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Feb
Revolutionizing Skin Care: The Benefits of Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Springs Aesthetics
Lasers have transformed the way that doctors across disciplines treat their patients. Now, everyone from oral surgeons to plastic surgeons can precisely treat damaged tissues in a non-invasive manner. Less invasive procedures are largely associated with a better patient experience. Fractionated laser treatments leave portions of the skin untouched, preserving the surrounding tissues while inducing significant structural changes that extend beyond the surface layer. With that being said, not all lasers are the same. At the office of Springs Aesthetics in Colorado Springs, Dr. John Burroughs has invested in a suite of laser-assisted systems, including the carbon dioxide laser for lower-risk resurfacing.
What do you mean by resurfacing?
Your skin is constantly changing. As new skin cells are made, they work their way up from the deeper dermal layers to the surface or superficial layer. The old, dead, and damaged skin cells make way for their new, unblemished counterparts. As we age, this process of cell turnover slows down. When this happens, the old, dead, and damaged cells build up on the skin’s surface. This can make your skin look dull, unhealthy, fatigued, and “aged.” Fortunately, we can kickstart the resurfacing process with professional services at our office. We may trigger the production of new skin cells and the removal of old ones through manual means (like microdermabrasion and facials), special formulations (like chemical peels), and the power of light (lasers and IPL technologies).
Why do you say the fractional or fractionated carbon dioxide laser is safer for resurfacing?
Lasers largely fall into a few categories. They include those systems considered more aggressive or ablative (wounding). These lasers not only penetrate the deeper layers of the skin but also remove the outermost tissue. Non-ablative or non-wounding lasers do not remove tissue. There are pros and cons associated with these laser options. Ablative lasers get more dramatic results with minimal sessions; however, they are also associated with more demands on the body for healing and recovery and carry higher risks (e.g., scarring). Fractional lasers can be a “lunchtime” procedure performed quickly, comfortably, and without significant downtime. However, several treatment sessions may be required to get the improvements you need and want.
The fractional CO2 laser is a “hybrid” treatment of sorts. While it penetrates deeply within the skin to stimulate many beneficial changes and healing, it does not completely remove or damage the outermost tissue. Microthermal treatment zones with a pattern of ablation/coagulation are interspersed adjacent to areas, “islands” of skin, and are not treated. This speeds healing and lessens risks. It is also more comfortable. The Springs Aesthetics fractionated CO2 laser treatment density can be set at 20% for feathering and light treatments (“Cool” Laser Peel) or up to 90%, closer to fully ablative. Generally, a density greater than 50% will require nerve blocks in addition to topical anesthetic. Many cases will also necessitate some skin tumescence, so diluted local anesthetics will be used for optimal comfort during the treatments.
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What are the benefits of this unique design?
The fractionated CO2 laser achieves results similar to fully ablative lasers but with significantly lower risks of complications, side effects, and reduced downtime. So, it strikes a good balance of safety, comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness. In just three treatment sessions, Dr. Burroughs can renew your lined and wrinkled skin, even out a mottled complexion, quench “thirsty” skin, and fade even some of the most stubborn conditions (like acne scars). Additionally, the results from this initial series of treatments can be maintained for up to three years as long as you maintain good skin care and a healthy lifestyle because that never hurts your skin! The treatments are custom-tailored to each individual’s needs, tolerances for recovery time, and desired goals.
To learn more about your options for laser resurfacing and other cosmetic procedures, contact Springs Aesthetics today to request a consultation. Our Colorado Springs, CO team can be reached at (719) 749-3606.
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John Burroughs, M.D.
Dr. John Burroughs specializes in eyelids, orbits, and faces and has performed over 20,000 related procedures. His role in oculofacial plastic surgeries has been highly appreciated.
He is an alumnus of the Air Academy High School, University of Texas, and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine), Maryland. He later followed a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency in San Antonio, TX, and has decades of aesthetic treatment experience.
Dr. Burroughs is American Board of Ophthalmology-certified and is a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons, the Oculofacial Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of many other associations. He is a lifelong learner and teacher.