Maybe you were a sun worshipper in past decades with plenty of baby oil and tanning beds. Or, maybe you have skin scarring you’d like to smooth out. No matter what you’re dealing with, fractional CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach may be the perfect solution!
Touch MedSpa is the premier medical spa in North Myrtle Beach. From the beginning, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing the best treatments and services for our clients. We care deeply about educating our clients, so they feel comfortable and confident in our services. That’s why, for exceptional laser resurfacing solutions, we offer CO2 laser therapy.
Curious? We thought you might be. That’s why our team of skin experts created an overview of what this deep laser resurfacing is, how it works, FAQs, and more.
But before that, we need to cover some laser basics 😉
Learning About Lasers
We’re not just being dramatic when we say that developments in laser technology have revolutionized aesthetics.
Pretty big claim, we know. And we also know what you’re probably thinking right now: “You didn’t just get it in. I saw it in Teen Vogue a year ago.”
Well, Elle, though the CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach has been around for a little bit, that doesn’t make us any less excited about it!
But we get it—hearing about laser resurfacing is one thing…taking the first step to getting treatment is a completely different story.
If you’re seriously considering any kind of laser treatment, you may have some doubts and concerns, which is for sure a good thing! That gives you the drive to do much-needed research so you can avoid a skincare mishap down the road.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is any treatment that uses laser energy to exfoliate dead skin cells for a brighter and renewed complexion. That means there isn’t just one kind of laser treatment, which can be a little confusing for some. Aesthetic lasers come in a wide variety of strengths and applications that affect the outcomes they bring. However, the bottom line always leads to one thing: cellular turnover.
As you can probably guess, skin cells don’t last forever—on average they only survive for about 28 days (cell life cycles vary from person to person). But here’s the catch: those dead cells don’t always go away.
Sometimes they like to stick around and dull your complexion, even when your body tries to get rid of them. Dead skin buildup can also lead to textured skin, acne breakouts, and more prominent lines and wrinkles.
Why does cellular buildup happen?
As you age, your body naturally slows its cellular turnover rate, which means old cells cling to the surface longer than you may want. It’s something that happens to all of us, and even with regular at-home exfoliation treatments, your skin may still need an extra boost.
In the background are new, fresher cells that rest in the deep layers of your skin (dermis). Laser skin resurfacing helps bring them to light by using light.
What is a fractional CO2 laser?
So, what exactly is the big deal about CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach? We’re excited you asked!
The CO2 laser is an ablative treatment, which means it removes the top layer of dead and damaged skin cells to reveal the fresh, glowing skin beneath.
It is highly effective in addressing deep-set concerns like wrinkles, brown spots, and more. We can also customize the application of the CO2 technology from mild to aggressive, depending on your needs!
The fractional CO2 laser at Touch improves:
- Deep wrinkles & lines
- Acne, injury, & surgical scars
- Skin laxity
- Uneven skin tone & texture
- Sun damage
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
- Age spots
Along with its versatility, the CO2 laser is also a favorite because it can treat so many areas, like:
- Lower eyelids
- Upper eyelids
- Around the mouth
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Hands
What are the Benefits of CO2 laser treatment?
We’ve already talked about the versatility of laser skin resurfacing with CO2 lasers at Touch. And if that’s not a selling point, we don’t know what is. But there are other reasons to invest in yourself with a CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach.
Namely:
Customizable for each client
Because every client’s skin type, age, concerns, and other traits are unique, their treatment should be too. We customize our fractional CO2 laser treatment for each client by tailoring the depth of treatment to each client’s individual skin goals.
Quick, in-office treatment
The CO2 laser treatment will not take up hours of your day. We work quickly and efficiently with the device to get the best results possible in a short, comfortable treatment session.
Dramatic results
As the deepest laser skin resurfacing option, our fractional CO2 laser gives our clients the most dramatic before and after results. This is because the treatment puts your skin’s collagen and healing process into overdrive to rejuvenate your skin from within.
Who is a good candidate for fractional CO2 laser?
If you’re ever unsure whether you’re a candidate for laser resurfacing, then schedule a consultation with a trusted provider! This will also give you the chance to highlight your concerns and figure out the right treatment plan for your needs.
In general, laser resurfacing works great if you’re dealing with conditions such as:
- Acne
- Signs of aging
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scarring
- Small veins
- Sun damage
While many people can enjoy the benefits of lasers, they may not be the best option for:
- People who have recently tanned
- Pregnant women
- People who experience light-triggered seizures
- People with active breakouts or skin infections
- People with implanted medical devices
- People who have a strong sensitivity to light
Of course, before assuming you’re not a candidate for laser resurfacing, always speak to a professional. In some cases, there may be a more mild option that could still provide amazing results!
How It Works at Touch MedSpa
Making the decision to invest in your skin can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach.
Touch MedSpa is here to be your ultimate expert guide through the skincare process, from your initial consultation to ongoing treatment and at-home maintenance.
Consultation
During your initial consultation with Touch MedSpa for aesthetic laser services, we will give you a comprehensive, educational overview of which type of laser treatment will best meet your needs and why.
This will help you make an informed decision on the treatments you’d like to focus on, all on your own timeline.
Procedure process
Your Touch provider will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. We use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area to ensure that pain is minimal. Then, we will use the fractional CO2 laser device over the treatment area(s), all while working quickly and efficiently.
Downtime for recovery
The depth of treatment will vary for each individual. The more superficial treatments heal with minimal downtime (24 hours). Medium-depth treatments typically require 3 to 7 days of social downtime while your skin heals.
For deep laser resurfacing, most often around the mouth, you may require up to 14 days of social downtime.
Results
You may notice some immediate results after healing from your CO2 laser service at Touch MedSpa. This can include smoother skin, a more even skin tone, and a reduction in pore size.
However, the real benefits of the CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach will continue to build for 3-6 months after your treatment. That’s because the laser penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to repair deep-set damage and encourage collagen production. It truly is a great medium-term and long-term investment in your skin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach replace a facelift?
Don’t get us wrong—CO2 laser results can be truly amazing. It can tighten the skin, significantly improve the quality of your tone and texture, and, yes, even create a subtle “lift.” That said, no laser service is going to be a one-to-one replacement for surgical intervention.
It can, however, significantly delay the need for a facelift later down the line! If you have excessive or sagging skin and opt for surgery instead, laser services can also help you maintain those surgical results once you have healed.
Is fractional CO2 laser painful?
Because it is a deep laser treatment, there is some discomfort with fractional CO2 laser. Our providers work to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Some clients describe the sensation as feeling like pinpricks.
Can you use the CO2 laser on the neck?
Yes, we can use the CO2 laser on the neck! We can also use it on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands.
What is the recovery time for a CO2 laser treatment?
Your recovery time for CO2 laser depends on the depth of your treatment. For light-depth/superficial treatment, it can be as little as 24 hours. For the deepest treatments, recovery time can be up to 14 days of social downtime.
Which is better, IPL or CO2 laser?
If your concerns are primarily pigmentation like sun and age spots, or deep lines and wrinkles, CO2 laser may be a better option because it is a more in-depth treatment. A consultation with a Touch skin specialist can help determine if IPL or CO2 laser is better for your skin.
What is the difference between a traditional laser and a CO2 laser?
There’s a significant difference between traditional erbium lasers and fractional CO2 lasers. These lasers offer different wavelengths, and the erbium laser treatment does not penetrate the skin as deeply as a CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach.
This means clients will have to go in for multiple treatments and will not see the same kind of immediate and long-lasting results. A fractional CO2 laser penetrates much deeper into the skin and provides the best results in just a single treatment in many cases.
Don’t wait—book a CO2 laser treatment in North Myrtle Beach today!
Looking and feeling your best only takes a Touch! Our extensively trained and personable staff is dedicated to providing the best support for our patients. Whether you’re googling “microneedling near me” or coming into our office, we’re here for you. Your skin journey starts here with a free in-office consultation.
We’ll discuss your concerns and goals, so we can create a one-of-a-kind plan to optimize your every visit.
Contact us today to learn more about CO2 laser treatments, develop your aesthetic plan, and make the most of your results.
For instant treatment recommendations, you can also try our virtual consultation tool!
