Laser Skin Resurfacing with Fractional CO2 Laser

Minimising the signs of aging and scaring

Laser resurfacing treatments might at first sound scary and intimidating , yet they are incredibly effective and powerful at reducing visible signs of aging on the face.

There are different types of lasers but the one which is commonly used for skin resurfacing is a CO2 lasers (fully Ablative or Fractional).

What is the difference between fully Ablative and Fractional CO2 lasers?

An ablative CO2 laser rays, when applied to a skin surface, will evaporate water from the skin cells and hence destroy the cells on entire treated area, effectively removing the whole superficial layer of the skin. This will have a very dramatic and aggressive effect on the skin with prolonged down time and slow recovery. However it will very effectively treat your deep lines or deep scars with minimal number of treatment applications required.

The Fractional CO2 laser is using this ablative (evaporating) effect on only a fraction (a part) of the treated skin in a patterned, pixel-like, way. By doing so, it leaves, very small, untouched skin parts, which will allow skin to heal a bit faster and have less down time post laser treatment. However, to achieve similar to the ablative laser treatment effect, you will need to have a series of treatments.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment

Fractional CO2 laser is a very effective treatment to improve texture and quality of your skin and achieve more smother and youthful appearance. The laser rays not only ablate (evaporate/destroy) the superficial layer of the skin (and stimulate new healthy skin growth) they also heat up deeper layer of the skin (called dermis) and by doing so they stimulate existing collagen remodelling and new collagen production. Which, with time, will add more elasticity and tightness to the skin with reduced lines and scars appearance.

How soon after the treatment the results can be seen?

You will start noticing improvement in the skin texture and quality in 1-2 weeks after the treatment. However, it will take months to see the final results as the deeper skin layers of the skin will gradually rebuild collagen fibres which will lead to natural rejuvenation, tightening and more youthful appearance.

What to expect during and after the treatment?

Overall it is a well tolerated treatment with many people experiencing heat sensation when the laser being used. The numbing topical cream can be offered prior to the treatment to minimise the degree of discomfort. It is expected that your face will become red in appearance due to laser rays heat exposure and there will be "sun burning" sensation over the treated area. All of these signs will gradually disappear within the space of next 72 hours.

What are the indications for Fractional CO2 laser treatment?

To improve overall skin quality - skin rejuvenation
To minimise enlarged pore size
To treat scars, including post-acne scaring
To smooth lines and wrinkles
To improve stretch marks appearance
To improve dull skin and photodamaged skin appearance