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 such unpleasant appearance imperfections as scars, scars, stretch marks.However, its use is highly 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 cause such conflicting opinions? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description of the procedure and its features
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 higher laser power and reach deeper layers of the skin.
Fractional laser treatment produces the following results:
- Rejuvenation.
- Improving the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- Shrink pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Alignment of complexion.
- 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. Due to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed out, and the complexion is evened out. There is a lifting effect, thanks to which the previous contours of the face return - it becomes clearer and better defined, the sagging of the chin and cheeks is removed, the nasolabial folds are smoothed.
In 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 work on 20-25% of its treated area, when one laser head is activated. Laser beams are distributed at certain distances from each other, equally vertically and horizontally. The number of rays and the depth of treatment of skin tissues 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 characteristics of the patient's skin, the treatment area and the type of problem for the solution of which the procedure is carried out.
The fractional laser wavelength is about 1550 nm. This results in the penetration of the beam to a depth of 2 mm into the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin tissues, which leads to a rejuvenating effect and a reduction in scars and scars. Also, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis increases.
To obtain the desired result, you should undergo 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 poorly informed at the beginning and were disappointed because of the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of CO2 fractional laser operation
Fractional CO2 laser therapy works very similarly. The main difference is the wavelength reaching around 10, 000 nm.This is an ablative technique used to reduce large scars or age spots and for a strong facelift.
The procedure is performed using 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 experiences little comfort while treating the skin with laser beams. The skin swells, reddens, a feeling of tightness and dryness appears, which is often accompanied by itching. This sensation disappears after about 2 days and is replaced by exfoliation of the epidermis, which may be accompanied by a change in skin color to a darker shade.
Rosacea or redness does not completely subside after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, then rehabilitation after CO2 fractional laser treatment takes 4-7 days.But in most cases, the discomfort is felt longer - up to 2 weeks.
It should be noted that to obtain the effect, it is necessary to carry out from 3 to 6 procedures with a frequency of every 3-6 weeks.The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can be observed only 3-6 months after the procedure. Thus, CO2 fractional laser skin rejuvenation is definitely only suitable for very patient people who are not chasing quick results.
Erbium Fractional Laser
The erbium fractional laser differs from the CO2 laser in lower power and shorter beams - the wavelength is 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and more gentle on the skin, and also provides a targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect the surrounding tissues.
It is used on areas of the body with delicate skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Rehabilitation and care after the procedure
The rehabilitation period takes 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may be reddened, itchy, flaky, and look unattractive. Therefore, it is advisable to cancel important matters in the coming days after the session and spend them at home, resting. But it should be borne in mind that all the consequences of the procedure completely disappear only after about 2 weeks.
Skin care after the procedure plays an important role in the result of the fractional laser.If you want her to look good, you should pay special attention to her in the first days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimal level of its moisture. After the procedure, the doctor will give advice on moisturizers to use after the procedure.
It is important to remember that in the first days after the session, the sun's rays should be avoided, as they can have a destructive effect on new cells and cause skin discoloration. Also, you should not take a hot bath, visit a sauna, pool, swim in open water, sunbathe purposefully during the first month.
Another post-treatment guideline is to allow the skin to regenerate at its own pace. You should not specifically increase the flaking of the skin, tear off the flaky areas - this can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for CO2 fractional laser
The main indications for the procedure are:
- Skin laxity.
- Expressed age-related changes.
- Deterioration of facial contours.
- Wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores.
- Scars, stretch marks, acne scars.
- Pigmented spots.
- Decrease 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 predisposition.
- Thrombosis.
Taking into account all the pros and cons, it should be emphasized that treatment with a fractional laser should be performed only after consulting a doctor and after you have been thoroughly informed about the procedure.You should be fully aware of what awaits you during the session and how much you can 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 with a low pain threshold. Considering also 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.
CO2 Fractional Laser Reviews
Most reviews of the fractional laser procedure are positive. Those who made it note 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. But at the same time, praise is paralleled 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 discontent among patients.
It should be remembered that the effect depends very much on the professionalism of the specialist who will do the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to do skin resurfacing or rejuvenation with a fractional laser, be very careful when choosing a beautician. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to the effect completely opposite to the expected one - instead of improving the skin, it will deteriorate and it will take a long time to treat it.