Med Spa

CO2 Skin Resurfacing

Q: What is the difference between ActiveFX and DeepFX?

The main difference between ActiveFX and DeepFX lasers is what they treat. The ActiveFX is better for pigmentation, sun spots, and superficial lesions, while the Deep FX laser is better for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, acne scars, and deeper lesions.

Q: What are the different depths of ActiveFX and DeepFX CO2 lasers?

As you might expect from the name, the DeepFX CO2 laser has a deeper depth than the ActiveFX laser and is perfect for skin concerns that are deeper within the skin. The ActiveFX has a lower depth and works well for issues on the surface of the skin.

Q: Who is a good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing?

You may be a good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing if you struggle with fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin texture, sagging, and/or hyperpigmentation. You should not have the treatment if you have skin conditions or health concerns like keloid scarring or other pigmentation issues.

Q: What should I avoid after laser skin resurfacing?

After laser skin resurfacing, you may require about a week of downtime, but it can depend on the intensity of the treatment.

Q: Is CO2 laser resurfacing painful?

While you may feel a warming sensation, the treatment should not be painful at all. Additionally, we will apply a local anesthetic so you won't feel any discomfort.

Q: How many CO2 laser treatments do I need?

The number of sessions you need depends on your skin concerns, but typically, it takes one CO2 laser treatment to achieve optimal results.

Q: What skin concerns can CO2 laser resurfacing address?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing can address a number of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, age spots, sun damage, lesions, uneven skin texture, and hyperpigmentation.

Q: How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?

CO2 laser resurfacing works by using lasers to remove the outermost layer of skin in a targeted area. By removing this layer, the treatment stimulates collagen production and reveals younger-looking, beautiful, and smooth skin underneath.

Q: When will I see the results of CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

You may see some results within a few weeks as your skin heals, but the full results typically take about three months to show up.

Q: Does CO2 laser resurfacing stimulate collagen production?

Absolutely! By heating the skin and removing the outermost layer, the treatment triggers the skin to produce more collagen and, in turn, leaves you with smoother, younger-looking skin.

Over time, patients often see wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and textural issues due to the natural aging process as well as sun damage and other types of environmental damage. Thankfully, nonsurgical options and advanced technologies mean that these unwanted visible signs of aging do not need to be permanent. At Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery, one option is CO2 Skin Resurfacing using the DeepFX and ActiveFX systems. These advanced resurfacing treatments dramatically tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and more.

What is CO2 Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 skin resurfacing is an advanced technology used to remove the outermost layer of skin in a precise, controlled fashion, revealing more youthful and vibrant-looking skin below. This effectively reduces signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity. At Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery, we utilize the DeepFX and ActiveFX systems, which are fractional resurfacing technologies. This means that precisely targeted columns of the skin, rather than the skin’s entire surface, are affected by the technology, reducing overall healing time and side effects while still effectively resurfacing the skin.

Who is a Good Candidate for CO2 Skin Resurfacing?

Many patients with common concerns and signs of aging can benefit from CO2 Skin Resurfacing using DeepFX and ActiveFX technology. Some concerns that can be improved using CO2 Skin Resurfacing include:

Fine lines
Wrinkles, including deep wrinkles
Irregular texture
Mild to moderate sagging
Skin laxity
Irregular texture, including sun spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation

While the treatment is versatile, CO2 skin resurfacing is not right for everyone. Patients with certain skin conditions or health concerns, including those who are prone to keloid scarring or similar pigmentation issues, should not receive the treatment. Those who have taken Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the past 6-12 months should also avoid CO2 skin resurfacing. During a consultation, Dr. Rifai will review your health history, concerns, and goals for the procedure to determine whether CO2 skin resurfacing is your best option.

The CO2 Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Prior to your treatment, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed and a local anesthetic will be administered. Most CO2 skin resurfacing treatments last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, a specialized handpiece is directed at the skin to administer laser energy. As this takes place, patients can expect a warming sensation. However, this should not be painful. During treatment, fractional microbeams of laser energy will reach the dermis layer of the skin to stimulate new collagen production and skin cell turnover. When the treatment is complete, the skin will be cleansed and skin care products including SPF will be applied.

Meet Dr. Rifai

Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

A talented, board-certified cosmetic surgeon with more than forty years of experience, Dr. Rifai uses only the finest equipment in our clean, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Rifai knows that taking time to listen and learn about your expectations is essential to giving you the results you want. He will answer your questions and explain the treatment options in detail. Dr. Rifai is devoted to improving the way you look, the way you perceive yourself, and the way others see you.

Meet Dr. Rifai

After CO2 Skin Resurfacing

Immediately after ActiveFX or DeepFX treatment, patients will notice a warm sensation as well as redness and slight swelling. Side effects vary depending on the settings used for their custom treatment. Most patients require about a week of downtime after CO2 skin resurfacing as the skin heals. A customized skincare routine will be provided to help support the skin and achieve the best possible results. For most patients, only one CO2 skin resurfacing treatment is needed to reach ideal results.

What Our Patients Say

“I had 2 surgeries with Dr rafai (December 2022 and March 2023) both went very smoothly and both he and his staff were available and able to answer questions I had throughout my recovery. I’m happy with the results and will use Dr rafai again if I decide to proceed with future surgeries. (I previously had bariatric surgery and have a lot of excess skin but chose to only address my torso/abdomen at this time.)”

- LB

“Fadi Mayta did my Botox & Juvaderm which I bought on Groupon. He did a fantastic job & I’m thinking of getting a procedure to eliminate the bags under my eyes.”

- EW

“I had a wonderful experience at BCS from start to finish. Dr. Rifai did my surgery and he made sure to address every question or concern that I had. It is so nice to find a Surgeon who takes his time and makes you feel safe and sure about the whole process and an office that is so welcoming by every single staff member each time I am there. I love Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery and look forward to future appointments with Dr Rifai and his staff.”

- SC

Testimonials

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about fractional CO2 skin resurfacing, schedule a consultation at Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery. Call (248) 723-9370 or contact us online.