UltraPulse CO₂ Laser

The use of the UltraPulse Carbon Dioxide laser results in the one of the most complete reductions in skin lines, wrinkles, rough areas, and discoloration available. An additional benefit is that these results can be achieved with a degree of safety that was unobtainable by previous methods.

How does the UltraPulse CO2 laser work?

A fast, high intensity laser beam vaporizes the cells it hits. The skin imperfections are quickly and accurately treated layer-by-layer, without bleeding, leaving you with less wrinkles, tighter skin and a more natural and even-colored complexion. This fast procedure preserves the underlying skin tissues, by avoiding non-specific damage to the surrounding tissues, and can improve deeper lines and scars as well as more superficial lesions. Furthermore, the benefits of this procedure are the most long lasting of any skin resurfacing procedure.

What are the uses of UltraPulse CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is useful in improving facial scarring and in reducing deep skin wrinkles and often eliminating fine wrinkling. The laser treatment actually tightens the skin, most noticeably around the eyelids, and produces skin which appears significantly younger and healthier than the untreated skin. These changes appear to be quite long lasting. In areas where there is considerable sun damage, the carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can often completely eliminate the appearance of sun damage, resulting in a significant improvement in appearance. However, at times this can actually be a disadvantage. When a single "cosmetic unit", such as the lips and chin, is treated, without treating the rest of the face, if there is considerable sun damage on the untreated skin and no visible sun damage on the treated skin, the differences in color and appearance between the treated and untreated areas can be so great as to appear "unnatural" to the observer. Nevertheless, the skin resurfacing laser is one of the most effective means of improving lines around the lips and eyes and of improving fine to medium facial wrinkles. It is our treatment of choice for many types of acne scarring, and is useful in improving some surgical scars. In the lines of the upper face, the addition of BOTOX® therapy can prolong the benefit of skin resurfacing.

What are the advantages of UltraPulse CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Other procedures that can achieve results similar to laser skin resurfacing are the strongest of the chemical peels (phenol peels) and standard dermabrasion but not microdermabrasion. The major advantage of laser skin resurfacing over these other procedures is that it is safer with less risk of significant problems such as scarring or color change. It is its relative safety that has encouraged physicians with little experience with the skin or its problems, to attempt to add this procedure to their practices.

Who are the best candidates for UltraPulse CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Relatively fair skinned individuals with sun damage or fine to moderate wrinkles around the eyes (crows feet), mouth (smoker's lines) or the entire face are the best candidates. Lighter skinned people with acne scarring and other surface scars or irregularities are also good candidates. We have treated Hispanics and Asians without problems, but these skin types are at greater risk of long term or permanent color change.

Where is the procedure performed and what can I expect after the procedure?

Localized facial areas are treated in the office under local anesthesia. When the entire face is treated, the procedure is done at a certified outpatient surgery center. After the procedure, the skin takes about seven to ten days to heal and then is quite pink. During the healing process the pain is usually minimal. The pinkness can be covered with makeup and gradually fades over several months. The improvement in wrinkling can be seen immediately after healing.

If you are interested in treatments with the UltraPulse CO2 laser, what is the next step?

The next step is to call California Skin & Laser Center at 800-500-5842 and schedule an evaluation. At that time Dr. Bock will advise you whether you are a candidate for this procedure, and what other possibilities exist for improving your appearance.

Why should you choose California Skin & Laser Center for your laser skin resurfacing?

At California Skin & Laser Center, we want you to have an excellent outcome and to feel that your needs and concerns have been promptly addressed in a caring and sensitive fashion. We strive diligently to ensure your satisfaction, your comfort, your privacy, and your safety. All treatments are supervised or performed by a board-certified dermatologist with many years of successful experience in a large variety of cosmetic procedures. Many treatment modalities are available, and we can recommend the one or two that are most likely to meet your needs; we're here to meet your needs and help you realize your aspirations. At our clinic in Stockton, CA, we serve communities throughout San Joaquin County and the Central Valley, including Lodi, Sacramento, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, Galt, and Valley Springs; many of our patients also come from the San Francisco Bay Area.