CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing in Santa Cruz

A CO2 laser removes a very thin layer of skin and heats the tissue beneath it. In fractional treatment, the beam is split into thousands of microscopic columns, with untouched skin left between them. The untouched skin helps the area heal faster, and the treated columns prompt the skin to build new collagen over the following months.

Depth and density are adjusted for each area and each person’s skin. Lighter settings mean a shorter recovery and usually more sessions. Deeper settings mean more downtime and usually fewer sessions.

It starts with a consultation. Dr. Hermanson reviews your skin history, medications, past procedures, and goals, and examines the areas you want treated. He will tell you plainly whether CO2 resurfacing is a reasonable fit or whether something else makes more sense.

On treatment day, the skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied for about 45 to 60 minutes. Eye protection is worn throughout. The laser passes usually take 15 to 30 minutes for a full face.

Afterward, the skin is covered with a protective ointment. You go home with written aftercare instructions and a way to reach the office.

Expect redness and swelling for the first few days, then several days of flaking or peeling as the treated skin renews. After a moderate treatment, many people return to work and social plans in about 5 to 7 days. Lighter treatments heal faster, and deeper treatments take longer. Pinkness can last for several weeks.

Careful sun protection matters for months afterward. Collagen remodeling continues for three to six months, so the full effect shows gradually.

How many sessions depends on the concern and the settings. Fine lines and sun damage may respond to one or two treatments. Acne scars usually take a series, spaced several weeks apart.

Good candidates are adults with acne scars, fine lines, sun damage, or uneven texture who are in good general health, can avoid the sun while healing, and have realistic expectations.

Treatment is postponed, adjusted, or not advised for people with:

• Active infection. A skin infection, cold sore outbreak, or open wound in the treatment area. People prone to cold sores are usually given preventive antiviral medicine.
• Recent isotretinoin. Use within roughly the past 6 to 12 months. Timing is discussed individually.
• Pregnancy. Treatment waits until after pregnancy.
• Darker skin tones. Treatment is possible for some people, but the risk of color change is higher, so settings must be conservative and the skin is often prepared beforehand.
• Keloids. A history of keloids or thick, raised scarring.
• Other factors. A recent tan or sunburn, medicines that increase sun sensitivity, or conditions that slow wound healing.

Risks reviewed at the consultation include prolonged redness, infection, changes in skin color, and, rarely, scarring.

• Acne scar treatment Rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars, and what a series of treatments can do.
• Sun damage and wrinkle treatment Fine lines, texture, tone, brown spots, and sun protection.
• CO2 laser cost and FAQ What affects cost, recovery, sessions, and booking.
• CO2 laser for Monterey and Carmel patients Planning the trip to Santa Cruz for treatment and recovery.