What is a Fractional CO2 Laser?

With the emphasis on personal presentation and taking care of your skin at an all-time high, more effort is being spent on adapting technologies into the cosmetic treatments field. One of the latest technologies being used, and one that shows extraordinary results, is a skin treatment called Fractional CO2 Laser.

This treatment is highly effective at removing skin irregularities and blemishes like acne scars, age spots, crow’s feet, sun damage and many more types of unsightly skin conditions. 

The treatment uses a laser that utilises CO2 in the removal of the top layer of damaged skin. The reason for the treatment’s popularity is that it can be performed on the face to remove facial skin irregularities without leaving any scarring.

How is the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Performed?

Generally, a local, topical anaesthetic is applied to the problem area of the skin about a half-hour to forty–five minutes before the procedure. The treatment itself is very quick, lasting only fifteen to twenty minutes. 

The laser uses a short-pulsed light energy called an ultra pulse that continuously blasts via a scanning pattern that covers the problem area of the skin. The pattern removes all the thin, damaged top layers of skin, leaving the healthy lower layers of skin intact. 

After the dead layers are removed, the treatment activates the creation of many microthermal zones that penetrate the skin and stimulate the healing processes and encourage collagen growth of the underlying layers of healthy skin. 

Most patients undergoing Fractional CO2 Laser equate the feeling of the procedure as being like a slight prickling sensation if they feel anything at all. 

Is the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Safe?

The treatment is absolutely safe for anyone who wants to minimise acne scars, pigmentation issues, fine lines and crow’s feet and many other skin problems. 

The only people who should avoid having the treatment are those who have extensive acne breakouts, open wounds, and infections around the problem areas of the skin. 

People who want to undergo Fractional CO2 Laser treatment should first schedule a consultation with the dermatologist performing the procedure and inform them of any medical conditions they may have. Those taking isotretinoin are not suitable for the treatment as the combination poses a health and safety risk. 

How Long Before I See Results?

Because of the ability of the laser to remove only the damaged layers of the skin and preserve the lower layers, the healthy lower layers of skin in between the microthermal zones can provide the skin cells and proteins that provide for a fast recovery time of five to seven days on average. If you experience swelling during the first few hours after the procedure, an ice pack can be applied.

After the procedure, sunscreen should be applied to the treated areas to prevent further damage from the sun. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser daily during the recovery period. And heavy makeup should be avoided as this can irritate the treated areas of skin. 

To find out more about what Fractional CO2 Laser can mean for your complexion, contact Klinik Hana or make an appointment for an examination and consultation.