As of November 2022, we no longer offer CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Seiler Skin — but rest assured, we now have an even better, more effective treatment in its place! Vivace RF microneedling is one of the newer additions here at our practice, but patients are already in love with the results. From shorter downtimes to overall improved patient experience, Vivace is transforming how we treat patients. Our team also incorporates Vampire Facials and topical TXA to really enhance results. 

We also invite you to talk with our team about alternatives to CO2 Laser Resurfacing by calling us at 205.870.0204 or scheduling an appointment online. 

What is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing (CO2)?

CO2 is the strongest laser treatment available, and widely understood to be the gold standard in ablative laser skin resurfacing. At Seiler Skin, Dr. Seiler uses a state-of-the-art device, the Lumenis Encore CO2 (Active FX, Deep FX, Total FX), for fractional and fully ablative laser resurfacing.

His experience with this highly advanced device enables him to tailor the strength of your treatment and produce the outcome you desire with manageable downtime. The CO2 laser stimulates collagen remodeling to achieve long-term results, immediately tightening your skin and greatly reducing abnormal pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles and scarring.

What makes CO2 different at Seiler Skin?

CO2 is an extremely powerful and effective treatment. Dr. Seiler is among a few physicians in the world experienced specifically in performing complex cosmetic laser procedures. There are simply no other providers locally, or even nationally, better equipped to perform CO2 safely and effectively.

While there are only a small number of expert CO2 providers, there are even fewer who are trained to combine the science of platelet rich plasma (PRP) with this laser to improve the procedure’s overall result and downtime. Dr. Seiler is well-versed in the science and use of PRP, and a pioneer in the field.

Patients must understand that there are significant and critical differences between an experienced and novice practitioner, as well as the quality of devices on the market. The Lumenis Encore CO2 is the most powerful and fastest firing laser, and can reach depths and strengths that weaker devices are not capable of achieving. A less powerful or slower firing CO2 laser requires more time and energy to reach deep into the skin, and can cause patients increased discomfort and a longer recovery.

What does CO2 treat?

• Aging skin
• Lines, wrinkles and skin laxity
• Discoloration, sun damage, dark spots and freckles
• Pore size and skin tone
• Acne scars (learn more HERE)
• Incisional and traumatic scars

What are the results of CO2?

CO2 produces results in three stages:

Stage One (within four weeks)

Patients will experience significant pigment reduction and overall brightening of their skin.

Stage Two (three to six months)

Patients will notice visible pore reduction, the beginning of line and wrinkle reduction and overall smoother and tighter skin.

Stage Three (six to 12 months)

During the final stage, patients will achieve major improvement in their deep lines, wrinkles and scars.

Although your skin will look better with each week that passes after treatment, results may take a year or longer to reach optimal visibility and will both improve and persist for years. Longevity and outcomes are increased by adhering closely to Seiler Skin’s recommended skincare maintenance plan.

What can I expect before, during and after CO2?

Even though CO2 is an extremely powerful treatment, at Seiler Skin, we differentiate ourselves by laser-focusing on optimal healing, reducing downtime and producing better long-term results through:

• Deliberate pre-procedure skin health preparation, including the application of medical-grade skincare products, oral supplementation and, in some cases, minor preparatory procedures
• Dr. Seiler’s experience and comfort administering anesthesia (including topical numbing, injections and oral medication if necessary) to ensure your peace of mind and comfort during and after the procedure
• The application of PRP immediately post-procedure, which stimulates tissue rejuvenation and decreases the heat sensation
• The development of a customized post-procedure skincare regimen using medical-grade products
• A long-term skin care maintenance plan designed to sustain outcomes

Once the heat sensation dissipates (one to three hours post-procedure), most patients report that they do not experience pain or discomfort. Depending on the strength of your treatment, cosmetic social downtime typically includes manageable redness and swelling for the first five to seven days. You can also expect to see significant pigmentation shedding during the first week, which is a sign of a healthy recovery. With particularly aggressive treatments, a few extra days of recovery should be expected.