When it comes to laser resurfacing, timing matters. CO2 laser is frequently associated with fall and winter months, leading patients to question whether it can safely be performed during the summer. The reality is more nuanced than a simple seasonal rule! In this blog, Dr. Lisa Ishii reviews all the considerations for CO2 laser during summer.
What is CO2 Laser?
CO2 laser is a category of ablative lasers that can help with textural irregularities, scars, and overall rejuvenation. They can be fractionated or fully ablative, which determines intensity of the treatment and degree of downtime. CO2 lasers are vast, and some can be light enough to be called a “CO2 facial” while others are reserved for patients with advanced signs of sun damage or aging.
Why CO2 Laser is Often Considered a Fall or Winter Treatment
Like with many other lasers, CO2 laser safety relies on the absence of sun-tanned skin. Tanned skin can heal and react unpredictably to laser treatment; with a CO2 laser, where the surface of the skin is disrupted, any tan on the skin should be avoided. This includes sun avoidance during the acute healing phase, but also while the skin is still pink or red from the healing process. CO2 is oftentimes considered a fall or winter Treatment because of this – patients tend to want to enjoy sunshine and travel without having to think too much about ruining their investment!
Is It Safe to Do CO2 Laser During Summer?
Yes! All lasers can be performed safely year-round, as long as proper pre- and post-care are followed. In fact, many patients who are in the academic system and have a bit more downtime in the summer oftentimes reserve their laser treatments for this season!
That being said, more intensive CO2 lasers (ie. RewindTime and other treatments that include fully ablative CO2 lasering) have substantial downtime, so patients need to be cognizant about the amount of time and care needed to stay out of the sun. The key to successful recovery is sun avoidance, not simply sun protection.
The one exception are patients with melasma. For these patients, even if sun protection and avoidance is prioritized, just the heat from summer can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. In these patients, I always recommend waiting until cooler weather for any laser procedure.
How to Minimize Risk and Improve Healing
Ensuring that there is no tan on the skin prior to procedure is key. For those committed to undergoing CO2 laser during summer, ensuring adequate sun protection pre-treatment and having sun protective clothing such as a UV face shield for post-treatment is helpful. Even in short car rides or a quick run to the mailbox down the driveway, summertime sun is powerful and can affect healing.
Know thyself! The goal of lasers is to fit them into your lifestyle and schedule, not to force you to sacrifice activities or vacations that you have looked forward to all year long. If summer is your time to enjoy outdoor activities and sunny vacations, schedule your CO2 for the winter.
Alternatives That Align with a Sunny Summer
For those who want to work on their long-term aesthetic goals even in the summer but want to enjoy the outdoors, there are still options! This is a great time to prioritize facial architecture optimization with injectables. All injectables are safe summer long.
Energy-based devices that don’t compromise the skin barrier can also be used. Sofwave is a skin-firming and tightening device that can safely be applied over the summer. Hydrafacials can also help with skin glow without compromising the skin barrier.
In those that can follow diligent sun protection, chemical peels, Skinpen microneedling, and vascular lasers can be used with caution. We will help you time these appointments around your summertime activities so we can safely incorporate these into your rejuvenation plan.
CO2 laser during summer is not automatically off limits, but it does require careful planning. Lifestyle, sun exposure and other factors all play a role in determining whether treatment timing is appropriate. If you are looking for CO2 in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, contact our team for more information.
