General Information

What is eCO2 Resurfacing?
"eCO2" refers to a new type of laser that removes precisely controlled areas of the epidermis and dermis. eC02 Resurfacing promotes the development of new skin which is firmer, smoother and more evenly colored.

How does eCO2 Resurfacing work?
The procedure involves the use of tiny laser beams that remove targeted skin. In response, fibroblasts in the skin produce more collagen and extracellular matrix, two substances that give skin cells their structure and make them firmer and more elastic.

What areas of the body does eCO2 Resurfacing treat?
eCO2 Resurfacing can be used safely anywhere on the body, but it is most typically used for facial skin problems such as wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage.

What are the advantages of eCO2 Resurfacing over other similar treatments?
Earlier ablative lasers caused significantly more skin removal, and involved greater post-procedure discomfort. They also posed the risk of causing pronounced color boundaries between treated and non-treated skin. Non-ablative lasers took much longer to work and often did not yield significant results. By contrast, eCO2 lasers work faster while creating much less discomfort and fewer risks of pigmentation problems.

Who is a candidate for eCO2 Resurfacing?
Men or women with mild to moderate wrinkles in localized areas, such as the mouth or eyes, are good candidates for this treatment. Patients with uneven skin pigmentation or pronounced acne scars can also benefit from the treatment, as are patients with vascular dyschromia (mottled skin), burn or surgical scars, sun damage or enlarged pores.

How is the procedure performed?
The patient's skin is carefully cleaned, and the area to be treated is numbed with a topical anesthetic. Protective cups are placed on the patient's eyes if the treatment area is close to that area. After adjusting the laser for the specific combination of laser frequencies, the doctor carefully scans the treated surface. Usually the treatment is completed within one hour. During the procedure the doctor may decide if any additional pain management regimen needs to be followed.

What is the recovery like?
Patients typically experience moderate swelling and some discomfort immediately after the procedure; these symptoms are usually alleviated with prescribed medication and ice packs. The skin will have a bright pink or red appearance which subsides in a few days. Within 24 hours following the procedure the patient may notice some slight fluid drainage around the treated tissue, which is a natural byproduct of the healing process. After about a day the treated skin dries and may peel, similar to the way sunburned skin peels. Patients must carefully wash the treated skin during this phase and avoid picking at it to reduce the risk of scarring. Patients are typically able to return to normal activities within five days, although women may be cautioned not to reapply makeup for a day or two longer.

What will the results be like?
About 90% of the initial swelling and redness is usually gone after the first five days, after which the treated skin is significantly smoother, more elastic and more evenly colored than before treatment. Often only one treatment is needed to achieve satisfactory results.

What are the risks?
Because some skin ablation takes place with eCO2 Resurfacing, there is always a risk of uneven skin pigmentation after the treatment. However, the risk of color problems or distinct boundary lines after eCO2 treatment is much less than with other forms of laser treatment. Patients who are most at risk for post-procedure skin pigmentation problems are those with brown or olive skin tones.

Is eCO2 Resurfacing approved for use in the U.S.?
The Food and Drug Administration has given eCO2 full regulatory clearance.

Is eCO2 Resurfacing covered by insurance companies?
Most insurance plans do not cover treatments considered to be merely cosmetic, so eCO2 Resurfacing is rarely covered by insurance.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By OnlineSurgery.com Staff
Updated: November 23, 2009