Fractional Co2 Laser: Essential Things You Need To Know
Fractional CO2 laser is a skin rejuvenation technique using concentrated light beams to treat wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. By stimulating collagen production, it improves skin texture and tone, providing a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Acne is one such skin concern that often gets in your way when you are having an important event to attend. Whether it’s your bid day, your date, your job interview, or your birthday celebration; acne can make you feel uncomfortable. Apart from making you insecure about your looks, acne can also leave scars on your face if left untreated.
Read MoreFractional Co2 Laser: Essential Things You Need To Know
Fractional CO2 laser is a skin rejuvenation technique using concentrated light beams to treat wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. By stimulating collagen production, it improves skin texture and tone, providing a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Acne is one such skin concern that often gets in your way when you are having an important event to attend. Whether it’s your bid day, your date, your job interview, or your birthday celebration; acne can make you feel uncomfortable. Apart from making you insecure about your looks, acne can also leave scars on your face if left untreated.
But, you don’t have to live with those acne and acne scars. There are treatments that can eliminate them, making your face acne-free. And when it comes to treating your acne, the safest and most effective procedure is a fractional CO2 laser. It involves removing outer layers of the skin which reveals glowing and fresh skin below.
Do you want to learn how you can solve your skin problems? Here’s everything you need to know about fractional CO2 laser.
What is a fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is a skin treatment type used by dermatologists to reduce acne scars, wrinkles, and likewise. It is a procedure that is non-invasive and uses a laser to remove the outer layers of skin which are damaged.
Which treatments can be done through a fractional CO2 laser?
The most common treatment in which a fractional CO2 laser is used is acne scar. But that’s not it. A wide range of skin problems can be treated using fractional CO2 laser-like:
- Crow’s feet
- Age spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged oil glands
- Sagging skin
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun damage
- Warts
Not only the face, but fractional CO2 laser can also treat the neck, arms, and hands.
Who should get a fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is useful for people who want to reduce acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines, and other skin conditions. It is also suggested by dermatologists to patients who suffer from non-responsive skin after a bad facelift.
Who should not go for a fractional CO2 laser?
The fractional CO2 laser isn’t recommended to everyone. People who suffer from extensive breakouts, wounds, or skin infections are advised to avoid this procedure. People who intake oral medicines should avoid this procedure as it is risky for their health.
If one has some chronic health disease like diabetes, then one should take extra precautions and make it a point to consult a dermatologist first. It is thus advisable to consult a dermatologist first to identify whether you should go for the procedure or not.
How does the fractional CO2 laser procedure take place?
In this procedure, first, the local anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes prior. It lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. It uses ultra-pulse light (short-pulsed light energy) which is blasted continuously through scanning in order to remove thin, damaged layers of skin.
Once the outer dead skin cells are removed, the procedure activates the production of microthermal zones that reach deep layers of skin.
This stimulates the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen. The old, damaged cells are replaced with healthy, new skin.
What are the results of the fractional CO2 laser?
The results of fractional CO2 will depend on the procedures. For example, if you want to get rid of hyperpigmentation, you can see results only in one session. However, removing fine lines and acne scars might take a while for the results.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, one might have to go for multiple sessions of fractional CO2. Treatments can be done 4 to 6 weekly.
If you want to know more or are interested in getting this treatment, our dermatologists at Epicorium can assist you with whatever concerns you might have.
Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
Dermatologists recommend the following should be taken care of before going for the fractional CO2 laser:
Avoid retinoid-possessing products as they can affect the results
Sun exposure should be avoided 2 weeks before the laser treatment
Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E should be avoided as they can lead to clotting
Schedule your appointment with a dermatologist if you think you are eligible to go for this treatment and take their consultation
What is the downtime for a fractional CO2 laser?
The healthy tissues underneath the skin can be found in between the microthermal zones where the heat is applied. These healthy tissues can quickly heal the skin. As a result, patients get recovered within 5 to 7 days.
For most of the patients, the pain during the procedure is minimal and they say the sensation is similar to prickling. However, the procedure involves applying of anesthesia to the area and hence it would be numb which makes it painless treatment.
During the procedure, heat is absorbed into the skin. So patients might suffer from redness and swelling in the treated area. Some patients also experience scabs and discomfort.
In some rare cases, patients might also suffer from prolonged erythema, hyperpigmentation, and infections. These side-effects can be avoided or minimised by following the post-care guidance given by dermatologists.
Following care should be taken after fractional CO2 laser procedure:
- Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sun’s UV rays
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice and avoid use of harsh products
- Limit the use of makeup as they can irritate the skin
- Use ice pack around the area to ease the swelling
- Apply ointment if you need to prevent scabs
- You might have to avoid workouts and swimming where you can get infection
