Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing overview

What is a CO2 laser?

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is one of the original gas lasers. It was invented in 1964 and it is still one of the most useful lasers in the medical field. CO2 lasers are the highest-powered lasers that are currently available on the market. They are utilized for many different purposes in medicine, including skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation. When this type of laser beam is introduced onto the skin, it evaporates the superficial layers of the skin that have been damaged and aged over the years. In addition to evaporating the superficial layers, the residual heat from the laser beam is delivered to the deeper layers of the tissue, which stimulates skin “remodeling” by increasing collagen production. This process leads to tighter, rejuvenated skin and allows newer and healthier skin to replace the old, damaged skin.

What is the difference between a non-fractional laser and fractional laser?

Non-fractional lasers typically deliver laser beams and energy into the entire surface of the skin and treat the full outer sheet of the skin (also called “full-field” CO2 laser). Since the entire superficial layer of the skin is treated, one single treatment is sufficient to create an effective deep skin rejuvenation. However, this procedure has diminished in popularity due to its multiple disadvantages. Non-fractional lasers are generally more aggressive, require anesthesia, have intense downtime, cost higher, and most importantly, have a greater chance of complications compared to its fractional laser counterpart.

Fractional lasers deliver laser energy into the skin in a fractionated or “pixelated” form, which means that the laser light and energy is introduced into the skin by thousands of tiny dots, which creates micro-channel injuries in the skin. The advantage of this is that each injured column in the skin is surrounded by intact skin tissue, which aids in a faster healing period and less risk of complications. This procedure is much more gentle, well- controlled for risk and benefits, less costly, and does not need full anesthesia. Since this modality of laser treats a fraction of the skin, you benefit from repeated treatments, which eventually rejuvenates the entire skin surface after multiple treatments.

Advantage of Fractional laser

The advantage and beauty of fractional CO2 lasers is the ability to control the settings to provide appropriate intensity relative to the patient’s skin type and specific concerns. CONTROL is the keyword when it comes to operating powerful lasers. Fractional technology allows us to control the laser power and intensity. Fractional lasers enable us to adjust the power and depth of the laser beams penetrating into the skin in addition to the spacing between the columns. As a result, a skilled and experienced physician is able to individualize the settings of the laser to provide the best result and minimize the risks.

How is a Fractionated CO2 laser performed?

After all of your questions and concerns are addressed, the designated area of treatment will be cleaned with a cleanser and alcohol. Numbing cream will be applied topically on the skin and left on for approximately 30 minutes. Subsequently, numbing cream will be wiped off of the skin and the laser treatment will be performed by one of our dermatologists. Since CO2 laser is a powerful tool and the setting is under control, you need only one “pass” over the skin within a single treatment, as opposed to alternative, non-ablative lasers, which may need several passes. After the laser treatment is completed, a healing ointment such as Aquaphor will be applied to the entire treated area. We will provide gentle cleansers, a tube of Aquaphor healing ointment, and hydrating lotions for your aftercare. Our medical assistant will be present prior to, during, and after the procedure should you need assistance, comfort, or have any further questions.

Is CO2 laser painful?

The typical discomfort of this laser treatment is described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. Since this laser treatment is a fractionated laser and a fragment of the skin is being treated across numerous tiny dots, the discomfort during the procedure is usually manageable with topical numbing cream. In case you are still sensitive to the procedure, our state of the art cooling machine is available to alleviate discomfort. Our services are provided in a comfortable and professional manner to ensure that you walk out of our facility feeling happy and with positive memories.

How intense is the downtime after ablative resurfacing procedure

Healing phase may vary depending on many factors that include the following:

Location of the treated area – around the mouth peels and heals earlier, while forehead reaction is slower
Depth and Intensity of the energy used – higher energy lasers or stronger acids for chemical peels are used to correct deeper skin damage, which require longer healing time
Age of the patient and thickness of the skin
Pre- and Post-procedure skin care – performed by the patient
Patient’s other associated diseases or regular medication use
Patient’s other associated diseases or regular medications used
Patient’s “genes” – some people just heal faster

What is the downtime after a fractionated CO2 laser?

Day #1: The day of the procedure you will show a skin reaction similar to a sunburn such as redness, tingeling, mild burning and swelling. Depth of the treatment defines the severity of the post treatment reaction.
Day #2: Skin is still red and swollen with no more burning or tingling.
Day #3: Swelling subsides and your skin starts developing pinpoint brown scabs at the site of the procedure. At this time, it is encouraged to keep the skin moist by continuing to use Aquaphor, however if needed, you may start using makeup to camouflage the discoloration.
Day #4: The skin around your mouth starts to peel
Day #5: Midface treated area skin starts to peel.
Day #6: the last area, forehead skin peels
Day #7: In general, at the one week mark, the treatment is completed. At this time, your skin will look fresh, pink, and new. Remember thereafter you must baby your skin by using moisturizer regularly, remain well hydrated and shield your treated skin from the sun exposure.
Week 2 and after: Healing and repairing of the deeper layer of the skin is in process creating tissue remodeling and collagen synthesis. Collagen synthesis is a slow process therefore weeks after procedure your skin texture and quality will continue to improve.

What is the post-CO2 laser procedure care instruction?

Adhering to pre- and post-care instructions is crucial to achieve expected final results, ease the healing phase, and diminish risk of complications. Detailed instructions regarding the procedure will be reviewed with you prior to the procedure and given to you to take home after treatment or emailed to you.

What is the cost of the Fractional CO2 laser?

We often receive phone calls in our office inquiring about the cost of laser treatments. Imagine! You can’t call a store and ask how much is a jacket? As you know the prices of ‘a jacket’ depends on the brand, style, pattern, fabric, etc. Similarly, there are many factors that dictate the cost of laser procedures that must be determined after a face to face consultation.

Some of the factors included, but not limited to, are type and tone of the skin, the severity of damage or aged skin, depth and type of the scarring, size and location of the scarring, number of treatments needed, time frame available, and many more other factors.

For this reason, we offer complimentary consultations to discuss all of your concerns and address pricing. Please call us (949) 551-1113 to schedule your free consultation.

Who is not a candidate for CO2 laser treatment?

Have very dark or medium-dark skin tones, since this can result in post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, however our dermatologists will be able to assess the treatment options and further discuss if the CO2 laser device can be adjusted to be suitable for treatment
Have a history of keloid formation, since this may put this person at risk for keloid formation after treatment
Have active acne, we advise these individuals manage their acne prior to treating their acne scars with laser
Can not dedicate time and effort for one week after the procedure for post-procedure care
And most importantly, if someone has unrealistic expectations of the results with this treatment, we highly recommend you to take this opportunity to see us for a complimentary consultation for fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing treatment.

Contact us!

If you want results and need an effective, intense skin resurfacing treatment, or you suffer from severe acne scars, you might be a good candidate for fractionated CO2 laser to be performed by our expert dermatologists.

The CO2 laser is one of the most powerful and effective treatments, but with the fractionated features, we are able to minimize the risk of complications that were associated with the “full field” CO2 lasers, widely used in the past. At OC MedDerm, we ensure you are educated about your treatment options and tailor a plan that’s right for you!

Please feel free to ask questions or Call us to make an appointment to meet one of our dermatologists and receive a non-obligatory complimentary evaluation of your skin and to be educated extensively about your treatment options.

Other Treatments

CO2 Laser Skin Rejuvenation | CO2 Laser for Acne Scar Removal | CO2 Laser Gallery | CO2 Laser Aftercare