Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Q: How do CO2 laser treatments work?

A: With facial resurfacing, a high-energy beam of CO2 light is used to vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation over time of new, underlying collagen to provide better elasticity and support for the skin.

With an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the CO2 laser removes loose skin, and if present, fat pads. On the lower lid, fat pads are removed with no visible incision and no stitches. Because the laser beam seals blood vessels as it touches them, the physician can clearly judge how much tissue to remove, and there is less swelling and bruising than with traditional eyelifts.

Q: Can CO2 laser technology be used less invasively for treating milder indications?

A: With Lumenis™' CO2 laser technology, skin resurfacing is so precise that you can tailor treatment according to the nature and extent of skin damage, skin type and individual requirements for recovery time. For instance, CO2 Lite™ is a unique control on the UltraPulse® Encore™ CO2 laser system that allows you to achieve a superficial laser peel with just one pass. CO2 Lite™ utilizes fluences that are below the ablation threshold and with a single pass imparts intraepidermal coagulation that is confined to the epidermis with little to no thermal injury in the dermis. The epidermis is typically left intact and serves as a natural wound dressing. The coagulated epidermis sloughs off in 3-5 days. Healing times and aesthetic outcome are similar to treatment with 3-5 passes of ablative erbium. Offering both superior results for treating deep wrinkles and the ability to achieve controlled superficial resurfacing, the UltraPulse® Encore™ is the most logical choice for an "all-in-one" resurfacing laser.