CO2 Laser Services Waco, Texas

Visible signs of aging, sun damage, and scars on the face can lead to a loss of confidence and lower self-esteem. Laser resurfacing can help correct these concerns by addressing the skin and helping clients feel more confident about their appearance.

woman with her hands around her jaw smiling

Advanced Laser Skin Resurfacing

At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, individuals can receive advanced laser skin resurfacing procedures in Waco, TX from Dr. Charles Guy and the dedicated plastic surgery team. We specialize in cosmetic services from the collarbone up. Learn more about what laser resurfacing entails and what patients in Central Texas can expect.

CO2 Laser Before & After

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What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 Laser resurfacing is a facial rejuvenation service that uses a CO2 laser to treat fine lines/wrinkles, sun damage, superficial skin irregularities, stimulate collagen and improve the appearance of the skin. Regarded as a good workhorse laser for the skin because it can help treat many different conditions, the CO2 laser is safe, reliable, and effective. Where it can do its best is helping to treat fine lines and wrinkles that develop in the skin.

What to Expect

At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, Dr. Guy and his team use a fractional, ablative CO2 laser that works by punching tiny holes in the skin and heating the dermal layers. The heat stimulates collagen formation, which can tighten the skin and help with the overall feel of the skin. By punching holes in the skin, the laser procedure can lighten sunspots, but also helps quicken healing and minimize scarring by leaving some skin intact. Being an ablative laser, this requires more than a topical anesthetic but usually requires only one treatment and has long-lasting effects. To help patients get a better understanding of what our laser resurfacing procedure entails, we have broken it down by day, starting with the day of treatment and afterward.

Day 1

The skin will feel tight and have a sunburned appearance.
Patients should avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
We advise patients to take their prescribed medications.
Patients should start vinegar soaks three times a day, gently rinsing the face and reapplying occlusive moisturizer.

Day 2

Swelling will begin to subside, and the skin may bronze and feel gritty.
Itching (particularly along the jawline) tends to begin on this day.
Continue applying occlusive moisturizer ointment (and cool compresses if needed).
Continue to wash the face with a gentle cleanser and tepid water.
Continue with vinegar soaks.

Day 3

Facial skin should begin to peel between days 3-5.
The central face should begin to exfoliate and leave behind soft pink tissue.

Days 4-7

Itching usually subsides.
Patients can begin more aggressive washing with fingertips to promote further exfoliation but should avoid picking at their faces.
Patients may transition to bland face cream and use an occlusive moisturizing ointment to spot-treat dry or rough areas.
It is recommended that patients use a non-irritating facial moisturizing sunblock with SPF 30+ physical blockers (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) when going outside.
If needed, patients may apply mineral makeup (powder).

Days 7-28

Patients may continue with a facial moisturizer that has a physical block (zinc or titanium dioxide) SPF 30+ daily until the skin has hydrated back to its normal level (usually 3-4 weeks).
Patients can start regular skin programs if the treated area is healed and no longer exfoliating.
Patients can use mineral makeup to protect treated areas (do not use liquid foundation as it may clog pores and irritate new skin)
Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight for up to 4 weeks (a hat or clothing must be used to protect treated areas).
Patients may return to exercise programs.

Why Choose Laser Resurfacing?

Because of its effectiveness, CO2 laser resurfacing is often used to treat many skin conditions. Patients suffering from the following conditions could benefit from this procedure:

Fine lines and wrinkles: Laser resurfacing looks to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can be especially effective in treating lines and wrinkles on the cheeks, as well as lines or wrinkles appearing around the mouth.

Acne scars: Laser resurfacing can help reduce the appearance of unwanted scarring often left behind from acne by helping tighten the skin and smooth out blemishes.

Sun-damaged skin: Too much exposure to UV light produced from the sun can lead to visible signs of aging, sun spots, and uneven skin texture, all of which can be treated with laser resurfacing.

Not only can CO2 laser resurfacing help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on a patient’s face, but it also encourages collagen production, which can improve the health of the skin over time.

Professional Laser Resurfacing Services in Central Texas

Individuals in Central Texas who need professional laser resurfacing services don’t have to travel to Dallas or Austin. Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers clients a variety of advanced cosmetic services, including CO2 laser resurfacing. Our goal of providing clients with safe and reliable cosmetic surgery has earned us a strong reputation in the Waco and Central Texas area. Contact us for more information about CO2 laser resurfacing in Waco, TX, or to request a consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about CO2 laser resurfacing:

What is the recovery process like after laser resurfacing?

Recovery after laser resurfacing involves allowing the skin to peel and resurface. During the first few days, patients experience itching, swelling, and redness. Dr. Charles Guy will advise on how to care for the skin at each stage of recovery.

How long do the results of laser skin resurfacing last?

Patients can expect an immediate improvement in the appearance of the skin. These improvements can continue for up to a year and last for several years. As patients age, new wrinkles may form. Further laser resurfacing is an option.

Will I need multiple sessions for optimal results?

The number of treatments a patient needs depends on the type of laser resurfacing they undergo. Since CO2 laser resurfacing at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas uses an ablative laser, it typically only requires one treatment for lasting effects.

Are there different approaches for different skin types or concerns?

Since lasers use light energy, they can only reach the dermal layer and not below the skin. Otherwise, patients can experience significant scarring. Different lasers may be used to address various skin types or concerns. For example, patients with darker skin may need other laser treatments to avoid discoloration. They can also undergo microneedling treatments or radio-frequency procedures.
Standard microneedling (cold steel) uses a group of needles that go into and out of the skin quickly and help enhance skin quality. However, its results aren’t especially long-lasting. Radio frequency microneedling is more like a stamp and doesn’t go in and out of the skin fast. The tips of the needles are heated to stimulate collagen formation. It helps tighten layers of the skin.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

Some patients may require one or multiple sessions of skin rejuvenation treatment. They may also undergo other cosmetic procedures. Patients should schedule a consultation for an accurate price range.

Can laser skin resurfacing be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Patients can choose to undergo other cosmetic procedures during the time of their skin resurfacing appointment, such as:

What should I do to prepare for laser skin resurfacing?

Patients should avoid tanning or exposure to the sun for about four weeks before treatment. They should also forgo other skin treatments, like chemical peels or dermabrasion, for several weeks before treatment. Dr. Guy may give you a topical retinoid you must apply to the skin for a few weeks before treatment.

What should I expect during the initial consultation?

During the initial consultation, Dr. Charles Guy will examine a patient’s physical appearance and discuss their current lifestyle and medical history. From there, he suggests treatments and procedures that address the patient’s concerns. Dr. Guy uses a natural approach to treatment, meaning patients can feel confident in their results.

Can I see before-and-after photos of previous laser skin resurfacing patients?

Yes – patients can view before-and-after images from past patients at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas in the CO2 laser photo gallery.

Is anesthesia used for skin resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing occurs in the office. Less invasive resurfacing lasers only require a topical anesthetic that stays on the skin for about 30 minutes. For more aggressive resurfacing, Dr. Guy prescribes medication (Xanax) to help the patient relax and injects numbing medication into the face for the patient’s comfort during the procedure.

What are the potential risks and complications associated with laser skin resurfacing?

Cosmetic procedures may pose some risks. Given Dr. Guy’s extensive experience treating the collarbone up, he understands how to reduce the risk of complications. If patients have underlying skin issues, Dr. Guy can suggest alternative procedures that work with their skin type. However, as every procedure comes with possible risks, Dr. Guy also discusses these concerns with patients, indicating what potential complications to look for and when to call him.