Fractional CO2

What is CO2 Fractional Laser?

Fractional CO2 Laser is a new technology that corrects many dermatological and cosmetic skin conditions through one procedure. The procedure improves conditions such as superficial lesions, scars, skin texture and wrinkles. As the laser scans the surface of the patient’s skin, it will create thousands of micro-thermal zones in the treated areas which will promote the production of new collagen, resulting in healthier, smoother and younger-looking skin.

How is the CO2 Fractional laser procedure performed?

A Fractional CO2 Laser is exactly what it sounds like – fractional. This means that the tiny but intense laser energy micro beams create areas of treated tissue surrounded by untreated, healthy tissue. Over the coming days, weeks and months, the body’s own healing process will create new, healthy tissue to replace the areas of affected tissue – thus improving the skin condition being treated.

Some of the results from a Fractional CO2 Laser will be visible after about two weeks, once the treated area of the skin (little brown scabs) will peel off. This can take about 7-10 days depending on how deep your treatment was. After that you will be able to see new, fresh skin underneath. Although seeing apparent differences after 2 weeks, the full results came about over a month after the procedure. The skin gets a new healthy glow, the overall skin texture is improved, pores size is diminished and some fine lines under the eyes decreased. Along with the above, the treatment can also take years of sun damage off the face allowing one to wear less makeup and look more youthful with a more even skin tone.

How many sessions of CO2 Fractional Laser are needed to obtain results?

Even though one treatment is enough to view apparent results, you will benefit from having the treatment done once every 6-8 weeks (depending on your skin type and condition) for about 3 or 4 times.

CO2 Fractional Laser treatment areas

A Fractional CO2 Laser procedure is most commonly used on the face, neck, chest, hands and arms however generally the greatest results will be seen in the face, as this is generally where we have the largest pores and prominent wrinkles.

Risks of CO2 Fractional Laser

Common but minor side effects from a fractional laser resurfacing include swelling and redness, which lasts for about 2-7 days depending on how deep your treatment is. When leaving, the treatment area is very red and hot. And you should expect to be red until the next morning and you might need an ice pack to cool down the face when going to bed at night. Following the procedure, each tiny fractional column leaving a tiny scar re-epithelializes within a day or two. This minimizes but does not eliminate the risk of infection, scarring or any long-term pigmentation changes. As with any laser surgery or laser treatment, patients with darker complexions may be at risk for pigmentation loss and tanned skin also increases your risk of complications.