Laser for Neck Skin Tightening

Laser for neck skin tightening is a skin care procedure that uses laser technology to tighten the skin of the neck and remove fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. The procedure can be used to improve sagging jowls, creases in the neck, double chin or loose skin under the chin. Laser treatments are painless and result in minimal side effects.

A doctor who has received training in laser surgery performs the procedure. The doctor will apply numbing cream to your face before treating you with the laser. He or she will then treat the areas on your neck that need to be tightened using a device called a laser wand. The wand emits light energy that travels through a series of filters before reaching your face, where it heats up fat cells beneath your skin’s surface, causing them to shrink over time, resulting in smoother-looking skin as well as reduced wrinkles and fine lines around your neck area.

There are several different types of lasers available for use during this procedure, including carbon dioxide (CO2), erbium:YAG (Er:YAG), infrared light (IR), pulsed dye (PDL) and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP). Each type has its own benefits but all have been proven effective at tightening.

Did you know that the collagen market was valued at nearly $3.5 billion in 2018? This refers to the manufacturing and distribution of collagen protein in the food and healthcare industries. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful.

But as you probably know already, skin collagen levels drop with aging. This is where laser skin tightening comes into play. Skin tightening is a non-surgical treatment that can stimulate collagen production in your skin.

If you’d love to look at least 5 years younger, keep reading. You’ll learn everything you need to know about this laser treatment and its benefits.

What Is Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive procedure done on various parts of the body, such as the neck, face, shoulders, etc. It uses a laser that heats up the tissue under the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and gives the person in question a more youthful appearance.

This laser procedure is safe and effective. It has already been used on hundreds of patients with great success. It works best on loose neck skin, as it redefines the line of the neck and tightens up loose skin.

How Does Laser Skin Tightening Work?

As the name implies, this procedure is done with the help of a handheld device that uses a powerful laser. A laser is nothing else but a concentrated beam of light.

The laser is strong enough to penetrate the deep layers of the skin and promote collagen production. However, don’t think of it as a lightsaber that could hurt you. Most patients feel a pleasant heating sensation on the skin area that’s being treated.

But why does this procedure work? How does simple heat make you look younger? Well, the explanation is simple. Anything that works against the body is called a stimulus. Any stimulus produces a response.

For example, if a virus enters your body, your body responds by sending white blood cells to neutralize it. If there’s an infection in the body, the response is high fever to fight the foreign substances. Even if you scratch your skin a little, the area will turn red in response.

This is exactly what happens when the tissues under the skin are stimulated. They respond by producing more collagen. You want this because more collagen will improve the elasticity of the skin and make you look younger.

In the simplest terms, laser skin tightening works by “forcing” your body to respond to the signs of age and produce more collagen. This protein is naturally produced by your body, but the amount produced decreases with age. Laser treatments can increase this production with long-lasting results.

There Are 3 Main Types of Laser Skin Tightening Treatments

There are many ways you can stimulate the area under the skin using handheld devices. Medical specialists have experimented with different types of treatments including radiofrequency, ultrasound, and radiofrequency microneedling. Let’s talk about each of them separately.

Radiofrequency Treatment

This treatment uses intense radiofrequency waves to create heat under your skin. It’s one of the most popular laser skin treatments and it requires little to no aftercare. A handheld device is placed above the skin, giving you a hot sensation.

Your skin will not burn, this is just your sensation. The radio waves stimulate the skin to produce more collagen. Most people require a few sessions of this treatment spaced about a week from each other. A typical session can take less than an hour to complete.

Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment

This procedure is similar to microneedling, just that it causes less discomfort. It involves using a device that resembles a stamp. This stamp has multiple gold-plated needles that create heat under your skin using radio waves.

Radiofrequency microneedling is slightly more powerful than regular radiofrequency treatment. It can create a lasting effect on your skin and that’s why most patients need only a few sessions. Each session takes about an hour and you can do one every 4-6 weeks.

However, keep in mind that this type of treatment requires some aftercare. You are not allowed to wear makeup for 24 hours after the procedure. If you’re treating other areas than your face skin, make sure that you are not exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for 24 hours.

Ultrasound Treatment

This is another popular treatment method. It involves using ultrasound technology to treat the skin of your body. This procedure is very advanced and it delivers some of the best results. However, you need to be patient as these results might take a few months to show up.

This doesn’t mean that you won’t see marked improvements right away. Most patients get an immediate skin lift, but the production of collagen will generate the best results in up to 3 months. It’s recommended to do two sessions of skin tightening using an ultrasound device.

At the same time, keep in mind that one session can take up to 90 minutes. The recovery time is minimal and you might be able to get back to work immediately afterward. This procedure penetrates deep layers of the skin, that’s why the best results take a while to show up.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Tightening?

Apart from the obvious benefit of looking younger and more attractive, there are other advantages you can reap from this cosmetic procedure. Let’s take a look at them.

No Downtime

As mentioned earlier, these cosmetic procedures require little to no recovery time. That’s because the laser device doesn’t cause harm to your body and doesn’ mess with your hormones. Patients just need to avoid makeup and exercise for 24 hours after the procedure.

Strenuous physical exercise can be bad for you after laser skin tightening because it can make you sweat and increase inflammation markers. If you take it easy for 24 hours and give your skin some time to heal, you’ll be fine.

It Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Another benefit of laser skin tightening is that it eliminates fine lines and wrinkles that could compromise your image. Such skin imperfections are customary with age. They can also be amplified by long exposure to wind and sunlight.

Wrinkles usually appear when the body produces less collagen. This will cause folds in the skin and some of them can be visible from a distance. Depending on your lifestyle and diet, wrinkles can appear as early as 30 years of age.

Luckily, laser skin treatments can mitigate this problem. Not only can you tighten up loose skin, but you can also get rid of fine lines, dark spots, and other skin imperfections. Most patients look 5–10 years younger as a result of trying laser treatments.

Best of all, the results are long-lasting and you can amplify them by coming back for multiple treatment sessions. Stimulating the body to produce more collagen on a regular basis will help you achieve a more youthful appearance and these results will be consistent over time.

You Can Get Back to Work Immediately

Most of us live hectic lifestyles and have to juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time. Your weekdays are probably occupied with your job and your weekends with your family. However, you can still find some free time for a laser skin tightening session.

Most of these sessions take between 45 and 90 minutes. Busy individuals can schedule one of those during the lunch break. After the session, you can get back to work and maintain your productivity, not to mention that this will also make your boss happy.

Even if you raise small children and are constantly busy at home, you can still fit one session of laser treatment into your schedule. You just need approximately 2 hours in total to go to the doctor’s office, get the procedure done, and get back home.

It Works on All Skin Types

Not all people have the same type of skin. The health of the skin is influenced by various factors, such as age, diet, fitness level, nutrition, etc. You might also have a type of skin that’s generally more sensitive than other people.

Luckily, laser skin treatments work well on any type of skin and regardless of your age. Doctors also prepare your skin before using the laser device, so you don’t get infected. Remember that these treatments also work on most parts of the body, so you have nothing to worry about.

How Do You Prepare for Laser Skin Treatments?

As mentioned earlier, your doctor will prepare your skin before each treatment session, so you get the best result possible. On top of that, you can also do a lot of things to prepare for this type of cosmetic procedure.

For example, you should make sure that there are no creams, lotions, or fragrances on your skin when you arrive at the doctor’s office. Your skin needs to be freshly washed and clear of any chemicals or pollutants.

It’s strongly recommended not to use tanning beds for at least two weeks before going for a laser skin tightening session. If you have to go out in bright sunlight, make sure that you wear sunscreen and protect your skin the best way possible.

Shaving the skin area that needs to be treated is also required. Make sure that you do this a few hours before going to the doctor’s office so that your skin is as clean as possible. Avoid using topical products such as retinol, hydroxy acids, and other chemicals on your skin before going for a laser treatment procedure.

Finally, talk to your doctor about any medication or antibiotics you might be taking. Some of these can interfere with the procedure and you might need to discontinue medication for a few days. Your doctor will also provide you with a list of drugs you should avoid before having your skin treated with a laser device.

How to Treat Neck Bands

Neck bands, also known as necklines or necklace lines, are horizontal lines which traverse the front of the neck. Sometimes, they are more noticeable than wrinkles in the face due to the relative lack of fat in the neck area. Neck bands are generally a result of natural aging, but they can be prominent in young people. They can increase the appearance of sagging or crepey skin in the neck, and may contribute to a loss of contour underneath the jawline.

While neck bands development cannot be completely prevented, there are sound ways to limit their severity.

WHAT ARE NECK BANDS?

As we get older, our skin loses elasticity and structural support due to a decrease in elastin and collagen. Normally, neck lines appear as fine wrinkles in your 30’s or early 40’s. They can develop into deeper grooves in your 50’s and 60’s.

Necklines are related to the platysma muscles, the thin, vertical muscles that contract when we extend our chin forward or tense our neck. They are also related to the fold patterns that occur from repeatedly bending the neck and looking down.

NECK BAND PREVENTION

To keep neck bands at bay for as long as possible, practice the following:

Avoid Excessive Neck Strain

These days, we’re all susceptible to the repetitive of looking down at our mobile phones and tablets. This forward bend folds the skin of the neck, and as we get older it’s less likely to bounce back.

Practice Responsible Sun Exposure

To protect your skin’s elasticity and structure, avoid excessive or unprotected sun exposure, and never use a tanning bed. If you must be outdoors, wear protective clothing or wide brimmed hats, and use full spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to cover your neck and upper chest, which are often overlooked.

Extend Facial Care to Your Neck

The same skin care routine you use on your face should be extended to your neck. If you use Vitamin C serum or retinoids on your face, their wrinkle-reducing properties can benefit your neck too! When applying moisturizer, remember your neck too. Wrinkles are generally less apparent on hydrated skin.

Early Neck Band Treatment Options

If your neck bands are present as fine wrinkles, Botox or dermal fillers can improve their appearance and prevent further sagging.

Botox works by relaxing the platysma muscles of the neck which prevents wrinkles from forming or deepening. Botox can improve the appearance of dynamic neck bands, however it’s not permanent. The results of Botox typically last 3 months before touch ups are needed.

Dermal fillers can help when Botox alone is not enough. The gel-like substance (hyaluronic acid) is injected just under the skin to reduce deep lines by plumping the area behind them. Because the skin of the neck is very thin, it’s important to visit a skilled practitioner to avoid lumps or uneven fills. The results of dermal fillers are near immediate, and can last for several months.

The ideal candidate for Botox or dermal fillers is someone whose necklines are not deep and grooved, is at normal weight, and has little fat underneath the jawline. Some options for those who wish to address fullness under the chin (‘double chin’) are described here and here.

When to Consider Neck Lift Surgery

You might consider neck lift surgery, or platysmaplasty, if your neck bands are continuously visible or deeply grooved. This type of surgery can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with neck liposuction or a face lift.

About Neck Band Surgery

Platysmaplasty tightens the platysma bands in the neck by making a few small incisions behind the ears and underneath the chin. The procedure greatly improves the appearance of neck bands and can enhance the contour under the chin.

Since the neck is integrated into almost all our daily movement, patients should expect to take a full week off of work for recovery. During this time, you’ll be prescribed pain medications if needed, and you will likely wear a compression bandage until the muscles of the neck fully heal.

While you’ll notice a change within a few weeks, complete results will be visible several months after the procedure when swelling diminishes.

Like all wrinkles, neck bands are harmless but they can be bothersome. To avoid them, treat your neck as you would your face. Consult your doctor if and when you’re ready to explore treatment options.

CO2 Laser Neck Before and After

We pride ourselves to be the first leading clinic to introduce the revolutionary SmartSkin CO2 Laser resurfacing into the UK and Europe by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi .

The fractional microablative CO2 laser skin re-surfacing treatment, is a safe and effective way to treat sun damage, stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands and surgical scars, with essentially no downtime the skin is smoother, fresher and more youthful.

SmartSkin Performa CO2 laser is the latest generation and the most sophisticated of laser in tissue rejuvenation and skin resurfacing technology with fast, visible results and minimal downtime.

Dot Resufacing Laser

The SmartSkin laser skin re-surfacing treatments represent the very latest in tissue rejuvenation laser technology. This great breakthrough in laser utilizes a CO2 fractional system with a super-fast scanner that allows the doctor to do a “Dot Resurfacing”.

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing uses a specially Dot resurfacing crafted beam of thermal energy that breaks down and removes only the very outer layers of the area of skin. This leaves the skin more even as well as encouraging new skin to grow with a healthier look.

SmartSkin CO2 Laser Use

SmartSkin Performa CO2 laser can be used to treat these concerns to resurface the skin all over the body:

Age (sun) spots
Dark circles under the eye
Dry, dull skin
Fine lines
Freckles
Hand rejuvenation (age spots, loose skin, and lines)
Melasma
Redness and flushing
Scars
Stretch marks
Wrinkles

The skin rejuvenation process is safe for most skin types and colours.

CO2 Laser Suitability

Co2 laser treatment is suitable for people who have sun damage, stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands and surgical scars and the skin rejuvenation process is safe for most skin types and colours.

The photo below shows the wrinkle removal results achieved with the new Performa CO2 micro fractional ablative laser with only 4-6 days of down time as compared to 3-4 weeks of down time and 3 months of redness with a trditional CO2 Laser resurfacing.

The new micro fractional ablative Performa CO2 laser resurfacing techniques are very exciting advances in the field of non surgical facial rejuvenation and wrinkle removal.

Many new applications are being used to improve our ability to rejuvenate the skin and improve scars, stretch marks, and remove pigment. New digital multi-functional software allows us to customize power, dwell time, density and scan patterns to perfectly balance your cosmetic and downtime needs.

Latest CO2 Laser Technology

CO2 lasers for resurfacing were introduced in the mid 1990’s and changed the landscape of aesthetic medicine overnight.

The initial lasers were continuous wave with very little control and delivered less than stellar results with many adverse effects compared to modern day resurfacing. However, the continuous wave CO2 lasers led to the development of pulsed and scanned CO2 lasers and eventually pulsed, scanned Er: YAG lasers.

The next generation of Erbium technology offered much more control and delivered better results with significantly reduced downtime and adverse events. The increase in pulsed resurfacing lasers led the industry down a path to discover lasers with lower downtime and fewer adverse effects.

This then gave way to the rise of fractional laser technology. Fractional lasers offered acceptable results with a much lower downtime and almost no adverse effects, but they did require more treatments. Ablative fractional lasers remove small columns of epidermal and dermal tissues, which then regenerate into brand new tissue.

Non-ablative Fractional lasers create microscopic zones of tissue injury which become remodeled; however, they do not remove tissue like an ablative laser does. The development in these lasers continued to lower the downtime but required even more treatments to achieve the desired results.

Therefore, for the last decade, patients who did not desire to have deep, full field Er:YAG laser resurfacing, which offered the best results but prolonged downtime, were given two options. They could either choose ablative fractional treatments (fewer sessions, more downtime) or non-ablative fractional treatments (more sessions, fewer downtime).

Today, new resurfacing technology has completely revolutionized the theory that better results require either more downtime or more treatments.
HALO, the world’s first Hybrid Fractional laser, combines the best attributes of both non-ablative and ablative fractional lasers. Now, patients can get ablative-like results with non-ablative-like downtime.
By adding tuneable ablation to a non-ablative treatment creates varying effects when different levels are used.

Laser Skin Tightening Before and After

SmartSkin CO2 Laser by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi

The before and after photos above are just an example of SmartSkin CO2 Laser treatment. The results vary from one patient to another and there is no guarantee that all patients who will have SmartSkin CO2 laser procedure will have similar results. A thorough consultation and clinic assessment is ess…

The SmartSkin Performa CO2 LaserSkin Renewal workstation, with a cusomizable scanning delivery system, combines micro ablative CO2 skin resurfacing and collagen rejuvenation in a single laser.

Laser skin resurfacing uses a specially crafted beam of thermal energy that breaks down and removes only the very outer layers of the area of skin. This leaves the skin more even as well as encouraging new skin to grow with a healthier look.

The light associated with CO2 lasers is able to stimulate skin rejuvenation, only hitting small areas in depth thanks to Performa SmartSkin fractional DOT technology. This is due to micro beams only targeting a proportion of the skins surface at one time, which allows faster healing, causing a tightening of the skin and stimulation of collagen production, thereby, giving a younger and softer looking skin.

With the Performa CO2 laser fractional microablative resurfacing the laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams which are separated so that when they strike the skin surface small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and left intact. These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications.

Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi explains: “In the above skin diagram, the first red area on the left represents traditional ablative CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing. To ablate means to surgically remove and the skin tissue is removed by the heat of the CO2 or Erbium laser and since these lasers were not fractional, all of the skin in the treated area is removed creating an open wound that takes a long time to heal.”

The second drawing is the fractional CO2 laser which fractionally ablated the surface of the skin down to a depth of 70-100 microns. This laser is fractional and the skin heals much quicker, but depth of penetration is not deep enough to produce substantial wrinkle removal, skin tightening and skin rejuvenation.

The third red areas represent non ablative fractional laser technologies which heat but do not ablate the skin. This laser heats small columns of the deep skin layers to promote new collagen production and plump the skin and skin wrinkles. Recovery time is much less than with traditional ablative CO2 and Erbium lasers. This laser procedure is excellent for improving skin texture, plumping wrinkles and acne scars, and shrinking pores.

The Performa CO2 fractional micro ablative lasers which have bee

n developed to actually remove the heated column of skin tissue and provide more substantial wrinkle removal and superficial skin tightening than the non ablative fractional lasers (See last figure on right in above diagram). This new micro ablative fractional Performa CO2 laser has the advantage of producing better wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation.

These fractional micro ablative Performa CO2 lasers reach much deeper into the skin, 600 to 1000 microns, and can produce much more effective wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation with significantly less down time and recovery than traditional CO2 and Erbium non fractional ablative laser resurfacing.

During the procedure, the SmartSkin laser will be used to effectively stimulate and rejuvenate both the outer (epidermis) and inner (dermis) layers of your skin.

The SmartSkin is comprised of a C02 laser that is applied to the treatment areas with a unique scanning handpiece. The laser has a wavelength of 10,600 nm and delivers laser pulses to the skin that measure 350 µm in diameter. Each laser pulse creates a micro-zone of ablation in the epidermis, and the number of pulses in a given area can be carefully controlled.

Adjusting the spacing of the laser pulses allows us to leave some of the skin surface untouched, leading to faster healing and less downtime. We also control the timing and power level of the pulses, allowing for more or less aggressive procedure outcomes.

CO2 Laser Treatment

This exciting new SmartSkin laser treatment is performed by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, a specialist laser Surgeon. The SmartSkin CO2 laser treatment is quick, lasting only 15 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment takes up to one hour. The doctor may treat wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or forehead individually or treat the entire face.

Depending on the degree of damage to the skin and desired results, most patients require 1-3 SmartSkin CO2 laser treatments, spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart and usually a course of treatments are required two to four weeks apart.

Local anaesthetic is applied prior to SmartSkin CO2 laser treatment. There is slight discomfort during the procedure. Rarely, a mild burning sensation may occur. Topical anaesthetic is required and protective eye shields must be worn.

Laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing is a gentle laser treatment for wrinkles and sun damage. This no-downtime procedure is appropriate for the face but also for the chest, neck and hands – anywhere that sun damage shows.

Performa micro ablative laser uses the very latest and most sophisticated laser technology to resurface the skin resulting in just a few days of redness. The results start to appear after a week or so, but continue to develop for 3-6 months.

A typical patient would receive one to three Performa CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments. During each one, the laser creates thousands of microscopic spots, almost like tiny.

With the Performa SmartSkin CO2 micro ablative resurfacing the laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams which are separated so that when they strike the skin surface small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and left intact.

These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications. The small areas treated by the Performa micro beams, called micro treatment zones, cause sufficient laser injury to promote new collagen production and resultant facial skin rejuvenation.

Swelling after laser skin resurfacing is normal. The doctor may prescribe steroids to manage swelling around your eyes. Sleeping on an extra pillow at night can also ease swelling. The patient may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure.

Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, the skin will become dry and peel. Depending on the problem that was treated, healing typically takes 4-10 days. Once the skin heals, patients can wear oil-free make-up to minimize redness, which usually fades in two to three months.

Patients will also probably notice that their skin is lighter for a while after surgery. It is particularly important that they use a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen, which screens ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays, to protect the skin during that time.

When selecting a sunscreen, look for one specially formulated for use on the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Patients must limit the time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.

It is also important to keep the new skin well moisturized. If the patient uses glycolic acid products, he/she should be able to start using them again after about six weeks or when the doctor says they can.

Following laser resurfacing, a sterile dressing is applied to the treatment sites for 1-2 hours. Patients will be required to clean the treated areas every 3-4 hours with sterile water which will be supplied by our clinic as well as an ointment which is used to soothe and protect the skin.

This after care is intended to prevent the skin from drying out. In general, the areas heal in 3-5 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated. The new skin can remain pink for several days after but can be concealed with camouflage make-up.

Darker pigments and freckles may get darker after the initial laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatment and flake off in a few days. All these changes are normal and the recovery depends on the individual and the treatment strength performed. Blisters are extremely rare and because the lasers reduce wrinkles by encouraging new collagen growth, wrinkle improvement is gradual.

Heat build up occurs in the skin during the laser procedure and is managed with cold air gently directed over the epidermis. Redness of the skin usually occurs and lasts one to three days. (Make-up can be applied the following day.) Expect very mild peeling to take place over the first week.

Unlike traditional laser skin resurfacing, blistering and crusting does not usually occur for several days following the procedure. Dryness of the skin is treated using petroleum jelly, forming a seal that prevents further water loss. There is a very small risk of pigment change and scarring following laser treatment.

SmartSkin CO2 Laser Safety

The SmartSkin Performa CO2 laser has received FDA approval in the USA and CE Mark certification in Europe for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing and can dramatically improve the skin appearance without the downtime and discomfort usually required with traditional resurfacing.

The SmartSkin Performa laser skin rejuvenation is a micro ablative, non-invasive procedure whereby the surface of the skin is not damaged or removed. The gentle lasers correct pigmentation irregularities and encourage new collagen growth to smooth out existing facial wrinkles.

The primary target of the C02 laser is water. Once it has passed through the epidermis, the laser energy is delivered to the deeper, collagen bearing tissues below. It is this interaction of water, the C02 laser, and collagen that ultimately leads to the collagen rejuvenation and skin tightening that is one of the hallmarks of a SmartSkin procedure.

By removing a customized pattern of dots and not the entire skin surface, unlike other CO2 lasers, this technology combines the best of both worlds – the great and proven results of a traditional ablative laser, but without the pain and the traditional downtime.

Because of this “Dot Resurfacing” only a percentage of the surface area is affected during each Performa laser treatment, this technology combines the best of both worlds – the great and proven results of a traditional ablative laser with no pain and no downtime.This laser treatment does not require general anaesthetic because the scanner is so precise, sophisticated and fast.

No other fractionated CO2 laser is as versatile. This versatility allows customized treatments to specific needs. Brown age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, sagging eyelid skin can all be treated with the Performa laser.

Mr Ayham Al-Ayoubi explanins: “SmartSkin CO2 laser delveres a precise level of energy that’s required based on how I personally perform the procedure and not on a predetermined setting on a machine and the small areas treated by the fractional micro beams, called micro treatment zones, cause sufficient laser injury to promote new collagen production and resultant facial skin rejuvenation without affecting the suroounding tissue.”

There is no evidence to suggest whatsoever that SmartSkin Performa CO2 laser treatment can be linked to skin disorders or increased risk of skin cancer.

What is the CO2 laser used for?

The fractional micro ablative CO2 laser skin re-surfacing treatment, is a safe and effective way to treat sun damage, stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands and surgical scars, with essentially no downtime the skin is smoother, fresher and more youthful.

Is co2 laser painful?

No, the patient will not have any pain throughout the treatment. Our clinic assistant’s will apply a topical numbing cream to the area so that the patient cannot feel the laser.

Following the procedure, the patient may feel slight tenderness of the skin, redness or inflammation. This is completely normal and will settle after a few days.

Is CO2 laser Safe?

What is the recovery time for CO2 laser?

Recovery times will vary depending on individual case and treatment, nevertheless, most patients could have redness for 2-3 days.

Dr Ayoubi prescribes patients anti-viral and antibiotics to prevent bacterial skin infection and primary herpes simplex. He also advises patients to use part vinegar/part water to reduce the risk for bacteria to reproduce on the new layer of skin.

Generally, it is recommended to apply water and vinegar five times a day for five days.

How long after CO2 laser will I see results?

Most of the patients will see some immediate results but they will not see the full results for 6-12 weeks. Once the skin heals, which may take up to 3-14 days, there will be a period of 4-6 weeks after that when the skin may be very slightly pink. This is temporary and patients should not panic, this is the norm.

What are the possible side effects of CO2 laser?

Rare side effects for CO2 laser include: redness, swelling and itching of the skin (which is a sign of healing). Extreme very rare side effects of SmartSkin CO2 laser include: infection, scarring, pigmentation and burns/blisters.

Does CO2 laser remove scars?

CO2 laser is a powerful laser that penetrates deeply into the skin and is superior at improving deep acne scars. However, the CO2 laser can also treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, fine lines, dull skin, melasma, redness and flushing, scars and stretch marks

Does CO2 laser stimulate collagen?

The introduction of heat will stimulate collagen production as well as strengthen existing collagen.

Will CO2 Laser cause acne-prone skin to break out or form acne scars?

The CO2 laser treatment should not cause the acne to break out even when stop using the Retin-A. The laser Doctor should provide the patient with correct treatment protocol to prevent the acne recurrence.
Dr Ayoubi have been treating acne scars for more than 25 years and he had found that a combination of Sculptra (with subcision) and SmartSkin CO2 laser laser give the best long lasting results for atrophic, acne and indented scars.
patients should be aware that everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars and a tailored treatment plan for each patient should be made depending on the severity of the acne scars, skin type and age group. In most of the cases acne needs a combination approach for long-term improvement.