesion or skin concern and confirms whether laser surgery is the best treatment.
- Preparation: The area is cleansed, and local anesthesia is applied to keep you comfortable.
- Treatment: The CO2 laser is used in focused or defocused mode based on the procedure.
- Aftercare: Post-procedure instructions and wound care are provided for optimal healing.
There will be some downtown, the degree of which will depend on the depth and area of treatment. Mild redness, swelling, or crusting may occur and typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Is CO2 Laser Surgery Right for You?
If you have a skin lesion, cyst, scar, or growth that needs removal—especially in a cosmetically sensitive or medically complex area—a CO2 laser may offer the best.
Tips for Recovering Faster from CO2 Laser
To help speed up your recovery after a CO2 laser procedure, follow these tips:
- Follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your dermatologist.
- Keep the treated area clean and moisturized with recommended products.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and apply sunscreen diligently.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to support the healing process.
If you notice discomfort or pain at any point, contact your dermatologist to discuss potential causes and solutions.
CO2 Laser Treatment in Calgary
At Remington Laser Dermatology Centre, we specialize in surgical and laser dermatology. With 3 UltraPulse CO2 lasers and decades of experience, we are uniquely equipped to treat a wide range of skin conditions with precision, safety, and care.
If you’re seeking trusted, professional skin surgery using modern CO2 laser technology, request a consultation today. We’ll help determine the right approach for your skin’s needs with honesty, safety, and results at the forefront.
