CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

At Mariposa Transformation Wellness Center & Med Spa, located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, we believe in the power of transformation. We're dedicated to helping you rediscover a youthful, revitalized version of yourself through our advanced skincare treatments. With a focus on comprehensive wellness, we offer a variety of services, but one of our standout treatments is the CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Our CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is a skincare solution that helps to address a range of skin concerns. From fine lines and wrinkles that come with age to acne scars that have long been a source of insecurity, this treatment is designed to tackle them all. The process works by removing layers of skin tissue in a fractional method (columns of skin are removed, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing) to help reduce age-spots, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, textural irregularities, and a dull complexion.

❓ How Does CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

1. Controlled Micro-Injury
   • The laser creates a grid of microscopic treatment zones (columns of ablated tissue)
   • Surrounding untreated skin accelerates healing
   • Depth and density can be adjusted depending on wrinkles, scars or pigmentation issues
2. Collagen Denaturation & Stimulation – Stimulates Fibroblasts to produce New Collagen and Elastin over weeks to months
3. Skin Remodeling & Renewal
   • Old, damaged epidermal cells are replaced with fresh, smoother skin
   • New dermal matrix contains denser, better-organized collagen, improving firmness and reducing laxity

✅ Benefits

1. Skin Rejuvenation
   • Improves Fine Lines / Wrinkles and Sun Damage by Stimulating Collagen Production
   • Tightens Lax Skin and Enhances Overall Tone and Texture
   • Tone & Texture – Smaller Pores / Improved Smoothness
2. Scar Treatment – Reduces Appearance of Acne Scars, Surgical Scars and Traumatic Scars
3. Pigmentation Improvement
   • Age Spots
   • Hyperpigmentation (NOT Melasma)
4. Actinic Keratosis (Pre-Cancerous Lesion)
5. Fungal Nails

⚠️ Risks & Side Effects

1. Short-Term Expected Effects
   • Temporary Discomfort or Burning Sensation
   • Redness, Swelling and Crusting (can last days to weeks)
2. Pigmentary Changes
   • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) more common in darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV – VI)
   • Hypopigmentation (light spots) in some cases
3. Infection – Risk of Bacterial (e.g. Staph), Viral (HSV Reactivation) or Fungal Infections if Skin Barrier is Compromised
4. Scarring – Rare but possible  
5. Prolonged Erythema (Redness) – Can persist for weeks to months in some patients
6. Milia or Acne Flares – Small white bumps or acne can appear during healing
7. Unpredictable Results – Some patients may see limited improvement, requiring multiple sessions

⚖️ Risk–Benefit Considerations

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with Fair to Medium Skin Tones, Good Overall Health, Realistic Expectations and Compliance with Post-Treatment Care
• Caution: Darker Skin Types, those prone to keloids or Patients with Active Infections, Recent Isotretinoin Use or Certain Autoimmune Conditions
• Post-Care Compliance (sun avoidance, wound care, antivirals / antibiotics if prescribed) is crucial to minimize risks and optimize results

⏱️ General Treatment Intervals

• Interval: Usually every 3 – 6 months if multiple sessions are planned
• Most patients need 1 – 3 sessions for noticeable results
  • Mild / Moderate Issues → 1 – 2 sessions, 3 – 6 months apart
  • Severe Scars / Wrinkles → 3+ sessions, 3 – 6 months apart
• Maintenance treatments may be done every 12 – 24 months depending on aging, sun exposure and goals

🌟 Factors That Influence Frequency

• Treatment Depth & Energy: Deeper / Denser Passes = Longer Recovery = Fewer Sessions
• Skin Type: Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV – VI) are at Higher Risk of Pigmentation Changes … So spacing treatments longer is safer
• Healing Response:  
  • Younger Patients Heal Faster
  • Older Patients may need Longer Intervals
• Goals:  
  • Scar Revision often needs a series of sessions
  • Wrinkle Reduction may only need one

🩹 Overall Healing Phases (Three Main Stages)

1. Inflammation (Days 1 – 5): Skin Reaction and Wound Response
2. Proliferation (Days 5 – 14): New Skin and Collagen Start Forming
3. Remodeling (Weeks 2 – 12+): Deep Dermal Repair and Final Results Develop

🗓️ Detailed Recovery Timeline

Day 1 – 2: Immediate Reaction

• Redness, Warmth & Swelling (Swelling can appear like a Lost Battle with a Beehive)
• Skin Feels Tight or Gritty
• Tiny Dark Dots (“Pixel” Marks) — Microthermal Zones Created by the Laser
• Oozing or Mild Crusting can Occur in Treated Areas
• Keep Skin Moist with Occlusive Ointments (Aquaphor) and Avoid Picking

Day 3 – 5: Peeling & Early Healing

• Flaking or Peeling Begins as Old Skin Sheds
• Redness Persists but Swelling Decreases
• Strict Sun Avoidance and Gentle Cleansing are Essential
• Some Itching May Occur — this is Normal

Day 6 – 10: New Skin Appears

• Fresh Pink Skin Replaces the Treated Areas
• Redness Remains (like a Flushed Look) but Continues to Fade Over Time
• Makeup (Mineral or Gentle) can usually be Worn after ~7 Days, if the surface is Fully Closed

Weeks 2 – 4: Recovery Continues

• Redness Gradually Diminishes
• Skin Texture Improves / Pores and Fine Lines appear Smaller
• Continue using Broad-Spectrum Mineral Only Sunscreen (SPF 30+) Daily

Months 1 – 3+: Remodeling Phase

• Collagen Remodeling Continues
• Progressive Improvement in Tightness, Tone and Smoothness
• Final Results are Often Visible at 3 – 6 months Post-Treatment

⚠️ Possible Temporary Effects

• Redness (Erythema): Can Last Several Weeks in Fair or Sensitive Skin
• Bronzing or Pigmentation Changes: Temporary Darkening before Full Healing
• Milia or Small White Bumps: May Appear

🧴 Aftercare Essentials

1. Moisturize Frequently with Occlusive Ointments
2. Avoid Makeup, Exfoliants and Retinoids until the surface heals (usually 7 – 10 days)
3. Sun Avoidance is Mandatory — Wear Broad-Spectrum Mineral Only SPF 30+ daily
4. Do Not Pick or Scratch Peeling Skin
5. Follow Provider Instructions for Topical Antibiotics, Antivirals or Gentle Cleansers