Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment For Smoother, Younger Looking Skin

What is Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Fractional CO2 laser treatment, also known as fractional resurfacing, is a popular aesthetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of CO2 laser light to treat various skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and more. The word "fractional" refers to the fact that the laser onlytreats a fraction of the skin at a time, creating microscopic wounds that prompt the skin to heal itself.

How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Work?

The CO2 laser creates thousands of tiny microscopic laser wounds in the skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact and undamaged. This initiates the skin’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen production and skin regeneration. New collagen fills in the wounds, while also remodeling collagen deep within the skin. This resurfacing effect reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin irregularities. Fractional CO2 lasers can penetrate deeply into the skin without causing excessive damage to the surface layers, so there is minimal downtime required for healing after treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

There are many potential benefits of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, including:

• Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightening loose or sagging skin
• Reducing acne and surgical scars
• Minimizing enlarged pores
• Improving skin texture and reducing roughness
• Removing sun/age spots and pigmentation
• Enhancing skin radiance and glow
• Stimulating collagen production for firmer skin

Fractional CO2 laser can treat skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and other body areas. It is effective for improving many signs of facial aging and sun damage. Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is often called a "lunchtime laser facial" because it requires minimal downtime yet delivers excellent, longer-lasting results compared to non-ablative lasers.

What to Expect During Treatment

During your fractional CO2 laser treatment session, a topicalnumbing cream is first applied to maximize your comfort. Goggles are worn to protect the eyes from the laser light. The technician then positions the laser handpiece against the skin and pulses of laser light are delivered. You will feel a pricking or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates the skin. A single session can take 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. Most patients require 3-5 treatments spaced a month or more apart for optimal results. Maintenance sessions may be recommended once per year after the initial course of treatment.

Recovery After Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

There is minimal downtime associated with fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Treated areas will be red and swollen after the procedure, resembling a moderate sunburn. Cool compresses can provide relief. Within 5-7 days, skin will appear pink or rosy. Exfoliation of the epidermis occurs within 2 weeks as treated skin flakes off, revealing smoother and rejuvenated skin below. Patients can typically return to work and resume normal activities within 1-2 days but should avoid direct sun exposure while healing.

Potential Side Effects

Fractional CO2 laser treatment is considered very safe when performed by an experienced cosmetic provider. However, some potential side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, discomfort - Resolves within 1 week
• Itching, dryness, peeling skin - Lasts up to 2 weeks
• Bruising, blistering - Uncommon but can occur
• Infection - Extremely rare
• Scarring - Very uncommon with appropriate settings and aftercare
• Hyperpigmentation - More common in darker skin tones

Following proper aftercare instructions can help minimize risks and side effects.

Is Fractional CO2 Laser Right for Me?

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be a good option for you if you are seeking significant skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. This treatment is often used to address moderate wrinkles, scars, textural irregularities, and sun damage on the face, neck, and body. However, it is not suitable for some patients including:

• Those with very sensitive skin or skin disorders
• Individuals prone to scarring/keloid formation
• People with pacemakers or internal defibrillators
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Those with active cold sores or viral infections

An evaluation by a dermatologist or cosmetic provider can determine if you are a good candidate for fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Optimal results are achieved through a customized treatment approach based on your skin type and goals.

The Bottom Line on Fractional CO2 Laser

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing offers an effective way to refresh the skin and address signs of aging with minimal downtime. It works by creating microscopic injuries in the skin that stimulate collagen growth and skin regeneration. Potential benefits include smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening skin, enhancing skin tone and texture, reducing scars, and minimizing pores and sun spots. While short-term redness, swelling, dryness and peeling can occur, fractional CO2 laser treatment requires less downtime than fully ablative lasers. Following treatments from a qualified provider and proper skincare can help maximize results from fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing.

FAQs

How many fractional CO2 laser treatments will I need?

Most patients require a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal improvement in their skin. Maintenance sessions may be advised once per year after completing the initial treatment course.

What areas can be treated with fractional CO2 laser?

Fractional CO2 laser can effectively treat the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and other body areas. It works well for rejuvenating facial skin and treating signs of sun damage.

How long is the recovery time after fractional CO2 laser treatment?

There is minimal downtime associated with fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 days. Redness, swelling, dryness, and flaking typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.

When will I see results from fractional CO2 laser?

Some improvement is noticeable after the initial treatment session, but optimal results emerge over the course of 3-5 treatments as collagen regeneration continues over the next 3-6 months. Results can last several years with proper skincare.

Is fractional CO2 laser treatment painful?

A topical numbing medication is applied before treatment to maximize comfort. Patients may feel some prickling or stinging sensations during the procedure. Mild discomfort, redness and swelling may occur afterwards but typically resolve within a few days.