Fractional CO2 laser is an innovative technology in the field of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology that allows you to rejuvenate and smooth the skin and get rid of unpleasant looking imperfections such asscars, scars, stretch marks.However, its use is very controversial. This method of skin care has both supporters, most often among surgeons, and opponents, represented by dermatologists and cosmetologists.
What is this procedure, what effects does it give and why does it provoke such contradictory opinions? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description of the procedure and its functionalities
In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, 2 types of fractional lasers are used: erbium, with a lower power level and with shorter wavelengths, and CO2 lasers, which use a higher laser powerand reach the deeper layers of the skin.
The fractional laser treatment produces the following results:
- Rejuvenation.
- Improvement of the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- Narrows pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Alignment of skin tone.
- Rejuvenation of the skin by stimulating blood circulation in the capillaries, thanks to which it receives more oxygen, which has a positive effect on its appearance.
The most popular is fractional rejuvenation with a CO2 laser, which gives excellent results. Thanks to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed and the complexion is unified. There is a lifting effect, due to which the previous contours of the face return - it becomes clearer and more defined, the sagging of the chin and cheeks is removed, the nasolabial folds are smoothed.
In the photo you can compare the condition of the patient's skin before and after the fractional laser:
During the procedure, the skin is treated with laser beams which act on 20-25% of its treated area, when a laser head is activated. The laser beams are distributed at certain distances from each other, also vertically and horizontally. The number of rays and the depth of skin tissue treatment depend on the settings of the laser parameters in the given area of the skin and head used. They are selected depending on the characteristics of the patient's skin, the treatment area and the type of problem for which the procedure is performed.
The fractional wavelength of the laser is approximately 1550 nm. This results in a penetration of the beam to a depth of 2 mm in the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin tissues, resulting in a rejuvenating effect and a reduction in scarring and scarring. In addition, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis increases.
To achieve the desired result, you need to complete a course of 2-6 procedures, your doctor will tell you the exact number.The duration of the procedure is 40-100 minutes (the processing time depends on many parameters).
Despite the excellent effects, the procedure still causes a lot of negativity, especially among those who were uninformed at the start and were disappointed with the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of the operation of the CO2 fractional laser
Fractional CO2 laser therapy works in a very similar way. The main difference is the wavelength reaching around 10, 000nm.This is an ablative technique used to reduce large scars or age spots and for a strong lifting.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. To do this, an anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area of the skin, or pain relievers are taken orally.
Despite the pain relief, the patient experiences little comfort when treating the skin with laser beams. The skin swells, reddens, a feeling of tightness and dryness appears, often accompanied by itching. This sensation disappears after about 2 days and is replaced by an exfoliation of the epidermis, which may be accompanied by a change in the color of the skin to a darker shade.
Rosacea or redness does not go away completely after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, rehabilitation after fractional CO2 laser treatment takes 4-7 days.But in most cases, the discomfort is felt for a longer time - up to 2 weeks.
It should be noted that in order to achieve the effect, it is necessary to carry out 3-6 procedures with a frequency of every 3-6 weeks. The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can only be observed 3 to 6 months after the operation. So, CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Rejuvenation is certainly only suitable for very patient people who are not looking for quick results.
Erbium fractional laser
The fractional erbium laser differs from the CO2 laser in lower power and shorter beams - the wavelength is 1064-2940nm. It is safer and gentler on the skin, and also provides targeted treatment to a specific area and does not affect surrounding tissue.
It is used on areas of the body with delicate skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Rehabilitation and care after surgery
The rehabilitation period lasts 4 to 5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may be reddened, itchy, scaly, and appear unattractive. Therefore, it is advisable to set aside important questions in the next few days after the session and to spend them at home, at rest. But it should be borne in mind that all the consequences of the procedure do not completely disappear until after about 2 weeks.
Post-procedure skin care plays an important role in the outcome of the fractional laser. If you want her to look beautiful, you need to pay special attention to her in the first days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimum level of its humidity. After the procedure, the doctor will give you advice on which moisturizers to use after the procedure.
It is important to remember that in the first days after the session, the rays of the sun should be avoided, as they can have a destructive effect on the new cells and cause discoloration of the skin. In addition, you should not take a hot bath, visit a sauna, a swimming pool, swim in open water, sunbathe on purpose for the first month.
Another post-treatment instruction is to allow the skin to regenerate at its own pace. You should not specifically increase the peeling of the skin, tear off the scaly areas - this can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for fractional CO2 laser
The main indications of the procedure are:
- Skin laxity.
- Expressed age-related changes.
- Deterioration of the contours of the face.
- Wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores.
- Scars, stretch marks, acne scars.
- Pigmented spots.
- Decreases the firmness of the skin.
- Benign training.
Here are the contraindications for a fractional laser:
- Pregnancy.
- Cancer.
- Inflammation.
- Skin infections.
- Psoriasis.
- Fresh tan.
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage.
- Oncology.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Kelloid predisposition.
- Thrombosis.
Taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages, it should be emphasized that treatment with a fractional laser should only be carried out after consulting a doctor and having been fully informed about the procedure.You should be fully aware of what to expect during the session and how much you will be able to improve skin imperfections.
It should be assumed that the procedure is uncomfortable and even painful, despite the use of painkillers, moreover, the result appears only after a few months. Therefore, it is not suitable for people who are impatient and have a low pain threshold. Also taking into account the high cost of the procedure (depending on the treated area and the pricing policy of the cosmetology center), the decision should be made only after carefully considering everything.
Fractional CO2 laser reviews
Most reviews of the fractional laser procedure are positive. Those who pointed out to him its great effectiveness: scars and scars are removed, the skin is smoothed, the relief and texture of the skin are improved, pigmentation is reduced and the complexion is unified. But at the same time, praise is accompanied by complaints. The very high price, the pain of the procedure, the long wait for the results, severe itching and redness after the session - these are the moments that cause dissatisfaction in patients.
It should be remembered that the effect very much depends on the professionalism of the specialist who will perform the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to do skin resurfacing or rejuvenation with fractional laser, be very careful when choosing an esthetician. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected - instead of improving the skin, it will deteriorate and it will take a long time to treat it.