One of the top concerns for plastic surgery patients, especially those seeking facial plastic surgery is scarring. Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery. While in plastic surgery they are minimized and hidden as much as possible, they are still necessary for a good result. Therefore, when patients undergo a surgical CO2 laser procedure that does not use traditional incisions, patients often ask, “Does CO2 laser scar?”
The answer is usually no. Since there is no linear cutting of the skin, the scars commonly associated with surgery are nearly impossible. However, a CO2 laser is an ablative laser that removes skin in a surgical manner. Scarring is possible, though it will not resemble traditional surgical scarring.
Scarring after a surgical laser procedure is exceptionally rare. The laser does not go below the skin and the layers of skin removed do shed naturally in a much slower fashion. It is unlikely that patients will experience permanent, long term scarring from CO2 laser resurfacing.
If you are prone to raised scarring or have certain medical conditions, Dr. Santos may recommend non-ablative laser resurfacing or another procedure. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-430-1035 or reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.
