CO2 Laser Resurfacing With Dr Hertess On the Gold Coast

Dr Isolde Hertess discusses CO2 laser resurfacing with suitable patients on the Gold Coast, with a focus on careful assessment, realistic expectations, and clear information about downtime and risks. If a CO2 laser is not suitable for you, other options may be discussed based on your skin and your goals.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing uses a laser beam to deliver energy into the skin. This creates controlled micro-injuries in the surface layers, and the skin then heals over time. Healing is a key part of how the skin changes after treatment, which is why aftercare and sun protection matter so much in the weeks that follow.

CO2 laser can be delivered in different ways. Some systems use a fractional pattern, where only part of the skin surface is treated in a grid-like pattern and untreated skin is left between each point. This can affect downtime and risk compared with treating the entire surface, although recovery time and risks still apply.

What Concerns Can CO2 Laser Resurfacing Be Used For?

CO2 laser resurfacing may address the following concerns:

• Changes in skin texture
• Sun-related skin changes
• Fine lines
• Acne scarring or other scarring, depending on scar type
• Enlarged pores

It is important to understand that a CO2 laser is not suitable for every concern, and it is not suitable for every skin type. The plan needs to consider pigment risk, your healing history, and how your skin behaves with inflammation.

Who May Be Suitable For CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Suitability depends on your skin, your general health, and any factors that may affect healing. CO2 laser resurfacing may be considered when:

• You can allow time for redness, peeling, and recovery
• Your skin type has been assessed, including the risk of pigmentation change
• There is no active infection in the area being treated
• You are able to follow aftercare instructions, including careful sun protection

Some factors can increase risk and may change the plan, or make CO2 laser unsuitable. These can include a history of poor wound healing, certain medications, recent tanning, and a history of pigment changes after inflammation. If you have a history of cold sores, this also needs to be discussed, because laser resurfacing can trigger a flare in some patients.

Dr Isolde Hertess will go through these factors with you, so the approach is based on safety as well as the concerns you want to address.

Treatment Areas

CO2 laser resurfacing can be used for body areas such as:

• Face
• Around the mouth
• Around the eyes
• Neck
• Hands

Some areas are more sensitive and carry a higher risk of prolonged redness, irritation, or pigment change, so the settings and the recovery plan need to match the area being treated.

Planning CO2 Laser Resurfacing With Dr Isolde Hertess

Planning starts with assessing your skin type, the area you want treated, and how your skin has reacted to irritation, inflammation, or previous procedures. This information helps guide the treatment settings used. It also helps decide whether a lighter fractional treatment or a deeper resurfacing approach is more suitable for you.

During your consultation on the Gold Coast, Dr Hertess will talk through what
you want to address, what kind of downtime you can manage, and what risks you need to understand before you decide. Planning also includes how to prepare your skin, what to stop using beforehand if needed, and what aftercare will involve, including strict sun protection during healing.

What Happens During Treatment?

CO2 laser resurfacing is performed with numbing cream or anaesthetic to help manage discomfort, and what is used depends on the treatment depth and the area being treated. During the procedure, the skin can feel hot and sensitive. The level of discomfort varies between patients and between treatment plans.

After the treatment, the skin usually looks red and feels warm, similar to a sunburn. Oozing and crusting can occur in the early days, particularly after deeper resurfacing. Swelling can also occur, especially in areas such as around the eyes.

Recovery After CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Recovery depends on how deep the treatment is and how much skin is treated. A lighter treatment often settles sooner, while deeper resurfacing usually takes longer to recover from. In the first days, you may notice redness and swelling, followed by dryness, crusting or peeling as the surface heals, along with sensitivity and a tight feeling as the skin settles.

During recovery, you will be given clear instructions on gentle cleansing, ointment use, and when you can return to your usual skincare. You will also need to use sunscreen and protective clothing when going outdoors because the healing skin is more prone to pigmentation change and is more sensitive. The skin will continue to settle over time, so the early appearance is not the final result, and some concerns may need more than one session, depending on what is being treated.