What results should expect of CO2 fractional laser treatment?

CO2 fractional laser machine is the most advanced skin rejuvenation laser treatment available on the market today. Results of a CO2 laser treatment approach the tightening and wrinkle removal that can be seen after a facelift, with less risk of complications and downtime than seen with traditional lasers and facelifts.

Why choose CO2 fractional laser?

Skin can look younger, feel smoother and firmer with CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments. A groundbreaking new technique, this process works by penetrating the skin's surface with tiny beams of light which penetrate into the deeper layers. Increasingly popular for treating everything from acne scarring to sun damage to wrinkles, the fractional CO2 laser is a non-invasive treatment that really can perform miracles.

Billed as one of the best non-invasive anti-aging breakthrough treatments around, the fractional CO2 laser delivers safe and effective skin resurfacing results. The fractional CO2 laser works by targeting tiny beams of light into the deep layers of the skin, which gives a powerful boost to the body's natural healing and collagen producing process. Only microscopic areas of skin are treated at a time, while adjacent skin is left untreated. This produces better results and quicker healing time. The CO2 fractional laser technology treats about 30% of the skin and only requires a few days of downtime.

How does CO2 fractional laser work and how is it different from other lasers?

As opposed to traditional resurfacing lasers which ablate 100% of the skin (vaporize and remove it all at once), leading to extended downtime, wound care and high risk of complications, the CO2 laser to treat the skin fractionally and deeply. The CO2 fractional laser lays down thousands of tiny microscopic wounds in the skin, penetrating much deeper than traditional ablative lasers, but leaving the cells around these tiny wounds untouched. The tissue in each of the microscopic wounds is removed with the use of the CO2 energy. The healthy tissue surrounding the wounds then contracts which leads to immediate tissue tightening. This spared tissue between treatment zones also promotes rapid healing while stimulating collagen production in the deep layers and new epidermal cells in the top layer.

What does CO2 laser treatment?

1.Wrinkles- mild, moderate and deep.

2.Skin tone, texture and pore size.

3.Skin laxity (tightens and smoothes skin).

4.Severe sun damage.

5.Pigmented lesions and skin discoloration.

6.Acne scars and surgical scars.

How does CO2 fractional laser compare with other traditional laser?

The CO2 fractional laser is a deep dermal ablative modality using CO2 technology. It can treat the face and neck on most skin types. The CO2 laser does have more down time than non-ablative fractional laser treatments which do not penetrate as deep and require more treatments for optimal benefits, typically between 3-6 treatments. The CO2 fractional laser is best for patients with severe sun damage, sagging skin, moderate or severe wrinkling, deep acne scars, and for patients who would like optimal results with fewer treatments depending on the skin type and skin condition. The advantages of the CO2 fractional laser are:

1.Immediate tissue tightening.

2.Treats deeper wrinkles and scars.

3.Usually just fewer treatments.

What are the possible side effects of CO2 laser?

There are always risks with any laser procedure. The most common side effects for any ablative laser are loss of color, increase in color, infection, and scarring. These risks are very rare with CO2 fractional laser, no serious side effects have been reported to our knowledge. Compared with traditional laser, it is much safer with less downtime and side effects.

How should prepare for CO2 laser treatment?

During your CO2 fractional laser treatment, specialist will discuss which products are best to use prior to, during and after your treatment. Botox may be recommended prior to laser treatment to relax facial movement in key areas (such as crows feet, frown lines and forehead creases) allowing for better laser into deeper wrinkles. For 2 weeks prior, avoid sun exposure, self tanner, and make sure to wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment areas

Our cosmetic patients are very satisfied with the results of fractional CO2 laser treatments. This laser, with its targeted beans of light, can help improve various areas on the face and body. The fractional CO2 laser effectively treats:

1.Fine lines

2.Loose skin on the face

3.Wrinkles

4.Sun damage

5.Acne scars

6.Age spots

7.Pigmentation issues

8.Surgical scars

9.Brow lift

10.Laser eyelid lift

CO2 fractional laser as an alternative to plastic surgery

As we step away from surgical procedures as the primary way to deliver skin rejuvenation and a youthful look, fractional CO2 lasers are at the forefront of this new way of thinking. Going under the knife has many risks as well as a lot of downtime. Plastic surgery can also make you look as though you've had work done. CO2 fractional laser treatment will refresh and rejuvenate your look, but not alter it. By resurfacing the skin, CO2 lasers have the ability to dramatically improve and even tighten the skin.

What to expect during a fractional CO2 laser treatment

While the fractional CO2 laser treatments typically only cause mild discomfort, your specialist does offer topical numbing creams to all patients prior to treatment. A topical numbing cream can take up to 45 minutes to take effect. Specialist also offer the option of a mild sedative or narcotic prior to treatment. After the skin is numbed, your provider will focus the laser on the areas of concern. The entire procedure will take about 1 hour and will feel similar to pins and needles on the skin. You can expect some redness right after the treatment and that redness will last for about 24 hours. You should allow for about 3-5 days of downtime before resuming normal activities. The skin will begin to peel and then after 7 days, it will look pink. After about two weeks, the skin will enjoy optimal results from the CO2 fractional laser treatment.

What results should expect of CO2 fractional laser treatment?

CO2 fractional laser treatment results in a very significant and noticeable reduction in the components of sun-damaged skin such as “age-spots” (also called sun freckles, liver spots, and lentigines), fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, and textural irregularities. The skin continues to improve for a period of 6 months following the procedure provided proper skincare is used and sun exposure is minimized.