Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Santa Barbara

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in Santa Barbara removes layers of skin tissue in columns, leaving intact skin surrounding each column to aid in the healing process. This treatment can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, uneven coloration, scarring, dull skin tone, lax skin, and textural irregularities and improve the collagen layer in the face, neck, and chest. Fractional C02 Laser Resurfacing gives effective, safe results for individuals who don't want the expense, down time and pain of surgery.

What is Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a proven method of reducing acne scars, lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, and the signs of aging. The device uses short, economic pulses of light energy to remove the outermost layer of damaged skin, revealing a more pristine, youthful-looking complexion underneath. Once dead skin cells are removed, the light energy penetrates the pores to trigger a healing response, initiating the regrowth of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for supple, resilient, and glowing skin. Downtime is typically around one week, and patients may require multiple sessions to achieve their aesthetic goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

In your initial consultation, Dr. Morrissette can determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment, after evaluating your medical history, areas of concern, and treatment goals. Some downtime is required for this procedure - it can take one to two weeks to heal. In most cases, we try to achieve a recovery whereby you can return to normal activities in one week, including applying makeup. Patients should understand the risks and the time involved and have realistic expectations for this procedure. Our Ventura Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be an excellent option for people with:

Sun damage
Wrinkles
Irregular skin texture
Sagging
Scarring
Age spots
Uneven skin tone

How Many Treatments Are Required with FractionalCO2 Laser Resurfacing?

This non-surgical treatment is recommended for advanced wrinkling and skin damage and for achieving significant results with a single treatment. Effects of Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can be comparable to having multiple other non-surgical treatments performed at one time. In some cases, more than one treatment may be needed for a specific area of the face.

For example, deep lines around the mouth may require additional treatments. Though the effects of Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing are permanent, maintenance treatment may be needed because the aging process continues, and damage from the sun over time can contribute to increased wrinkling. Following treatment, it is important to use proper skin care.

Before & After

What Can I Expect with CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

This procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art facility by Dr. Morrissette, Intravenous sedation is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. It generally takes about an hour, but could take more or less time, depending on the size of the area treated.

Most patients experience a feeling comparable to having a bad sunburn for one-half to two days after the procedure. Essentially, the top layer of skin is removed with this treatment. It will heal in approximately seven days or more, depending on the area treated and how aggressive the treatment.

The skin will peel and be replaced by new, smoother skin. During the healing process, you can expect redness, crusting, dryness, peeling, and flaking, and possibly oozing and minor bleeding with a deep treatment. Work and social activities will need to be curtailed during the initial healing period.

Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

When the skin has healed, Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can produce a significant reduction in sun damage, freckling, fine lines, and wrinkles, and a noticeable improvement in skin tone, texture, and elasticity.

If sun exposure is avoided and proper skin care is maintained, the skin will continue to improve for approximately six months after the procedure. In some cases, it may take even longer to reach maximum results.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing with
Dr. Michael Morrissette

Ventura County Cosmetic Surgery Practice

Our team strives to provide the best care possible in our safe, modern facility. We deliver a wide range of cosmetic surgical procedures from facelifts, facial fat grafting, and implants to lower eyelid surgery, along with a variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures in our medical spa.

When you come to our office for cosmetic surgical or non-surgical treatment, after evaluation of your medical history and treatment objectives, we can determine if Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in Santa Barbara is right for you. Dr. Morrissette only performs procedures he knows will benefit the patient, and our entire medical team is highly professional, focused on providing treatments in the safest possible manner.