We may not have found the fountain of youth yet, but at Ada West Dermatology, we invest in the most effective anti-aging, skin-correcting technology— one of them being our Fractionated CO2 Laser. This particular laser is very effective at refreshing and rejuvenating your look, without altering it. Because the laser treats fractions of the skin, leaving healthy skin intact between the treated areas, healing usually happens quickly— just a week for most patients.

Below are before and after photos of one of our patients, Mary Alice, who gave us permission to share her experience.  She was treated by Dr. Greg Wells who performs our CO2 Fractional Laser treatments on Millennium Way in Meridian, Idaho.

Mary Alice, 76, explains, “I felt that I was aging and I had a lot of wrinkles and I know that I wasn’t going to look 20 years old again, but I wanted to look better for myself!”

She had heard from others that the treatment would be painful, but with the pre-procedure topical cream and injections, she felt the sensation was more like a mosquito bite; painful, but not ‘outlandish.’

“Overall my skin looks better and a few of the brown spots are all gone, and also the lighter wrinkles that were there are gone, so I feel a lot better about myself.”

What would she say to someone who is thinking about CO2 Laser treatment?  “I’d say do it!”— Mary Alice, Eagle, Idaho.

Many of our patients like their results so much, they make it a regular regimen for their skin and come in once or twice a year.

Good Candidates for CO2 Fractionated Lasers

Patients who are best suited for this type of treatment are patients looking to minimize the fine lines and wrinkles, someone who wants more supple & soft skin, and/or a person with acne or other type scarring.  They can do the treatment as much as they want, but should probably wait between 6 and 8 weeks between treatments.

Our patients notice that the laser:

• Minimizes sun damage, acne scars, and fine lines.
• Improves skin texture and evens skin tone.
• Stimulates collagen for firmer, more youthful skin.
• May help treat pre-cancerous skin lesions.
• Requires minimal downtime.

How long will the results last?

The results last as long as you don’t get any older and don’t get any sun damage.   “All of us are fighting the aging battle.  All of us are fighting a different curve on what’s going to happen to our skin.  However, when we do a CO2 laser it kind of re-sets you on that curve and puts you at a little earlier stage.”

Because the ablation actually stimulates collagen growth, the results will continue to show over the month or two following your treatment.  Lines and wrinkles fade as the collagen fills them in.  Loose skin tightens as it anchors to the newly formed fibrous collagen and the strong dermis it has created.  Age and sunspots can lighten or disappear as those cells are replaced with healthy ones.  Patients see results gradually continue to improve for months, with full results seen 3-6 months after treatment.