CO2 fractional laser machine is a form of laser skin resurfacing in which your skin is treated with a matrix of laser pulses that vary in intensity and depth (your specific treatment will be customized depending on your skin type, the treatment area and the desired treatment effects.)

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has been proven effective in treating:

*Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

*Enhancing skin tone and texture.

*Eliminating effects of sun damage.

*Diminishing scars.

Fractional CO2 lasers deliver energy to a “fraction” of the tissue at a time, which allows for similar results to the older, non-fractional C02 technology but with less downtime.

What areas are best for fractional CO2 laser?

Fractional CO2 laser skin tightening is often used on areas with most notable sun-damaged skin, especially the face. Lower eyelid skin, which can be challenging to treat with other modalities, is particularly well-suited for fractional CO2 laser. Fractional C02 laser is considered the gold standard laser treatment for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles of the skin under and around the eyes.

How is fractional CO2 different than Fraxel?

CO2 is an ablative laser, which means that it removes the superficial layers of the skin and dermis. Fraxel is a non-ablative laser, which means it does not remove any skin. Fraxel still induces the skin to peel and regenerate, but because of the non-ablative nature of the laser, the downtime and healing are overall faster.

Healing after an ablative laser (CO2) in which pixels of skin are removed is more significant. However, it is through this healing process that a more significant tightening effect is also achieved. As mentioned above, by “fractionating” the laser, recovery time is significantly reduced from traditional ablative lasers, but it is the skin and tissue response is markedly more robust as compared to a non-ablative modality. Ultimately, these are different lasers, and although both improve skin texture and tone, they do have slightly different applications. Your doctor can help you to decide what treatment is best for you.

How is fractional CO2 performed?

Fractional CO2 is easily performed in the office. A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area(s) 1 hour in advance of the treatment. You can expect some moderate discomfort during the procedure, but the topical anesthetic typically makes any discomfort tolerable. The treatment length can vary from 10-30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.

What can you expect after your CO2 laser procedure?

Immediately following the procedure, you can expect a sensation similar to a sunburn which will last several hours. You can expect redness like a bad sunburn followed by peeling of dead skin from the treatment area. This natural exfoliation and healing process typically lasts 7-10 days. Residual pinkness may take 3-6 weeks to resolve.

Is fractional CO2 right for you?

A consult ahead of your treatment is important to evaluate whether you would be a good candidate for this type of treatments. Treatments can vary based on your skin type, your goals and the extent of skin resurfacing desired.

To prepare for your treatment, please avoid excessive sun exposure beginning approximately 1 month before treatment. Please also stop any acids or retinoids/ retinols at least 1 week before treatment. For maximum improvement, doctor ask that you also avoid the sun for 1 month after treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, please make your provider aware. It may be recommended that you take a cold sore medication prior to the appointment to minimize flare.

You should NOT get fractional CO2 laser if you have a history of:

*Keloid formation or excessive scarring.

*Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

*Are on systemic steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone.

*Are on photosensitive medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane) and tetracyclines (Doxycycline).

CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Restores Your Skin

CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is a specialized technique in which damaged layers of the skin are removed. It can not only revitalize your skin but also make you look much younger. Thus, the CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is one of the most important anti-aging breakthroughs achieved in the 21st century.

What makes a laser treatment fractional? While normal laser treatments focus on an entire layer of skin, fractional laser treatments instead focus on treating numerous microscopic zones on the skin layer. By leaving many other areas of the skin untouched, the healing process is sped up, the undamaged areas encourage faster healing of the damaged regions.

What Are the Types Of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

There are two forms of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment:

*Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing: This type of treatment is also known as pixelated carbon dioxide laser resurfacing treatment. It offers flawless results but requires a longer period of downtime. A mild anesthetic is required in this process. A laser beam is applied on the area for treatment, and the uppermost layer of the skin is vaporized, or ablated. Collagen production is stimulated in the cells of the skin by the process of vaporization. In the process of healing, the skin recovers its original youthful appearance, free of imperfections.

*Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing: This treatment option does not involve vaporization of skin tissue and is thus gentler. Because of this, its recovery time is much shorter. During this treatment, laser energy penetrates deep into the epidermal layer of the skin and initiates collagen production. When collagen in the skin is destroyed due to the damaging effects of pollution, sun, and aging, the skin acquires a sagging appearance. Restoring a higher rate of collagen production helps the skin get back its youthful appearance. In the ablative method, you can’t address sagging skin, whereas in this method, you can. The non-ablative method can treat numerous skin issues, including skin discolorations like dark spots and sun spots.

What Are the Benefits of CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

This treatment is a solution to a wide array of skin issues, including acne scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines. If you are troubled by skin that has been damaged by sun exposure and the aging process, then CO2 fractional laser resurfacing can help mend it. Even skin laxity problems can be effectively cured with this treatment. This process is effective if you want to remove any unwanted moles or warts from your skin. It is employed in some cases at the initial stages of skin cancer. After treatment, you will see a marked improvement in the overall texture of the skin. Moreover, collagen production will continue for a year or longer after treatment. So if you want healthier-looking skin, CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is an excellent treatment option.