The 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 remove unpleasant imperfections such as scars, scars and stretch marks.However, its use is very controversial. This method of skin care has both supporters, mostly surgeons, and opponents, represented by dermatologists and beauticians.
What is this process, what is its impact and why does it cause such conflicting opinions? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: Description of the process and its features
There are two types of fractionated lasers used in cosmetics and aesthetic medicine: erbium with lower power and shorter wavelengths, and CO2 lasers, which use higher laser power and reach deeper layers of the skin.
The fractional laser treatment leads to the following results:
- rejuvenation.
- Improvement of the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- make pores smaller.
- skin tightening.
- Alignment of the complexion.
- Rejuvenation of the skin by stimulating blood flow to the capillaries, which gives it more oxygen, which has a positive effect on its appearance.
The most popular is fractional rejuvenation with a CO2 laser, which gives excellent results. Due to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains its firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed and the complexion is balanced. There is a lifting effect, due to which the previous contours of the face are returned - it becomes clearer and better defined, the sagging of the chin and cheeks is removed, the nasolabial folds are smoothed.
On the photo you can compare the patient's skin condition before and after the fractional laser:
During the procedure, the skin is treated with laser beams that act on 20-25% of the treated area when a laser head is activated. Laser beams are distributed evenly vertically and horizontally at certain intervals. The number of beams and the depth of treatment of skin tissue depend on the settings of the laser parameters in the given area of the skin and the head used. They are selected depending on the skin characteristics of the patient, the area of treatment and the nature of the problem for the solution of which the procedure is being carried out.
The refracted laser wavelength is approximately 1550 nm. This means that the beam penetrates the skin to a depth of 2 mm. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in skin tissues, resulting in rejuvenating effects and a reduction in scars and scars. As a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis also increases.
In order to achieve the desired result, you should undergo 2-6 procedures. Your doctor will tell you the exact number.The duration of the process is 40-100 minutes (the processing time depends on many parameters).
Despite the excellent effect, the procedure still causes a lot of negativity, especially among those who were poorly informed at the beginning and were disappointed because of the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of the CO2-fractionated laser operation
Fractional CO2 laser therapy works very similarly. The main difference is the wavelength, which reaches around 10, 000 nm.This is an ablative technique for reducing large scars or age spots and for a major face lift.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. To do this, an anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area of the skin or analgesics are taken orally.
Despite the pain relief, the patient has little comfort in treating the skin with laser beams. The skin swells up, turns red, there is a feeling of tightness and dryness, which is often accompanied by itching. This feeling disappears after about 2 days and is replaced by a peeling of the epidermis, which can be accompanied by a change in skin color to a darker shade.
Rosacea or reddening do not go away completely after about 2 weeks.If the recovery phase with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, rehabilitation after fractionated CO2 laser treatment lasts 4-7 days.In most cases, however, the discomfort is felt for longer - up to 2 weeks.
It should be noted that 3 to 6 interventions with a frequency of 3 to 6 weeks each must be carried out to achieve the effect.The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can only be observed 3-6 months after the procedure. Therefore, CO2 fractionated laser skin rejuvenation is definitely only suitable for very patient people who do not want to get quick results.
Erbium fracture laser
The erbium fracture laser differs from the CO2 laser in that it is less powerful and has shorter beams - the wavelength is 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and gentler on the skin and also offers a targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect the surrounding tissueout.
It is used in areas of the body with sensitive skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Rehabilitation and care after the procedure
The rehabilitation phase lasts 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may look red, itchy, flaky, and unattractive. Therefore, it is advisable to cancel important matters in the coming days after the meeting and to rest them at home. However, it should be noted that all the consequences of the procedure only completely disappear after about 2 weeks.
Skin care after the procedure plays an important role in the result of the fractionated laser.If you want her to look good, you should pay special attention to her in the first few days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimal level of moisture. After the procedure, the doctor will give advice on moisturizers to use after the procedure.
It is important to note that the sun's rays should be avoided for the first few days after the session, as they can have a destructive effect on new cells and cause skin discoloration. Also, you shouldn't take a hot bath, sauna or pool, swim in open water, or purposely sunbathe for the first month.
Another guideline for post-treatment is to let the skin regenerate at its own pace. You shouldn't specifically increase the flaking of the skin, tear off the flaky areas - this can lead to an entirely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for CO2 fraction lasers
The main indications for 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 skin firmness.
- Benign formations.
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 disposition.
- 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 after you have been thoroughly informed about the procedure.You should know exactly what to expect during the session and how much you can improve blemishes.
It can be assumed that the procedure is uncomfortable and even painful, despite the use of painkillers. In addition, the result only appears after a few months. Hence, it is not suitable for people who are impatient and have a low pain threshold. In view of the high costs of the procedure (depending on the treated area and the pricing policy of the cosmetic center), the decision should only be made after careful consideration.
CO2 Fractional Laser Reviews
Most reviews of the fractional laser method are positive. Those who made it notice its high efficiency: 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 evened out. At the same time, the praise is accompanied by complaints. The very high price, the painfulness of the procedure, the long wait for the results, severe itching and redness after the session - these are the moments that cause patient dissatisfaction.
It should be noted that the effect depends very much on the professionalism of the specialist who will perform the procedure. Therefore, be very careful when choosing a beautician if you decide to have skin resurfacing or rejuvenation with a fractional laser. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to an effect completely opposite to that expected. Instead of improving the skin, it deteriorates and the treatment takes a long time.