CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser skin rejuvenation is an intensive laser treatment for sun spots, discoloration, textural abnormalities, deep-set lines and wrinkles, overall tone and texture, acne scars, rhinophyma (a rare type of rosacea that affects the nose). Patients who undergo this laser skin resurfacing treatment can expect to see very noticeable and lasting rejuvenation in their skin.
What makes this laser unique among CO2 lasers used for skin resurfacing is that it is safe for all skin types, due to a specialty mode that deploys the laser light beams in a pattern that ensures the skin doesn’t overheat. It still hits every “spot” in the traditional laser grid, but it “zaps” each location in the grid in a random pattern that ensures each “zap” is far enough away from the previous one to avoid heat build-up in the skin. For skin of color, including patients of Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, or African heritage, it’s important that lasers don’t overheat the skin, as that’s what leads to poor outcomes. This setting is unique to the eCO2 and why it’s safe for all skin types.
Lutronic eC02 Quick Facts
- Single Session Creates Dramatic Results for Skin’s Texture, Color, & Elasticity
- Only CO2 Laser Safe for All Skin Tones & Types
- Performed Under Comfort Calm Local Anesthesia or General Anesthesia
- Generally Performed at the Time of a Facelift or Acne Scar Surgery
Removing Sun Damage & Sun Spots
Sun damage can show up on our faces, but also our neck, chest, and body. It takes the form of not just sun spots or discoloration (a tan that turns ruddy and never fades), but also rough skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles, and loose skin that’s lost it’s hydration and elasticity.
All CO2 lasers are excellent at removing sun damage and turning back aging process (and the eCO2 is not the only one we use at our New Jersey practices). There is a tradeoff, however, and that’s downtime. You can expect a big payoff and results you’ll love, but in exchange you’ll need 2 weeks of real downtime (redness, flaking, oozing — discomfort really only lasts for a couple of days and we will help you manage this with medication that will keep you comfortable) and a further 2 weeks of slight redness and some sensitivity and/or flaking. Because of this, most patients wait until they are doing a surgery with significant downtime, like a facelift or fat transfer, and then opt to do this laser at that time.
- Recovery & Downtime: 14+ Days
- Numbing: Comfort Calm Local Anesthesia
- Cost: $3,000+ (financing available)
- Best For: significant to severe sun damage
- Candidacy: Any Skin Tone/Type, Typically Aged 50+
- Number of Treatments: 1 Session
Acne Scars
Acne scars are incredibly stubborn and the best results almost always come from a combination of several treatments, since nearly every case includes several types of acne scars.
We most often use this laser for treating acne scars only when performing acne scar surgery for 2 reasons:
- Downtime is not only quite long but also intense when compared to other options
- Numbing for this procedure is amped up as compared to other lasers
However, during acne scar surgery, we generally do fat transfer (possibly adding on concentrated microfat) and intensive subcision, and both of these procedures have long fairly involved recoveries and the need for augmented numbing (comfort calm local anesthesia), so it makes sense to use this stronger laser then because it’s not really adding on more than you would already be doing.
But in the cases where a patient is just looking for skin resurfacing for acne scars, we do tend to recommend other lasers or RF Microneedling, which requires a series to create the same level of results, but has much less downtime or discomfort.
- Recovery & Downtime: 14+ Days
- Numbing: Comfort Calm Local Anesthesia
- Cost: $3,000+ (financing available)
- Best For: severe widespread acne scarring
- Candidacy: Any Skin Tone/Type, Typically Aged 50+
- Number of Treatments: 1 Session
Fine Lines, Deeply Set In Wrinkles, & Loose Skin
The skin tightening effect of any laser is going to be mild compared to surgery, but the eCO2 does offer some skin tightening as it smoothes out lines and wrinkles. It’s very effective for wrinkles that have become deeply set-in and are difficult to impossible to treat with fillers, facelifts, or other treatments. Our plastic surgeon often says a facelift is like pulling a tablecloth tight across a table, but the eCO2 is like ironing that tablecloth to perfection – and that’s why we so often pair the two together!
- Recovery & Downtime: 14+ Days
- Numbing: Comfort Calm Local Anesthesia
- Cost: $3,000+ (financing available)
- Best For: Deeply Set In Wrinkles & Lots of Fine Lines
- Candidacy: Any Skin Tone/Type, Typically Aged 50+
- Number of Treatments: 1 Session
Why Choose Reflections Center For eC02 Laser by Lutronic?
Reflections is proud to offer our patients one of the largest selections of lasers and rejuvenating technologies in the nation. We offer patients many options to choose from, including non-ablative, fractionated, sublative, and ablative lasers and rejuvenating technologies.
CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacing creates deeper change from a single treatment session than any other laser or rejuvenating technology on the market when it comes to the skin’s surface. This makes CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser Rejuvenation the treatment of choice for patients wishing to achieve a large improvement in their skin’s texture, tone, and evenness, and to smooth out deep-set wrinkles and lines. A consultation is the next step in deciding which laser treatments will help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
To learn more about eC02 Laser treatments and if they are right for you, please contact Reflections Center today. Your first step will be to schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our skilled physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions About eCo2 by Lutronic
- How many treatments will I need?
Most patients notice visible, long-term results after their first treatment session with the eCo2 Laser by Lutronic, but this can depend on how aggressive your treatment is and what aesthetic goals you’re aiming for. This laser system provides many different options for many different skin conditions, meaning it can be customized to your unique skin needs, whether that be a gentle, surface-level treatment or a severe one.
Our professional providers can determine the best treatment package for you and your aesthetic goals, which might include other, professionally-recommended treatment options to provide a multi-faceted approach to your skin concerns. This can be especially effective because this treatment offers superior recovery periods versus similar techniques, meaning you can get back to your schedule and your treatment regimen sooner.
You can pursue this procedure as a standalone treatment that can produce excellent results that can continue to emerge up to 12 months after your session. However, you can also repeat this treatment if you and your aesthetician decide you would benefit from a schedule of multiple sessions. We recommend that you schedule your treatments according to your aesthetician’s recommended treatment plan in order to allow your skin sufficient time to rest and recover.
Dr. Joe Fodero is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. For 20 years, Dr. Fodero has built an amazing resume of plastic surgery work in the New Jersey area and is recognized as a Top Plastic Surgeon in Rhinoplasty, Breast Augmentation, and Body Sculpting. We’re so happy he’s decided to join forces with the Reflections Center team of physicians.
