Fractional CO2 Laser
What is Fractional CO2 Laser ?
“Fractional CO2 Laser” is a type of laser skin resurfacing that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to create tiny, controlled injuries in the skin.
Unlike traditional lasers, which target the entire skin surface, fractional lasers create microthermal zones of injury, leaving the surrounding skin intact.
This promotes quicker healing and stimulates collagen production, leading to smoother, younger-looking skin over time.
BR314 CO2 Laser
BG862 CO2 Laser
BG319 CO2 Laser
History of Fractional CO2 Laser
CO₂ lasers were developed in 1964 by Dr. Kumar Patel at Bell Labs.
Unlike other lasers, CO₂ lasers were groundbreaking because they emitted energy in the infrared spectrum, making them suitable for treating human tissues.
Originally used in industrial applications, CO₂ lasers quickly found their way into medical fields, particularly in dermatology and surgery.
Over the years, the technology has advanced significantly, allowing CO₂ lasers to be safer, more precise, and more effective for various skin treatments.
How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Works?
The wavelength of CO2 laser is 10.6μm, which can be fully absorbed by human biology tissue (all the skin are available).
The output laser-light operates in the invisible infrared waveband.
The laser beams reach deep into the dermis layer, vaporizing damaged skin cells and produced heat will gasify the target tissue.
The laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams which are separated so that when they strike the skin surface small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and left intact.
These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications.
The small areas treated by the fractional micro beams, called microscopic treatment thermal zones, cause sufficient laser injury to promote new collagen production and resultant facial skin rejuvenation.
The Process of Treatment
- Preparation:
The skin is thoroughly cleaned, and a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
- Laser Application:
The dermatologist or trained professional applies the laser in small, precise zones, penetrating deeply into the skin while leaving healthy skin cells between the treated zones.
- Healing Process:
Over the following days, new collagen is produced, and the damaged skin is gradually replaced by fresh skin cells, reducing wrinkles and scars.
Types of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments
There are a few different types of fractional CO2 lasers:
- Ablative Fractional CO2 Lasers:
These lasers vaporize the top layers of skin and are ideal for deeper wrinkles, significant scarring, or severe skin laxity.
Recovery time can be longer, but results are typically dramatic.
- Non-ablative Fractional CO2 Lasers:
These lasers do not remove the top layer of skin but rather target the dermis, triggering collagen production.
They require minimal downtime but may need multiple sessions to achieve desired results.
Comparison with Other Skin Treatments
Treatment Type
Fractional CO2 Laser
Purpose
Resurface and rejuvenate skin
Downtime
Moderate (up to 1-2 weeks for full recovery)
Suitability
Wrinkles, scars, texture, pigmentation
Results Duration
Long-lasting, with proper care
Microneedling
Chemical Peels
Botox and Fillers
Stimulate collagen
Peel top layers of skin
Reduce wrinkles and volume loss
Minimal (a few days)
Varies (mild to moderate)
Minimal to none
Mild scars, fine lines
Sun damage, mild scars
Dynamic wrinkles and volume loss
Several months
Months to a year
Temporary, requires upkeep
Fractional CO2 laser is particularly effective for treating moderate-to-severe skin issues, while treatments like microneedling or chemical peels might be better suited for milder concerns. Botox and fillers target wrinkles but do not improve skin texture or tone as significantly.
Who Can Use Fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is suitable for a wide range of skin types, particularly those who have:
- Moderate to severe acne scars.
- Deep wrinkles or fine lines.
- Sun-damaged or unevenly textured skin.
- Stretch marks.
- Pigmentation irregularities or melasma.
This treatment, however, is not recommended for those with very dark skin tones or certain skin conditions, as the laser may cause pigmentation changes.
Where Can It Be Used?
- Remove acne and acne marks.
- Eliminate dry pattern, fishtail, etc around the eyes.
- anti-aging: skin firming, wrinkle removal, improve the skin condition.
- Treatment of pigmentary lesions such as freckles and ostrum miracles.
- Scar: treatment of depressed, old dispersion, convex vascular / fibrous scar.
- Stretch marks.
Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser
Here are some of the major benefits of opting for laser hair removal:
- Reduction in Wrinkles:
Fractional CO2 lasers effectively smooth fine lines and deep wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
- Improvement in Skin Texture:
The laser encourages the growth of new skin cells, creating a smoother skin surface.
- Acne Scar Reduction:
The deep penetration of the laser is especially helpful in reducing the appearance of scars.
- Minimization of Pigmentation:
CO2 lasers can target hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and even out skin tone.
Cautions and Potential Side Effects
While the benefits of fractional CO2 laser treatments are substantial, it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects and precautions:
- Temporary Redness and Swelling:
After the procedure, the treated area may appear red and swollen. This typically resolves within a few days.
- Hyperpigmentation Risk:
Those with darker skin may experience temporary or permanent changes in pigmentation.
- Sun Sensitivity:
Skin is highly sensitive after treatment, so sun protection is crucial to avoid damage and pigmentation issues.
- Not a One-Time Solution:
While it offers long-term results, laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions spaced about a month apart to be effective.
- Avoiding Infections:
Keeping the skin clean and following post-treatment care guidelines is essential to prevent infections.
Conclusion
Fractional CO2 laser is a powerful, effective tool in skin rejuvenation, offering extensive benefits from wrinkle reduction to scar healing.
While it requires a moderate recovery period, the long-lasting results make it an excellent option for individuals seeking noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and clarity.
With the right guidance from a qualified professional, fractional CO2 laser treatment can be an ideal investment in achieving healthier, younger-looking skin.
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