Ultrapulse^® CO2

Ultrapulse^® CO2 for resurfacing for wrinkles, scars, brown spots due to sun, melasma, and actinic keratoses

Ultrapulse® CO2 (carbon dioxide) resurfacing is the gold standard of laser resurfacing. This laser procedure can take off as much as 20-25 years in some patients and results are often sustained. We have patients who have maintained results for more than 16 years.

The UltraPulse^® CO2 laser emits a sterile beam of light that not only removes the top layer of skin, but also throws heat into the second layer of skin causing immediate, significant skin tightening (up to 35%), smaller pores, a smoother surface and texture, and new collagen deposition over the next several months.  For many people, this procedure has replaced face lifts as it improves texture, tone and tightens without pull lines or scars, leaving a more youthful appearance. Additionally, scarring due to acne, trauma, or surgery; pigmentation abnormalities, and precancerous growths can all be treated with this technology.  We have been treating facial irregularities, including wrinkles and scars, with laser resurfacing since 1988.  We use the UltraPulse^® CO2 5000™ laser with its computer scanner or the newer UltraPulse^® Encore™.

Full face CO2 resurfacing can be done under general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation, both of which are administered by a board certified anesthesiologist. Small areas are done under local anesthesia. A dressing applied after the procedure minimizes crusting and promotes healing. It is left on for 2-4 days. The skin under the dressing will be pink rather than red. Postoperatively, there will be a small amount of drainage from the treated area, especially in the first day. Initial healing is usually complete within 5-7 days; however, the skin may remain pink for 2 months or more. After the procedure, sun exposure should be kept to a minimum and sun protection should be used.