CO2 Laser Facial in Norwich 

Introducing Norwich’s foremost advanced resurfacing treatment, exclusively available at our Norwich clinic. The CO2 laser facial in Norwich is specially crafted to address severe skin issues, such as atrophic/pitted acne scars and uneven skin tone and texture.

If you’ve exhausted avenues like microneedling, chemical peels, or various products without achieving the desired results for scarring, this treatment is precisely tailored for you.

Our fractional CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser stands as a gold standard in medical-grade devices, having effectively treated numerous clients with severe skin concerns, including atrophic/pitted acne scars and uneven skin tone and texture. If previous attempts with alternatives like microneedling, chemical peels, or other products have fallen short, this treatment is your solution.

A significant number of individuals embark on their skincare journey using cosmetic products due to their ease of use, minimal side effects, and overall positive impact on our well-being. However, while these products provide a sense of immediate gratification, they often require time to show results and address only mild skin concerns. 

Furthermore, their effectiveness may diminish when the skin undergoes rapid changes.

We work with pHformula and Obagi medical skincare ranges, and we cannot talk about them enough.

Maintaining a skincare routine

A proper skincare routine is essential to achieving and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. The skin regenerates on a 28-day cycle. So, in 4 weeks, the cells of your skin move from the bottom of the epidermis to the surface of your skin. The epidermis slows the moisture loss from the dermis (the lower layer). This lower layer comprises collagen and elastin; keeping it hydrated keeps your skin more elastic, healthier, and youthful. 

Acknowledging that medical products feature active ingredients capable of stimulating the skin is crucial. As a result, some individuals may not observe visible changes on the skin surface for several weeks. As skin reactions are highly individual, variations in results are expected.

It is essential to trust the process and consult. These products operate on a deep level, working from the inside out, and results unfold with time. 

For those dedicated to optimal skin health, there comes a point where consideration shifts towards in-clinic procedures in addition to a great skincare regime. Among the highly sought-after options is CO2 laser skin resurfacing, and for good reason. This blog explores the advantages of CO2 laser treatment, delving into how it works and what to anticipate throughout the process.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing—Overview

Understanding the mechanics of this treatment involves grasping the impact of lasers on the skin. Simply put, lasers are potent, narrow-spectrum light beams. Medically, the carbon dioxide laser, known as “CO2 laser,” emits invisible, far-infrared light generated from carbon dioxide at a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers. Water molecules selectively and intensely absorb light of this wavelength.

The top layer of the skin, the epidermis, proves sensitive to CO2 laser beams. When directed at the skin, the energy heats up and vaporises both epidermal water molecules and the associated cells. In the hands of a skilled specialist, CO2 lasers can remove the epidermis with minimal impact on underlying tissues. This laser is classified as ablative, as it eliminates the skin’s superficial layers.

Post-CO2 laser treatment, several events unfold:

• Removal of the epidermis eliminates imperfections such as wrinkles, rough areas, pigmentation issues, and superficial scars.
• The intense laser heat eradicates damaged collagen strands and contracts loose collagenous tissue.
• Stripping off the skin’s top layer triggers the immune system, initiating inflammatory processes that release substances prompting the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This leads to the regrowth of epidermal cells and increased collagen production in the skin’s deeper layers.

Upon recovery, noticeable changes include:

• The disappearance of superficial blemishes
• Smoother skin due to the replacement of the old epidermis
• Enhanced tightness and firmness resulting from collagen contraction and production

Fractional vs. Non-Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment:

Fractional CO2 laser treatment differs from its non-fractional counterpart by exposing the skin to small, thin columns of laser light instead of wide beams. This method creates multiple micro-sized injuries in a single pass, reducing heat injury to the skin and its associated side effects. Fractional lasers produce multiple mini-repair sites, often resulting in a quicker recovery.

Skin Problems Addressed by CO2 Laser Resurfacing:

CO2 laser therapy in Norwich is particularly beneficial for severely sun-damaged skin, addressing issues like fine and coarse wrinkles, depigmentation, and loss of elasticity. Additionally, it effectively improves conditions such as post-surgical, chickenpox, and acne scars, some stretch marks, mild pigmentation and severe pore enlargement.

Key Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing:

Understanding the mechanism of CO2 laser treatment highlights its key advantages, including:

1. Superior Cosmetic Results: CO2 laser resurfacing is considered the gold standard for rejuvenating photoaged skin, offering superior cosmetic outcomes compared to non-ablative procedures.
2. Versatility for Multiple Skin Lesions: Lasers’ precision makes them effective in treating clustered skin lesions like wrinkles and acne scars, providing a safer alternative to incisions.
3. Effectiveness Against Severe Skin Issues: Unlike gentler treatments, CO2 laser treatment penetrates deeply, addressing deeper wrinkles and scars by initiating repair mechanisms in the inner skin layers.
4. Longer-Lasting Cosmetic Effects: CO2 laser treatments eliminate skin lesions effectively, and with proper skin care and sun protection, the results are long-lasting.
5. Fewer Sessions: Typically requiring only one session for noticeable changes, CO2 laser treatments are convenient for individuals with busy schedules. Fractional laser treatment, in particular, offers comparable results with a faster recovery period.

Combine CO2 laser resurfacing with procedures such as Focus Dual Radiofrequency Microneedling or skin boosters for individuals with complex skin conditions. 

Your CO2 Laser Facial at our Norwich Skin Clinic:

Before embarking on a CO2 laser treatment, an initial consultation will take place to determine suitability. If deemed appropriate, the specialist will schedule the procedure and provide necessary recommendations for preparation.

Before Your Session:

Proper preparation is essential to prevent complications. Recommendations may include:

• Discontinuing skin-sensitising treatments
• Avoiding certain medications
• Abstaining from smoking and drinking
• Starting regular sun protection

During Your Session:

The procedure begins with the rebrief of the treatment along with a check of the medical history and post-care. The area is cleansed, and numbing medication is applied to the treatment area, and safety goggles are placed. The session duration varies based on the extent of the treatment area, with most people experiencing minimal pain and remaining awake.

An air coolant is used on the skin to reduce surface heat, inflammation, and downtime.

After Your Session:

Post-treatment, the specialist cleans the treated skin and applies ointment. Aftercare instructions are provided, and the downtime depends on the type of procedure. Non-fractional CO2 laser treatments result in significant inflammation, with healing occurring in one or two weeks. Fractional laser resurfacing, with less inflammation, typically entails a recovery period ranging from four to ten days.

Aftercare:

Post-treatment care may include instructions on cleansing, vinegar soaks (unlikely but if necessary), protection from trauma, pain relief, sleeping, sun protection, and the gradual introduction of makeup.

Adhering to these instructions is crucial for minimising complications and expediting recovery.

Skin Changes After CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing:

In the initial days, inflammation is observed, followed by the closure of the skin through re-epithelialisation after a week or two.

Collagen production increases, peaking in the third month, resulting in a significant improvement in skin texture.

Continued improvement in sagging areas and other imperfections over several months to a year due to sustained collagen remodelling.

Risks of CO2 Laser Resurfacing:

While CO2 laser facial treatments in Norwich offer fantastic outcomes, they are not without risks. Common side effects such as swelling, pain, and redness are normal and resolve on their own. However, potential complications include laser burns, acne, contact dermatitis, persistent redness, pigmentation problems, infection, and scarring. These are all very unlikely, and the level of risk was discussed during the consultation.

Minimising Risks:

Careful adherence to pre and post-treatment recommendations and choosing an experienced laser expert significantly minimise potential risks.

Contraindications include:

• Active infection or inflammation at the treatment site
• Ongoing oral isotretinoin therapy
• A history of bad scarring

The CO2 laser facial is the best treatment for acne scarring in Norwich and has so many wonderful benefits.

If alternatives like microneedling, chemical peels, or other products have proven ineffective – this treatment is for you.

If you would like to find out more, please book a consultation via our website and meet our experienced specialist and clinic owner, Lauren, to find out how we can help you achieve your skin goals.

Results Speak Volumes

We invite you to explore a curated selection of our remarkable before-and-after treatment outcomes. These visuals vividly demonstrate the significant impact our advanced resurfacing facial can achieve, reaffirming the transformative potential of this cutting-edge treatment.