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CO2 laser technology can completely transform the look and feel of your skin. By targeting and removing the skin in specific areas, this innovative treatment can give you the flawless complexion you’ve always dreamed of.
With our team’s expertise at Plastic Surgery Associates and this state-of-the-art technology, you’re only one treatment away from amazing results.
Our UltraPulse CO2 Laser Treatment
The UltraPulse CO2 Laser is a carbon dioxide skin resurfacing laser that uses precision beams of light to target skin imperfections. The laser removes tiny microscopic columns in the skin, increasing collagen production and providing a faster and safer recovery period.
Conditions We Treat
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we use the UltraPulse CO2 laser to address a number of concerns, including everything from acne scarring to hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Resurfacing
The UltraPulse CO2 Laser is the perfect solution for uneven skin tone and texture problems. By removing targeted areas of skin, you can achieve the smooth, flawless complexion you desire after only one treatment.
Facial Skin Irregularities
From lines and wrinkles to scars and stretch marks, with the different treatment modes available on the UltraPulse CO2 Laser device, we can customize your treatment to your skin concerns and your skin type. You’ll see dramatic results after one treatment session.
Hyperpigmentation
The UltraPulse CO2 Laser can also work wonders on hyperpigmentation. With its precision laser beam and four different modes, we can target the pigment in the skin and leave the surrounding skin untouched. It makes for a much faster recovery.
Acne Scars
Say goodbye to acne scars marring your skin and hello to a smoother complexion with the help of the UltraPulse CO2 Laser. By removing targeted areas of skin and boosting collagen production, this unique treatment can repair damaged skin and decrease the appearance of even the deepest acne scars.
Traumatic Scars
The SCAAR FX mode on the UltraPulse system was designed specifically with scars in mind. Even severe or deep traumatic scars can be treated with this advanced resurfacing laser.
Treatment of Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is a disorder that causes the nose to become large and bulbous and is typically caused by untreated rosacea. At Plastic Surgery Associates, we use the CO2 laser as a surgical tool to reshape the nose, shrink the oil glands, and treat rosacea.
How UltraPulse CO2 Laser Works
The UltraPulse CO2 laser uses precise beams of laser light to remove microscopic columns of skin. The skin cells absorb the laser energy, which causes them to vaporize, completely removing the skin layer by layer. Once the skin is removed, the body kickstarts its natural healing process to increase collagen production and generate a new layer of skin.
Treatment Modes
The UltraPulse CO2 Laser comes with four different treatment modes, including:
- ActiveFX: penetrates the skin’s surface in a pixelated pattern, allowing the skin cells to gradually peel away and boosting collagen production for smoother, tighter skin
- DeepFX: penetrates into the deep dermis layer and uses short pulses of light to remove portions of the top layer of skin. Boosts collagen production for long-term results and can address deep-set wrinkles, severe hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.
- TotalFX: designed specifically for acne scars and sun damage and combines the ActiveFX and DeepFX fractional lasers to target the surface of the skin as well as the dermis below to improve skin tone and texture.
- SCAAR FX: uses ablation and powerful laser energy to remove the top layer of skin to address scars and lesions that other treatments can’t
The Treatment Process at Plastic Surgery Associates
What occurs during your treatment will depend on the type of UltraPulse laser mode used. To start, we’ll clean the skin and apply a topical numbing cream or administer sedation and/or pain medication to ensure you’re comfortable.
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With the ActiveFX mode, the handpiece will move across the skin in a stamping motion, delivering laser energy to the entire treatment area. With DeepFX, we’ll glide the laser over the skin and focus on specific treatment areas.
With TotalFX, your provider will perform one pass with the DeepFX laser and one pass with the ActiveFX laser. For SCAARFX, the appropriate handpiece will be passed over the skin.
During treatment, most patients only feel heat, but some describe it as a rubber band snapping against their skin. The procedure can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. After treatment, we’ll apply a hydrating gel to the skin. One treatment is typically enough to see results.
Recovery and Results
After your laser treatment, your skin will be red, swollen, and peeling. Depending on the laser mode used, these side effects can last between 3 and 14 days. After 3-5 days, you should be able to wear makeup to help hide any redness, but it will depend on how sensitive your skin is after treatment. Your provider will let you know when you can return to your normal routine.
With DeepFX, downtime is typically 4-5 days, and you will likely continue to see redness for at least a week. With TotalFX, your skin will be red, swollen, and peeling for about a week, but makeup can be applied after that.
Significant improvement in the skin can take several weeks, with final results typically taking 3-6 months as collagen builds up in the skin.
Safety and Efficacy
The UltraPulse CO2 Laser is FDA-cleared for skin resurfacing, acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, pigmentation concerns, and more.
The potential side effects of treatment include redness, swelling, tenderness, peeling, infection, dry skin, and acne breakouts.
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates for CO2 Laser Treatment
Since 1987, our team at Plastic Surgery Associates has been using their years of experience and the best state-of-the-art technology to provide personalized care and outstanding results to our patients. No matter your aesthetic goals or concerns, we’ll build a customized treatment plan that is right for you. We understand that plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments are not one-size-fits-all; it’s why we take the time with each patient to determine the best options for them. You can count on us to make your safety and your goals our number one priority.
Schedule a consultation today by calling our Grand Rapids, MI office or filling out our online contact form.
State of the art Surgical Facility
Our operating facility is conveniently located on the sixth floor of the Exhibitor’s Building adjacent to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our surgical facility is accredited by the AAAHC, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This association is committed to improving quality care provided to patients by reviewing standards, performance, and safety of our facility.
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Plastic Surgery Associates has been delivering life-changing results to countless delighted patients since 1987. Providing the latest face, breast, body contouring and hand procedures in our state-of-the-art practice, as well as exceptional care and comfort. Ensuring you only receive the absolute best in skill and satisfaction. Always.
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