The Power Of Precision How Co2 Lasers Deliver Precise And Safe Results

One of Dr. Scott’s favorite treatment tools is the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. He uses the instrument in many procedures, including laser resurfacing and upper and lower blepharoplasties. In light of its crucial role at Eye Plastic Associates, we want to share more about what makes the CO2 laser so beneficial for our patients.

Physicist C. Kumar Patel of Bell Labs in New Jersey invented the CO2 laser in 1963. His creation was one of the first gas lasers and remains among medicine’s most commonly used lasers. The word “laser” is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, which describes exactly what the technology does. It subjects carbon dioxide to electrical energy until energized, creating a high-powered, focused beam.

CO2 lasers are invisible, so a red beam is added to allow practitioners to “see” the beam. The laser targets intracellular and extracellular water for vaporization, penetrating the skin until it finds water to eliminate. The current fractional laser resurfacing devices treat 65% of the skin with tightly spaced laser dots and leave 35% untreated. The 35% untreated is referred to by Dr. Scott as the “golden 35” since it will spread out underneath the 65% and make new skin that smoother, tighter, and more youthful.

CO2 lasers have numerous benefits for soft-tissue surgery and can replace scalpels in many procedures. The CO2 laser is incredibly precise, so a doctor can target specific areas without interfering with the surrounding tissue. It is also versatile; Dr. Scott can create focused beams for fine detailed procedures and laser skin resurfacing.

CO2 laser blepharoplasties are essentially bloodless, so the doctor has a much better view of the area where they are working. As a result, surgery is shorter for the patient and the surgeon and typically results in less postoperative swelling and bleeding. Even better, lasers automatically sterilize any areas they touch, so patients have a lower risk of infection.

Due to their powerful nature, CO2 lasers pose a danger to the eyes. So, surgeons protect the eyes with customized ocular metal shields. This step makes the procedure very safe.

Dr. Scott has performed over 5,000 procedures with CO2 lasers and shares that he wouldn’t operate any other way. If you think a CO2 laser procedure might be right for you, call us to schedule an appointment!

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.