A. NO! Face lift in this case will only make you look pulled and will do nothing for the skin wrinkles and lines. Fractional CO2 resurfacing is your best option. This procedure does have downtime since the skin is fractionally ablated (destroyed) and healing must occur. Depending on the settings, number of passes and the area of coverage, downtime can be 4-10 days. The usual is 7 days. You cannot go outdoors or be around a lot of people because it risks contamination and infection. Sun exposure is a "no" for a while. Your board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can go into details, but it sounds like this option would be perfect for your needs.
Q. I have been using Botox to treat my crow’s feet for a few years. I like the results, but I am still concerned with the small wrinkles underneath my eyes. Should I consider a laser treatment?
A. Fractional CO2 resurfacing is a great option to treat eye wrinkles. A metal shield is used to protect your eyes so that the laser can reach those fine lines of your lower eyelids while your eyes are protected. After treating your eyelids, you may want to complete the treatment on your full face for full rejuvenation. CO2 resurfacing will also improve your skin texture and remove sun damage and age spots. You will want to prepare for at least 5 days of downtime where no eye makeup or contacts can be worn.
Q. I am a teacher and I would like to have Fractional CO2 resurfacing during my summer break, but I was told I should wait until winter. What are the risks of doing laser treatments in the summer?
A. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is an ablative laser, meaning that the top layers of the skin are injured, stimulating a repair response of new collagen. The new growing skin will be photo-sensitive. It can easily be damaged by sun exposure, resulting in pigmentation of the skin called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. This is why it is best to do ablative lasers in the winter when you are at less risk for sun exposure. Daily protection of SPF 30 or greater, and physical protection such as hats and visors, should be worn for a minimum of 8 weeks following any ablative laser treatment.
More Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Related Questions
- New Orleans Fractional Co2 Skin Resurfacing - I am 52 years old and I have tried Botox for my crow's feet, but it really does not work as well for me as it used to. Please tell me my other options.
- Fractional CO2 Laser New Orleans - I used to smoke and go in tanning beds and as a result I am just 40, but I have deep lines around my mouth. I know fillers would help, but I would like a more permanent option.
- New Orleans Fractional CO2 Resurfacing - I have a scar on my face from skin cancer surgery. What can improve it?
- Laser Skin Resurfacing New Orleans - I have lots of wrinkles and lines at 55 years but I do not want injections. I am thin and really do not sag at all. Is a face lift for me?
- Fractional Resurfacing In New Orleans - What are my non-surgical options to tighten sagging skin under my eyes?
Back to Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Home Page
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for approval of new drugs and devices and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
