CYNTHIA GREGG MD, FACE & BODY SPECIALISTS provides CO2 Laser skin resurfacing for men and women in Cary, Raleigh, the surrounding areas of North Carolina and across the nation.
CO2 Laser Therapy is a revolutionary method of treating a variety of skin disorders. CO2 laser is the gold standard laser treatment to resurface facial skin. It is a non-invasive procedure that requires very little downtime. A few of the skin disorders commonly treated with this procedure include acne scars, wrinkles and sagging skin. However, the older, fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing removed the entire skin surface and was associated with a prolonged recovery period.

The DOT CO2 laser technology offers results similar to the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, but with complete recovery in less time.

The DOT laser therapy (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) is a newer technology using the CO2 laser wavelength for skin resurfacing with less downtime and side affects as compared to the traditional CO2 treatments.  CO2 laser treatments are most successful on patients with fair skin. The DOT CO2 laser treatment works by using small scanned pulses of laser energy to the target areas with a handheld laser. The laser settings are adjusted to achieve the best results for each patient. These adjustments can be made to deliver exactly the right energy to problematic areas such as deep wrinkles or acne scars. Because DOT CO2 Laser Therapy delivers the desired outcome with minimal downtime, it is rapidly replacing traditional fully ablative laser skin resurfacing as the treatment of choice for mild to moderate signs of photo damage.

Results

• Renewed Skin
• Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reducing the appearance of acne and scars
• Improvement in skin’s texture and firmness
• Reduction in the appearance of sun damage and aging

Most patients report noticing immediate skin tightening after having DOT CO2 Laser Therapy. The treated skin will have a pink color similar to mild sunburn with some swelling. Sunscreen is usually restarted at 5-7 days after the treatment and makeup can be applied after one week. Unlike other laser resurfacing technologies, DOT Therapy leaves islands of healthy tissue surrounding the microscopic DOTs. This enables your skin to heal more rapidly and minimizes overall damage.

Full results are best appreciated 6-12 months after the procedure as new collagen production is completed.

Drs. Cynthia M. Gregg and Cindy Wu very experienced with laser skin resurfacing treatments that range from non-ablative to ablative.  Patients desiring skin resurfacing should meet with one of our physicians to discuss all options to determine the appropriate procedure to best meet your aesthetic goals.

FAQs:

What areas can be treated with DOT CO2 Laser Therapy?

The facial skin and upper neck skin are the areas that can be treated.

What does DOT CO2 Laser Therapy feel like?

If DOT CO2 treatments are performed with only topical anesthetic cream, some patients report feeling a slight heat sensation. Some patients prefer intravenous or oral sedation.

Is DOT CO2 Laser Therapy safe?

The high energy, amplified light waves of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporize the top layer of skin instantly, with no bleeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin.

What kind of side effects are expected from DOT CO2 Laser Therapy?

The skin is typically red following a procedure and may appear to be sunburned. It may take several weeks for all the redness to vanish. Follow-up care involves using sunblock to protect the skin. Gradually, the redness will begin to fade until the skin becomes a normal color again.

What are the benefits of DOT CO2 Laser Therapy?

DOT CO2 therapy has long-lasting effects, with many patients experiencing the benefits from the therapy years after the procedure. DOT CO2 therapy can firm and smooth the texture and appearance of skin.