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 eliminate such unpleasant appearance imperfections such 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 have and why does it provoke such conflicting opinions? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description of the procedure and its characteristics
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 power and reach deeper layers of theskin.
Fractional laser treatment produces the following results:
- Rejuvenation.
- Improve the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- Shrink pores.
- Firmed skin.
- Alignment of the 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 the 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 and the complexion is evened out. There is a lifting effect, thanks to which the previous facial contours 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 act on 20-25% of the treated area, when a laser head is activated. The laser beams are distributed at certain distances from each other, equally vertically and horizontally. The number of beams and the depth of skin tissue treatment depend on the laser parameter settings in the given skin area and the head used. They are selected based on the characteristics of the patient's skin, the area to be treated and the type of problem for which the procedure is being performed.
The fractional wavelength of the laser is approximately 1550 nm. This results in the penetration of the beam down 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 of scars and scars. Also, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis increases.
To achieve 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 first 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 which reaches around 10, 000 nm.This is an ablative technique used to reduce large scars or age spots and for a strong lifting.
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 feels 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 the color of the skin to a darker shade.
Rosacea or redness does not completely disappear after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with the erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, the rehabilitation after the 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 achieve the effect, it is necessary to perform from 3 to 6 procedures with a frequency of every 3-6 weeks. The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can only be observed 3-6 months after the procedure. Therefore, CO2 fractional laser skin rejuvenation is definitely 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 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and gentler on the skin and also provides targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect 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 lasts 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may be red, itchy, scaly and unattractive. Therefore, it is advisable to undo important matters in the next few days after the session and spend them at home, at rest. But it should be borne in mind that all the consequences of the procedure completely disappear after about 2 weeks.
Skin care after the procedure plays an important role in the fractional laser result. 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 optimum level of its humidity. After the procedure, your doctor will advise on moisturizers to use after the procedure.
It is important to remember that in the first days after the session it is advisable to avoid the sun's rays, as they can have a destructive effect on new cells and cause discoloration of the skin. Also, you shouldn't take a hot bath, visit a sauna, a swimming pool, swim in open water, intentionally sunbathe 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 peeling of the skin, tear off scaly areas - this can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for the fractional CO2 laser
The main indications for the procedure are:
- Skin laxity.
- Age-related changes expressed.
- Deterioration of facial contours.
- 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 phase.
- Oncology.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Kelloid ready.
- Thrombosis.
Taking into account all the pros and cons, it should be emphasized that treatment with a fractional laser should be carried out only after consulting a doctor and having been thoroughly informed about the procedure.You should be fully aware of what awaits you 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 with a low pain threshold. Considering also the high cost of the procedure (depending on the area treated and the pricing policy of the cosmetology center), the decision must be made only after having carefully evaluated everything.
CO2 fractional laser reviews
Most reviews of the fractional laser procedure are positive. Who pointed out its high efficiency: scars and scars are removed, the skin is smoothed, the relief and texture of the skin are improved, the pigmentation is reduced and the complexion is evened out. But at the same time, praise parallels complaints. The very high price, the pain of the procedure, the long wait for the results, the severe itching and redness after the session - these are the moments that cause discontent among patients.
It should be remembered that the effect very much depends on the professionalism of the specialist who will carry out the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to perform skin resurfacing or rejuvenation with a fractional laser, be very careful when choosing a beautician. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to a completely opposite effect to the expected one: instead of improving the skin, it will deteriorate and take a long time to treat.