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The CO2 laser is used to remove the outer-most skin and superficial underlying dermis, allowing regrowth of wrinkle-free youthful skin. Unlike dermabrasion (skin sanding) or chemical peels, which also remove the outer skin, the CO2 laser actually penetrates into the dermis, heating it, shrinking the skin area by up to 30 percent. This laser is also far more precise than either dermabrasion or chemical peels, since the computerized scanner allows rapid delivery of exact amounts of energy to the skin with each laser pulse. It is important to prepare the skin for laser resurfacing surgery with a combined alpha-hydroxy/Retin-A treatment program to stimulate the collagen and facilitate rapid healing. In most cases, skin bleaching agents (Hydroquinones) are also used to help prevent pigmentation irregularities after treatment. Protection from sun exposure is especially important for several months after laser skin resurfacing to help prevent post-op pigment irregularity.
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