fractionated

c02 skin

resurfacing

CO2 Fractional Laser

A CO2 Fractional resurfacing laser precisely removes deep outer layers of damaged skin and stimulates the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. The CO2 treats fine to moderately deep wrinkles, photo damage, scarring, skin tone, texture, crepiness, and laxity. A fractionated CO2 treatment helps regenerate new collagen and consequently more youthful, healthier looking skin. This is an ablative treatment and downtime should be expected. This treatment is recommended for Skin Types 1-3.

What are some Benefits of Fractionated CO2

  • Minimizes sun damage, acne scars, and fine lines

  • Improves skin texture and evens skin tone

  • Stimulates collagen for firmer, more youthful skin

  • May help treat skin lesions

  • Better long-term results

  • Creates a firmer and more youthful skin appearance

  • Minimal downtime for significant results

How Does It Work

Carbon dioxide laser beams penetrate the top skin layers through micro channels reaching into the dermis. It creates tiny microscopic areas of thermal damage that stimulate new collagen production and replace damaged skin surface by new epidermal cells. Fractional CO2 laser is a deep, ablative treatment for more intense cellular turnover. CO2 laser resurfacing is the original and most in-depth cosmetic laser treatment on the market. It is an ablative procedure, meaning that the laser energy destroys the outer layer of damaged cells to encourage new collagen production and prompt the body to create fresh, new skin. Recovery can take one to several weeks, but the results can be dramatic. Other lasers may be lighter or non ablative and do not yield as significant results.

When will I see results? How long do they last?

Initial results will be apparent within weeks of treatment. Full results, however, can be seen 3-6 months after the initial treatment, once the skin has completely healed. Improvements from a CO2 laser procedure may be seen for many years after treatment.Typically 1 session may be sufficient depending on your individualized desired results. Many patients also benefit from subsequent treatments at lower settings called “micro laser peels”.

Downtime 

There is no downtime associated with this treatment and patients may resume their normal activities. Avoid picking or scratching skin, do not use any other hair removal during treatment (waxing, electrolysis, or tweezing). Wash and pat dry for 3 days and on the 4th day start gently exfoliating. SPF is always recommended post treatment. Be advised that treated hair can take one to two weeks to be excreted from the body, and to fall out. Feel free to shave between treatments. Do not wax, thread, tweeze, or use depilatory products—this will remove the hair follicles, making it impossible to remove the hair with laser. Do not exercise, take hot showers, or use hot tubs or saunas for 12-48 hours.

Side Effects 

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of the treatment. Other possible, but less common side effects include headaches, pain, burning or itching and swelling in the localized area, which usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. 

Contraindications

Active Acne

Malignant or pre-malignant pigmented lesions

Known photosensitivity

Pregnancy, possibility of pregnancy or breast feeding

Use of anti-coagulation medication

Bacterial or viral infection

Impaired Immune system

Have used Isotretinoin in the past 12 months

Scleroderma

Diabetes

Other Issues:

Surgical procedures in the treatment area including facial laser resurfacing or deep chemical peel. Wait until well-healed

Botox or Natural fillers wait one month

History of Herpes Simplex in the treatment area. Should be started on prophylaxis to prevent outbreak

Precaution

We do not recommend the procedure if you have a significant social event within two weeks of the procedure. The effects of these procedures take time to stabilize.