Fractional CO2 laser is an innovative technology in the field of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology that allows you to rejuvenate and smooth the skin, get rid of unpleasant visual defects such as scars, stretch marks.However, its use is highly controversial. This method of skin care has both supporters among most surgeons, as well as competitors represented by dermatologists and cosmetologists.
What is this procedure, what are its effects and why do it cause so much controversy? We will explain everything to you in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description and features of the procedure
In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, two types of fractional lasers are used: erbium at lower power levels and shorter wavelengths, and CO2 lasers that reach deeper layers of skin using higher laser power.
Fractional laser treatment gives the following results:
- rejuvenation.
- Improving the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- Reduce pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Skin alignment.
- By rejuvenating the skin by stimulating blood circulation in the capillaries, it has a positive effect on its appearance due to more oxygen uptake.
The most popular is CO2 laser fraction rejuvenation, which gives excellent results. Due to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin gains strength and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed and the skin is smoothed. It has a lifting effect, thanks to which the previous contours of the face are restored - clearer and better defined, sagging of the jaw and cheeks are eliminated, nasolabial folds are corrected.
In the photo, you can compare the patient's skin condition before and after the fractional laser:
When a laser head is activated during the procedure, the skin is treated with laser beams operating in 20-25% of the treated area. The 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 parameters of the laser on the skin and the specific part of the head used. They are selected according to the characteristics of the patient's skin, the area of treatment and the type of problem in which the procedure is performed.
Fractional laser wavelength is about 1550 nm. This results in the beam penetrating the skin to a depth of 2 mm. Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in skin tissues, which has a rejuvenating effect and reduces scars and scars. The procedure also increases the regenerative function of the epidermis.
You need to go through 2-6 procedures to get the desired result, your doctor will tell you the exact number.The duration of the procedure is 40-100 minutes (operation time depends on many parameters).
Despite the excellent effects, the procedure still creates a lot of negativity, especially among those who have little knowledge at the beginning and are disappointed with the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of CO2 fractional laser operation
Fractional CO2 laser therapy is very similar. The main difference is that the wavelength reaches 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, apply an anesthetic cream to the treated area of the skin or take painkillers orally.
Despite the pain relief, the patient's skin is less comfortable when treated with laser beams. The skin becomes swollen, red, tight and dry, which is often accompanied by itching. This feeling 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 disappear after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, rehabilitation after CO2 fractional laser treatment lasts 4-7 days.But in most cases, the discomfort is felt for a longer period of time - up to 2 weeks.
It should be noted that 3 to 6 procedures should be performed every 3-6 weeks to achieve the effect.The results of the reorganization of collagen fibers can be observed only 3-6 months after the procedure. Thus, CO2 fractional laser rejuvenation is definitely only suitable for very patient people who are not looking for fast results.
Erbium Fractional Laser
Erbium fraction laser differs from CO2 laser in less power and shorter beams - wavelength 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and more delicate on the skin and also provides targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect the surrounding tissues.
Used on areas of delicate skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Post-procedure rehabilitation and care
Rehabilitation takes 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may become red, itchy, cracked and look attractive. Therefore, it is advisable to cancel important issues in the days after the session and spend them at home. However, we must not forget that all the results of the procedure disappear completely after only about 2 weeks.
Post-procedure skin care plays an important role as a result of fractional laser.If you want to look beautiful, you should pay special attention to it in the first days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimal level of humidity. After the procedure, your doctor will advise you on the moisturizers to use after the procedure.
Remember that you need to protect yourself from the sun in the first days after the session, as it can have a destructive effect on new cells and cause skin discoloration. In the first month, you should not take a hot bath, go to the sauna, pool, swim in the open water, purposefully sunbathe.
Another post-treatment guide is to allow the skin to regenerate at its own pace. You should not specifically increase the exfoliation of the skin, do not peel off the peeling areas - this can have a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for CO2 fraction laser
The main indicators for the procedure are:
- Skin cavity.
- Expressed age-related changes.
- Disruption of facial contours.
- Wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores.
- Scars, stretch marks, acne scars.
- Pigmented spots.
- Reduces skin firmness.
- Benign formations.
Contraindications for fractional lasers:
- Pregnancy.
- Cancer.
- Inflammation.
- Skin infections.
- Psoriasis.
- Fresh tan.
- Acute chronic diseases.
- Oncology.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Kelloid tendency.
- Thrombosis.
Given all the pros and cons, it should be noted that fractional laser treatment should be performed only after consulting a doctor and receiving detailed information about the procedure.You need to know exactly what awaits you during the session and how much you will improve your skin imperfections.
It should be borne in mind that the procedure is uncomfortable and even painful, and despite the use of painkillers, the result appears only after a few months. For this reason, it is not suitable for people who are impatient and have low levels of pain. Given the high cost of the procedure (according to the treatment area and the pricing policy of the cosmetology center), the decision should be made only after careful consideration of everything.
CO2 Fraction Laser Estimates
Most reviews of fractional laser procedures are positive. Those who do it note its high effectiveness: it removes scars and scars, smoothes the skin, improves the relief and texture of the skin, reduces pigmentation and smoothes the skin. But at the same time, the definition is parallel to complaints. The high cost, the pain of the procedure, the long wait for the result, the strong itching and redness after the session - these are the points that cause dissatisfaction among patients.
We must not forget that the impact depends on the professionalism of the specialist who will perform the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to rejuvenate or rejuvenate your skin with a fractional laser, be very careful when choosing a cosmetologist. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can have the opposite effect - instead of improving the skin, it will get worse and take longer to heal.