Comfort is a common question for people when they consider CO2 laser resurfacing. At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, CO2 treatments include comfort options directed by S. Kent Brown, M.D., the practice's Medical Director, who is an anesthesiologist. Which options fit a particular patient is discussed and planned at the consultation, along with the depth of treatment and the care before and after.
How is comfort handled during CO2 laser treatment in Scottsdale?
At Sensational Skin, comfort during CO2 laser resurfacing is handled through anesthesiologist-directed comfort options that Dr. Brown plans for each patient. Rather than a single routine applied to everyone, comfort is considered as part of the overall treatment plan, in the same way the laser settings and recovery plan are.
CO2 laser resurfacing is the treatment the practice performs most often. It uses precise laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal. Because the treatment is customized, the conversation about comfort is customized too. The person who leads the treatment is also the person who directs the comfort plan.
Why an anesthesiologist's background matters here
Dr. Brown has served as Medical Director of Sensational Skin since 1998. He is an anesthesiologist with more than 40 years of surgical experience, and over his career he has worked alongside surgeons across many specialties. He also has more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience.
That combination is the reason the practice describes its CO2 comfort options as anesthesiologist-directed. At Sensational Skin, he leads every CO2 treatment and directs the comfort options that go with it.
Comfort is planned together with treatment depth
The practice does not believe every patient needs the same laser treatment. On the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser, Dr. Brown can choose from several depths of resurfacing:
- ActiveFX, a lighter fractional CO2 treatment
- TotalFX and DeepFX
- SCAAR FX
- MaxFX, deep corrective resurfacing
Fractional treatments leave small bridges of untreated skin between treated areas, which is why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time. Laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to each patient's skin type, concerns and goals, and the comfort plan is discussed alongside these choices. You can read more about how depth is selected in our article on how CO2 laser treatment depth is chosen.
What to ask about comfort at your consultation
A consultation is the right place to raise any questions you have about comfort. Some questions people find useful to bring:
- Which comfort options does Dr. Brown recommend for the treatment depth being considered?
- How will the comfort plan be prepared before the day of treatment?
- Is there anything about my health history that the team should know when planning comfort?
- What does the care after treatment involve, and who do I contact with questions?
Sharing your full medical history and any medications you take helps the team plan appropriately. If you have a health condition or a question about whether a treatment is appropriate for you, please talk it through with a qualified medical provider. Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery for your specific plan at the consultation.
Care before and after treatment
Planning also covers the time before and after treatment. CO2 resurfacing at Sensational Skin includes comprehensive pre- and post-treatment guidance. The care around the procedure includes:
- Medical-grade skin preparation before treatment
- A guided recovery protocol after treatment
- Stabilization treatments to support healing
- Weekend follow-up care
Plans are customized around the patient's skin, concerns and downtime. Lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, while deeper treatments need more healing time, so knowing what to expect helps people plan around work, family and time outdoors.
What CO2 resurfacing is used for at the practice
The concerns the practice lists for CO2 laser resurfacing include deep lines and wrinkles, eyelid laxity and under-eye wrinkles, acne scars and enlarged pores, sun damage and uneven pigmentation, and aging skin on the neck and chest. Any spot that is new, changing or concerning should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider before cosmetic treatment is considered.
If you would like to see examples of the practice's work, the CO2 before and after gallery shows photos of patients who have had treatment. Every person's skin is different, and results vary. More detail on the treatment is on the CO2 laser resurfacing page.
A physician-led practice in Scottsdale
Sensational Skin has served patients since 1998 from its office in Scottsdale, and patients come from North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Arcadia and Biltmore. CO2 laser resurfacing at the practice is physician-led by Dr. Brown, who customizes every treatment. Susan Brown, his clinical assistant, is the practice's Laser Safety Officer and conducts consultations and builds treatment plans together with Dr. Brown.
Book a CO2 laser consultation
If you are considering CO2 laser resurfacing and want to talk about comfort options, treatment depth and recovery for your own skin, the first step is a complimentary consultation. Sensational Skin is located at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Call or text (480) 596-9111 to schedule, or reach the team through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are comfort options available for CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
Yes. CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin includes comfort options directed by S. Kent Brown, M.D., who is an anesthesiologist, and the options for each patient are discussed at the consultation.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., Medical Director since 1998, an anesthesiologist with more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience who customizes every treatment.
How do I start a CO2 laser consultation?
Call or text (480) 596-9111 to schedule a complimentary consultation at the practice at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale.
Book a consultation. Every plan starts with a consultation at our Scottsdale office, 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Individual results vary. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, please see a qualified medical provider.