Perioral CO2 Laser: Say Goodbye to 'Smoker's Lines'

What is fractional perioral CO2 laser?

Fractional perioral CO2 laser is an aesthetic medical procedure designed to treat wrinkles that form around the mouth, commonly called "smoker's lines" or perioral wrinkles. This treatment uses laser technology to create micro-columns of controlled energy in the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Unlike traditional ablative CO2 lasers, the fractional version leaves areas of intact skin between the treatment points. This significantly speeds up the recovery process and reduces the risk of side effects, while maintaining high efficacy in skin renewal.

How does CO2 laser work for upper lip wrinkles?

The CO2 laser emits light at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by water in skin cells. This absorption generates heat, vaporizing micro-layers of tissue in a precise and controlled manner. The small columns of treated skin are removed, while the surrounding skin remains intact.

This process activates the body's natural healing response, which includes the formation of new collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin in the perioral area becomes smoother, firmer, and with improved texture, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Results are progressively appreciated as the skin regenerates.

Who is an ideal candidate for this treatment?

Fractional perioral CO2 laser is suitable for people who have wrinkles and fine lines around the lips, caused by aging, sun exposure, or smoking. It is particularly effective for those wrinkles that no longer respond to more superficial treatments.

A prior medical evaluation is essential to determine if this treatment is the most appropriate for your skin type, medical history, and expectations. At Santé Clínica Estética, the initial consultation is free and allows our medical team to evaluate your case individually.

What results can I expect and when will I see them?

The results of perioral CO2 laser are gradual and develop over the weeks and months following the treatment. Initially, you will notice an improvement in skin texture and a reduction in fine wrinkles. The production of new collagen will continue to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Although a single session can offer noticeable improvements, in some cases additional sessions may be recommended to optimize results, especially for deeper wrinkles. Results vary between individuals and depend on factors such as age, skin type, and post-treatment care. A medical evaluation a few weeks later allows for assessment of the skin's response.

Treatment process and recovery

1. Initial Medical Consultation
2. Skin and Expectations Assessment
3. Pre-treatment Preparation
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
5. Topical Anesthesia Application
6. Perioral CO2 Laser Session
7. Immediate Recovery: Redness and Swelling
8. Post-treatment Care: Creams and Sun Protection
9. Scab Formation and Shedding
10. Progressive Reduction of Redness
11. Return to Normal Activities (5-7 days)
12. Gradual Results and Collagen Production

Before treatment

• Medical consultation: Evaluation of skin, medical history, and expectations.
• Skin preparation: Specific creams may be indicated to optimize the skin before the laser.
• Avoid sun: It is crucial to avoid direct sun exposure and use high sun protection weeks before.

During treatment

• Topical anesthesia: An anesthetic cream is applied to the area to minimize any discomfort.
• Procedure: The doctor applies the laser to the perioral area in a controlled and precise manner. The duration is approximately 30-45 minutes.

After treatment (Recovery)

Recovery after fractional perioral CO2 laser involves a period of controlled downtime. Immediately afterwards, the area will be red, swollen, and may feel like a sunburn. The formation of small scabs that peel off in a few days is common.

Redness may persist for several weeks, gradually diminishing. It is essential to follow the doctor's post-treatment instructions, which include:

• Application of healing and repairing creams.
• Avoiding direct sun exposure and rigorously using SPF 50+ sun protection.
• Keeping the area clean and hydrated.
• Avoiding makeup until the skin is completely healed.

Full recovery time varies, but a return to normal activities is generally expected in 5-7 days, although redness may be visible for longer.

Key points

• Effective treatment for upper lip "smoker's lines".
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production for smoother skin.
• Requires a prior medical evaluation at Santé Clínica Estética.
• Gradual results that improve over time.
• Recovery period with redness and peeling.
• Rigorous sun protection is vital before and after treatment.

How Santé Clínica Estética approaches it

At Santé Clínica Estética, we prioritize a medical and personalized approach for each patient. Our team of board-certified medical doctors, with experience in aesthetic medicine, performs a comprehensive evaluation of your skin and your needs before any procedure.

"The key to a good result with CO2 laser lies in a precise evaluation of the patient's skin and a treatment protocol adapted to their individual characteristics. We always seek natural results that rejuvenate without altering expression."

Dr. Sol Monsalve, Medical Director of Santé Clínica Estética

We design an individualized treatment protocol, which may include one or several sessions, and provide you with all pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal recovery and the best possible results. Throughout the process, our team is at your disposal to answer any questions.

We offer free aesthetic consultations so you can learn about the options and resolve your concerns with our specialists. Our staff speaks Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Russian, facilitating communication for all our patients.

CO2 laser prices at Santé Clínica Estética

The prices for fractional CO2 laser at Santé Clínica Estética are adapted to the intensity and the treated area. Below is our price structure:

Area and Level	Price per Session
CO2 perioral suave	300 €
CO2 perioral medio	400 €
CO2 perioral fuerte	600 €
CO2 perioral muy fuerte	1200 €

During the consultation, the doctor will determine the appropriate intensity level for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is perioral CO2 laser treatment painful?

During the procedure, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to minimize discomfort. Patients usually describe the sensation as intense heat or a slight prick. Afterwards, there may be a sensation similar to a sunburn for a few hours.

How many CO2 laser sessions do I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the depth of the wrinkles and the individual skin response. For fine wrinkles, one session may be sufficient. For deeper wrinkles, 2 or 3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, may be recommended. This will be defined in the medical consultation.

When is the best time to undergo this treatment?

It is recommended to perform fractional perioral CO2 laser treatment during the autumn and winter months, when sun exposure is lower. This minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun during recovery.

Are there contraindications for CO2 laser?

Yes, there are some contraindications, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infections in the area to be treated, history of keloids, or recent use of some photosensitizing medications. It is crucial to inform the doctor about your complete medical history during the consultation.

Can I combine CO2 laser with other aesthetic treatments?

Yes, perioral CO2 laser can be strategically combined with other treatments, such as hyaluronic acid fillers for lip volume or botulinum toxin to relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. However, this should be carefully planned with your doctor and treatments spaced appropriately to avoid complications and optimize results. For example, fillers are usually applied after complete laser recovery.