CO2 Laser Resurfacing Bellevue & Kirkland

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing Bellevue is an ablative skin resurfacing procedure that sloughs off dead and damaged skin. Unlike general resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels, CO2 laser resurfacing Kirkland does remove skin and cause more visible damage. This can help treat a variety of skin concerns including sun damage and aging. Laser skin resurfacing Bellevue is often combined with a facelift or other facial plastic surgeries. It is meant to improve the overall quality of the skin.

What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing comes in two different forms: surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical CO2 laser resurfacing is often performed by a master esthetician or aesthetic medicine physician. It generally uses a non-ablative CO2 laser, though some forms may use a gentler ablative laser. This can treat milder aging, sun damage, and tighten the skin. 

Surgical CO2 laser resurfacing, however, uses an ablative laser and provides the best results. It can treat more extensive aging and sun damage. It also comes with a longer recovery time and is typically performed under general anesthesia or some form of sedation. Surgical CO2 laser resurfacing is performed by a plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Craig Jonov.

How CO2 Laser Resurfacing Works

CO2 laser resurfacing Bellevue works by using a combination of laser and heat technology to remove the top layer of skin and promote collagen production. Modern carbon dioxide lasers are often fractional CO2 lasers which means the laser targets patches of skin instead of the entire skin surface.

Ablative lasers, however, tend to treat the entirety of the CO2 laser treatment area, or multiple passes are used. Laser skin resurfacing Bellevue can improve concerns like sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of laxity, and rough texture. Dr. Jonov controls the damage created by CO2 laser resurfacing Kirkland making it a safe and effective surgery.

Benefits CO2 Laser Resurfacing

For patients with moderate to severe aging or sun damage, CO2 laser resurfacing can improve the look and quality of the skin. Among some of the many benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing include:

• Reduces and treats sun damaged skin
• Addresses acne scars
• Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes a more even skin tone and complexion
• Smoothes skin texture
• Can firm and tighten skin
• Increases overall collagen production (often for a few months following surgery)
• Skin improvements are typically long lasting
• Combinable with a facelift and other plastic surgeries
• Customizable settings to suit different skin types and concerns

Laser Resurfacing vs. Chemical Peels

Plastic surgeons and master estheticians can use many different methods for resurfacing your skin. When it comes to deeper, more intensive skin exfoliation, there are two procedures generally considered: laser resurfacing and chemical peels. From a surface standpoint, the two could not be more different, but depending on the specifics, can achieve similar results. 

Laser resurfacing is generally more intense than a chemical peel unless you undergo a phenol peel or deep chemical peel. Even non-ablative lasers do tend to come with more discomfort and recovery than a chemical peel. However, laser resurfacing is usually recommended for those who would not have their goals met with chemical peels, or older patients who need more aggressive treatment.

Chemical peels induce skin peeling and collagen production. While lasers can cause skin peeling, this is not the main mode in which they improve the skin. They tend to remove skin altogether or otherwise create more targeted damage. Chemical peels usually do not require general anesthesia or sedation and have little to no major downtime. 

Determining whether laser resurfacing or chemical peels is right for you warrants a discussion with your provider. Based on the existing state of your skin and goals, they can determine the right treatment for you.

Before & After CO2 Laser Resurfacing Bellevue & Kirkland

Consultation of CO2 Laser Resurfacing Bellevue & Kirkland

Before undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing Kirkland, you will meet with Dr. Jonov to discuss your concerns and goals. Following this, he may ask about aspects of your medical history and health such as previous surgeries, medical conditions, and if you smoke. At this point, he may conduct a brief exam of the skin in the treatment area to determine if you are a candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing.

If you are a good candidate, Dr. Jonov will describe the procedure. Then, you will receive a finalized price quote for skin resurfacing in Bellevue. Dr. Jonov may also decide that laser skin resurfacing in Kirkland is not the best procedure to help you achieve your goals. In this case, he may recommend another procedure.

Surgical Skin Resurfacing

A Bellevue CO2 laser resurfacing surgery will begin with the check-in process on the day of surgery. After performing the necessary tests and preparations, a licensed anesthesia provider will place you under anesthesia. While commonly performed under general anesthesia, it is occasionally performed under local anesthesia with some mild sedation. 

The surgical team will cover your eyes and Dr. Jonov will calibrate the laser based on your skin and needs. He will then slowly move the laser across your face in a smooth and patterned motion. Dr. Jonov will continue this process until he has treated the entire treatment area. He may also go over certain areas more than once, or adjust the settings throughout. The laser will penetrate and damage the outer layers of skin, resulting in the damaged skin’s removal. 

The entire procedure will take around an hour. However, it is common for patients to combine CO2 laser resurfacing with other facial plastic surgeries such as a facelift. In this case, it usually averages around two hours. Though, the exact surgical time will depend on the specifics of your procedure.

Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation or ask any questions you may have.

Recovery CO2 Laser Treatment

After skin resurfacing Bellevue, you will wake up and likely find that bandages are covering your skin. Once home, you will need to refrain from driving, watching TV, or reading for about two to four days. This is because these activities can put undue stress on the skin around your eyes. Following these instructions helps reduce side effects, overall risk, and promotes collagen production. 

Your skin will appear red and slowly fade to pink over the coming weeks. After about a week, most patients can cover their redness with makeup and return to social activities, work, and some exercise. Dr. Jonov may instruct you to apply Vaseline or medical grade moisturizer at least once a day. Other instructions following CO2 laser resurfacing Kirkland may include:

• Avoiding strenuous exercise for two weeks
• Start or stop certain prescribed medications
• Elevate the head of the bed
• Do not use any rejuvenating or resurfacing skincare products for about six weeks
• Only apply pre-discussed products and cosmetics during your initial recovery
• Do not scratch or pick at the treated areas
• Apply sunscreen consistently after two weeks
• Avoid sun exposure completely for two weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CO2 laser resurfacing worth it?

Sun damage is among one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat or alleviate. CO2 laser resurfacing is the most effective treatment for sun spots and damage. Additionally, it is can help tighten the skin and treat a variety of other signs of aging and skin conditions.

Will You Need Repeat Treatments of CO2 laser resurfacing Bellevue?

Laser skin resurfacing Bellevue does potentially require multiple sessions. However, with surgical CO2 laser resurfacing Bellevue the results are longer lasting than non-ablative procedures. Though no cosmetic procedure can completely stop aging, it can reverse some of it and slow the process.

Can It Be Done Under Local Anesthesia?

Yes, occasionally, some plastic surgeons will perform CO2 laser resurfacing under local anesthesia. This can reduce recovery time and lead to fewer side effects following surgery. Generally, patients are also given an oral sedative to keep them comfortable along with the numbing applied beforehand. Dr. Jonov does not commonly use local anesthesia for laser resurfacing. Though, it is an option for patients who are good patients for a procedure under local anesthesia.

Is CO2 Laser Compatible With All Skin Tones?

Yes and no, carbon dioxide lasers are not compatible with darker skin tones. However, modern CO2 laser skin resurfacing can potentially benefit darker skin tones in certain circumstances. Skin resurfacing Bellevue compatibility for darker skin tones largely depends on the patient, if they use brightening products, and if they have deep wrinkles or other structures. It is best to consult with Dr. Jonov to determine the right laser resurfacing procedure for your skin tone. There are laser options for darker skin tones.

How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost Kirkland & Bellevue?

The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing will depend on the areas treated. In general, it is used to treat the entire face, which starts at $4,675. Adding the neck or treating other areas will have different associated costs. Following your consultation, you will receive a finalized price quote for your CO2 laser resurfacing in Kirkland.

The Best CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing In Bellevue And Kirkland

Dr. Craig Jonov is an accomplished and award winning plastic surgeon who serves the Bellevue and Kirkland areas at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery. He has decades of experience performing advanced laser procedures including surgical and non-surgical ones. Dr. Jonov also performs many facial plastic surgeries including facelifts, facial feminization, and liposuction. He also is an educator in the best filler injection techniques to other physicians on the West Coast.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is located near the conjunction of Interstate 5 and Interstate 405. This makes it the ideal location to serve patients from the Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle areas. This convenient location also allows us to offer free parking, on-site parking.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.