CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 LASER RESURFACING ALBUQUERQUE NM

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CO2 LASER RESURFACING

WHAT IS CO2 LASER RESURFACING TREATMENT?

Since 2010, healthcare providers have trusted the CO2 Laser to provide visible, lasting results for their patients.

We use Candela CO2RE Fractional Resurfacing Laser.

HOW DOES CO2RE LASER RESURFACING TREATMENT WORK?

The CO2 Laser treatment uses an ablative fractional laser for skin resurfacing. Skin is treated with a series of laser pulses to enhance skin tone and texture, eliminate the effects of the sun resulting in aging of the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth out unsightly scars.

As We Age, Skin Changes Occur:

  • Texture becomes rougher
  • Tone begins to dull
  • Uneven pigmentation occurs
  • Fine lines and wrinkles appear
  • Skin becomes more fragile

The CO2 Laser Treatment Strengthens Skin From Within. Clinically Proven To Improve The Appearance Of:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Skin tone and texture
  • Traumatic and/or surgical scars
  • Baggy eyes

SANDIA SKIN + FACE
CO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Laser skin resurfacing is a proven way to help reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes and tighten skin and balanced tone. But precisely because lasers can do so much and vary widely in how they act on your skin, it is hard to know where to start when researching treatment—even the most simple search reveals a slew of competing devices and methods.

Regardless of what time of year you have your laser procedure, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply as needed. SPF 30 lotion not only helps to keep your results looking their best, but it also provides protection against skin cancer and helps prevent additional premature aging.

Patients and doctors commonly compare the sensation felt during laser treatments to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, what laser resurfacing feels like depends on the laser, the depth and area of treatment, and an individual’s tolerance for pain.

Some non-ablative laser treatments (where the laser passes through the skin without removing layers) cause little-to-no pain and require only a topical numbing cream to offset discomfort. Non-ablative lasers include pulsed-dye, Yag, and Alexandrite lasers. Following the procedure, some tenderness in the treatment area is normal. Your provider will recommend safe ways to control discomfort after laser resurfacing when necessary.

In the hands of a highly trained, knowledgeable professional, laser resurfacing is a safe way to improve your skin’s appearance dramatically. 

See our FAQ below. Contact Us with questions.

CO2 LASER RESURFACING
BEFORE-AFTER IMAGES

CO2 LASER RESURFACING
FAQ

  • Don’t use products containing retinoids as it can affect the end results.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure 2 weeks prior to the laser treatment.
  • Stop taking medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and even vitamin E, as this can lead to prolonged clotting.
  • Consult your dermatologist to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the fractional CO2 laser treatment.

Skin Care after CO2 Laser Treatment. After CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to heal. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time. Follow the guidelines below to help your skin heal and prevent infection.

You can hand wash the treated area with mild soap during this time. Even after 72 hours, you should clean the area GENTLY.

The final results of the Fraxel CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing are permanent!

Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping, or lifting heavy objects for one week after the procedure. These activities may cause more swelling and pain on your face and slow down your recovery.

While many plastic surgery experts cite eight years as the time your results from fractional laser treatment or CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment will last, others find the effects last far longer.

The redness of the skin that persists after the initial healing phase usually fades in about 4 to 6 weeks.

After receiving laser skin resurfacing, keeping your face well hydrated can help ease this using doctor-approved moisturizing creams or lotions. Hydrating your skin will allow your skin to be more elastic and heal faster and offer comfort as you contract facial muscles.

Local anesthesia for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is appropriate, so there is minimal discomfort during the procedure.

You can sleep by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath your head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks helps to ensure this. Following your CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing procedure, a Silicon dressing will be applied over your face.

You’ll have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing, and may even blister.

Do not apply make-up over the treated skin for at least ten days. About 30% of laser patients will experience hyperpigmentation after skin resurfacing. If it occurs, hyperpigmentation usually occurs about four weeks after the procedure.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is one of the most popular acne medical treatments available because it can deliver the therapy to the entire area. The therapy may also apply to the tissue around the scar to help diminish the appearance of the acne scarring to blend the scar more naturally into the skin.

Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping, or lifting heavy objects for three days after the procedure. These activities may cause swelling and pain on your face and slow down your recovery.

It is certainly unnecessary to bleed after a CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment. The CO2 laser is an ablative laser of 10,600 nanometers. A CO2 laser might penetrate the papillary dermis down to the reticular dermis, depending on the device settings.

It’s best to avoid the sun 7-14 days leading up to your laser treatment and after. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes pigment changes to the skin that may not be treatable. We recommend limiting sun exposure two months before and after treatment.

After fractionated ablative laser treatment, some patients use dilute vinegar soaks and Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Elta emollient until the skin heals and stops oozing. Then they use sunscreen and gradually return to regular routines, adding retinoid after 3 or 4 weeks.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing will cause the skin to peel (looks like coffee grounds), and we see this starting 1-2 days after and lasting 4-7 days.

Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is a safe and effective treatment for all kinds of wrinkles. This treatment easily resurfaces the skin and quickly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, especially wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead. This treatment is an effective option for the vast majority of patients.

CORNERSTONE ARTICLE

18 KEY CO2 LASER RESURFACING FAQS (2022)
18 KEY CO2 LASER RESURFACING FAQS – TAP THE IMAGE TO READ

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality Easy to book online. Seamless appointment and did not feel rushed. Tonya explained thoroughly and made sure i had the best results for botox and minimizing my frown line. Highly recommend!

    Karen Avatar Karen

    Tonya is amazing!! She made me feel so comfortable and really listened to my concerns about my skin. She really cares and knows what she is doing. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!! I was concerned my first appointment but I just had my third and I can say it’s so worth it!!! Botox has been an incredible experience and I’m so happy to have tried it, I’m so much happier with my appearance and it looks incredibly natural. I’ve included before and after photos, neither photo is filtered or edited, you can see how makeup would collect in my forehead, and how the after it’s smooth and looks so lovely. It doesn’t feel weird or like I can’t move my muscles at all, it feels super natural. One of my biggest concerns was that I wouldn’t be able to emote with Botox but that’s just not true at all. I feel so confident and that is thanks to Tonya!

    Devon Lopez Avatar Devon Lopez

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Dr. Tonya Tuggle is a true professional and such a nice person. I highly recommend her and Sandia Skin.

    Lisa Rampy Avatar Lisa Rampy
  • Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Getting botox at Sandia Skin & Face was the best decision I've ever made. No more lines on my forehead 🙂

    Melissa Kibler Avatar Melissa Kibler

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value First time getting Botox, I was very nervous. They ARE super friendly. They explained everything to me also answered all of my questions. Tonya is the BEST!!! she is so friendly and professional. I totally recommend this place to get Botox. THE BEST IN ABQ

    Arturo Camunez Avatar Arturo Camunez

    I recently relocated from CA. I was nervous to find a new place for lip fillers after going to the same person for several years. Tonya was absolutely amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable and instantly made me feel comfortable. Tonya exceeded my expectations. I’ve received so many compliments from friends and family. The entire staff were friendly and professional. I will definitely become a loyal client. Thank you Tonya and team!!!

    treesem Avatar treesem
  • The office staff is super accommodating and helpful, and Dr. Tuggle and Tonya Tuggle are both wonderful at what they do. I have had multiple procedures/treatments here over the years and highly recommend them. I never feel uncomfortable or judged, which is huge when deciding on cosmetic procedures. I also never felt pressured into anything and always felt informed about all of my decisions. They have great seasonal specials on fillers, etc!

    Amanda Hosbach Avatar Amanda Hosbach

    How amazing! I can’t believe what Tonya has done for me! She took excellent care of me! My first time ever for Botox and Lip Filler. I’m 58 feeling like 30 again! Everyone deserves this! I will be back! My crows are gone. My lipstick goes on smooth with no bleeds. You are totally amazing Tonya! Thank you again ! Tonya was so professional and went over everything in detail with me! Totally amazing place! Treat yourself! We all deserve to look great and feel great! ❤️

    Paula Winters Avatar Paula Winters

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality Tonya really takes the time to listen to your concerns and is very accommodating. Results were fast and I love them. I highly recommend them.

    Jasmine Vazquez Avatar Jasmine Vazquez

CO2 LASER RESURFACING
PROCEDURE PREP

Before your treatment session, our specialist will discuss what to expect during your treatment. However, it is helpful to remember that there are a few things to take into consideration before your session:

  • At least three to four days before your procedure, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications.
  • One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue any blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins.
  • One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue systematic steroids
  • At least one month before your procedure, stop steroid injections
  • On the day of your procedure, eat a full, healthy breakfast and be sure to drink plenty of water
  • Be advised that if you take chronic oral steroids, a discontinuation plan will need to be discussed with your primary care provider, as abrupt stoppage may cause side effects.

CO2 LASER RESURFACING
AFTERCARE

After your treatment session, we recommend all patients rest on the day of their procedure. We advise limited use of the treatment area for the next two days, but we encourage general movement. Limited use helps the joint recover as the area’s surrounding tissues absorb the treatment.

0—3 days post-procedure guidelines

  • After your treatment, you’ll experience some mild-to-moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. Discomfort is normal, and it is a sign that your body is healing as it adjusts to the treatment.
  • It is best to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to help promote healing.
  • You mustn’t take ANY medications following your procedure unless specifically directed otherwise by a physician. NO medicine is a must because any drug can affect the healing process or other adverse effects.

Therefore, discontinue use of these medications post-procedure for best results:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks post-procedure
  • Blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 3-4 days post-procedure
  • Systematic steroids for two weeks post-procedure
  • Other important guidelines to follow your procedure are:
  • Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours post-procedure
  • Don’t take a hot bath or go to a sauna for the first few days post-procedure
  • Avoid consumption of any alcoholic beverages for the first week post-procedure
  • Avoid showering for the first 24 hours following your procedure
  • Limit caffeine consumption for the first week post-procedure
  • Avoid smoking

3—14 days post-procedure guidelines

  • At this point in your healing, you can resume your daily activities.
  • 3 to 14 days is also when you can begin exercises. Proper exercise is a vital part of long-term results, and we can help you determine which exercises are best suited for your needs before your procedure.
  • Apply ice 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes as needed for comfort
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Tylenol) to help manage any residual pain as directed are appropriate
  • Continue to avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking, or excessive amounts of caffeine

3—4 weeks post-procedure guidelines

  • We highly encourage you to begin physical therapy to aid in your long-term healing and continued recovery at this point in your healing.
  • Make a follow-up appointment for you to meet with our physician to review your healing process. You must keep this follow-up visit even if your recovery is going well.
  • If there are any adjustments to your customized treatment plan, this followup is when our physician will make those decisions.

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SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Registered Nurse Practitioner Tonya Tuggle is Albuquerque’s choice for those who want to keep their youthful appearance and healthy glow. Tonya is passionate about educating patients on preventative skin care and providing non-surgical maintenance for graceful aging. We can’t wait to meet you!

Proudly Serving Albuquerque, NM, and the Surrounding Communities

Albuquerque NMClovis NMEspanola NMGallup NMHobbs NMLas Cruces NMLos Lunas NMRio Rancho NMRoswell NMSanta Fe NMSocorro NMSouth Valley NM