AcuPulse Fractional CO2 Laser in Westport & Fairfield, CT

Fractional CO2 lasers are the gold standard in non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Individual results vary, but patients can expect 30-70% improvement after treatment, especially in the eyelid area, where the skin is thinnest. Dr. Levin utilizes the AcuPulse Fractional CO2 Laser by Lumenis™, a pioneer in the field of laser technology.

AcuPulse: Customizable Laser Treatments for Every Skin Type

The AcuPulse features state-of-the-art technology with 11 various modes for truly customizable treatments. Treatments can be deeper, with more healing and more downtime, or shallower, with less healing time. The deeper the treatment, the better the results, generally. However, some patients wanting laser skin tightening in Conneticuit prefer to have treatments that are less aggressive to shorten the recovery.

Skin Resurfacing How it Works Treatment Areas Benefits Improve Problems AcuPulse Laser Good Candidates Recovery Time Your Results Timing Your Treatment Your Consultation

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

As we get older, we produce less collagen, which is the building block that provides the structure of healthy, beautiful skin. This structure begins to break down without the collagen it needs for a vibrant, smooth appearance. Laser skin resurfacing is designed to return the supple, more youthful appearance by selectively removing dull, outer layers of skin. This creates a fresh surface and dramatically stimulates collagen. Your skin looks younger, brighter and naturally restored.

How Does Skin Resurfacing Work?

Laser resurfacing uses lasers to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, to even out skin coloring (pigmentation), to tighten skin, and to remove lesions, both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant.

The laser technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the targeted areas of concern on the skin. The laser carefully and precisely vaporizes the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, layer-by-layer. The underlying layer of skin, called the dermis, is heated, which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. The collagen begins to rebuild the structure of the skin, resulting in new skin that is smoother and firmer. This particular benefit extends over time, as the rebuilding process works from within to further renew and rejuvenate your skin.

The AcuPulse features state-of-the-art technology with 11 various modes for truly customizable treatments. Treatments can be deeper, with more healing and more downtime, or shallower, with less healing time required. The deeper the treatment, the better the results, generally. However, some patients prefer to have more treatments that are less aggressive to shorten the recovery.

What Areas Can Be Treated with the AcuPulse CO2 Laser?

Common treatment areas include the upper and lower eyelids and crows feet, as well as the upper lip and chin. Some patients, especially those with deeper wrinkles and extensive sun damage, elect to treat the entire face. CO2 laser treatment is often combined with surgical procedures such as upper or lower blepharoplasty to make use of the downtime and further improve the results.

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What Are the Benefits of Acupulse Co2 Treatment?

Significant results in only one treatment
Long-term results (2+ years)
Minimal risks of side effects and relatively short downtime
Precise treatment applicator, ideal for the most sensitive areas of the face, the neck

What Kinds of Problems Can it Improve?

Wrinkles – fine and deep
Crepey skin
Overall skin tone and texture
Acne scars
Sun damage and pigmentation
Enlarged pores
Warts
Birthmarks
Enlarged oil glands on the nose
Non-responsive skin after a facelift
Benign skin lesions

The AcuPulse Laser Procedure

First, we will numb the skin with a topical and/or local anesthetic. If desired, a mild oral sedative is also available for further comfort.

Next, the skin is cleaned. Protective eye shields are placed. During the treatment, you will feel a warm sensation in the area that is being treated. Some areas may experience the sensation of small rubber bands snapping. The duration depends on the surface area, an average of 30-40 minutes to treat the whole face. Once finished, the skin will feel warm, almost like a sunburn. You will get specific directions for a post-treatment proper skincare regimen.

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Am I a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Patients with lighter skin tones make the best candidates for laser resurfacing. During your consultation, we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will categorize your skin into a specific type.

Ablative laser resurfacing is not a good idea if you have active acne, as it can become more inflamed. Ablative laser resurfacing is also not recommended for darker skin tones, as there is a greater chance of post-procedure discoloration.

If you have a darker skin tone and want to improve your skin appearance, consider a non-ablative treatment such as ResurFX, microneedling, or chemical peels.

Recovery and Aftercare?

Different laser treatments require different amounts of downtime. Some laser skin tightening requires three weeks or more of downtime, but others require 5-10 days. The larger the treatment area and the deeper the laser, the longer is the needed recovery time. Which laser treatment you receive will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Levin, who will help you make this choice based on your specific needs.

Immediately After Treatment

After laser skin tightening treatment, a non-stick dressing is applied to the treatment areas for 24 hours. You will experience redness, swelling, and dryness, and your skin may scab over and peel. Avoid aggressively rubbing the treated area.

Each day, 2-5 times a day, you will cleanse the treated areas with saline or a diluted vinegar solution.

Vinegar solution: Mix two cups of water and one teaspoon of white vinegar. Soak gauze and gently apply dripping wet to the treated areas. Leave the gauze in place for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. With gentle pressure, wipe the gauze over the treated areas.

As recommended by Dr. Levin, use a proper, approved moisturizer following the vinegar solution treatments, which will further help during the healing process. Dr. Levin will recommend Vaseline® or moisturizing creams such as Eucerin®, or Aquaphor®.

After a few days, peeling or scabbing will be resolved. At this point, expect mild to moderate redness. This usually lasts for two weeks, improving to a pink hue and then disappearing over time. More aggressive treatments may have longer-lasting redness. Makeup can be usually applied in 5-7 days after treatment, once the new skin has healed.

Further Healing

Avoid activities that may cause flushing or aggressive facial treatments or topical products that may cause irritation for 4-6 weeks.

Keep in mind that your skin may be sun-sensitive for up to one year following the laser skin resurfacing procedure. It’s important to always wear a good sunscreen or moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 30 when outside, even if it’s cloudy.

Apply a daily broad-spectrum (screens both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays) sunscreen after healing to protect your newly laser-resurfaced skin. A sunscreen specifically formulated for use on the face should be chosen, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

When Will I See the Results?

You may see results as early as 2-3 weeks, but as with any treatment that works by stimulating collagen production, it may take 6-8 weeks to really start seeing meaningful improvement. The results continue to improve for 4-6 months after treatment and last up to 2 years.

Timing Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Laser-treated skin is often more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, autumn and winter are considered “laser seasons” because that time allows 6-9 months before the sun comes out in full force. Wearing sunblock is advised after laser treatments, even during the fall and winter months. If you decide to have the treatment during the spring/summer months, you will have to be extra cautious and diligent with sun protection.

Dr. Flora Levin

During your consultation for laser skin tightening with board-certified surgeon Dr. Flora Levin, she will determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. After examining your skin and a discussion about your treatment goals, she will be able to make her recommendation. If you are interested in laser skin resurfacing treatment, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.