Acne frequently interferes with important events in your life, such as a long-awaited job interview or a first date with someone you like. Acne can hurt and, in the worst cases, leave stubborn marks and redness, in addition to making you feel insecure.
You don’t have to live with unsightly acne scars, thankfully. There are now treatments available that can remove them, leaving your face pimple-free and flawless. The Fractional CO2 Laser is one of these safe and effective procedures. It entails the removal of the skin’s outer layers with a laser, revealing the fresh and glowing skin beneath.
Do you want to learn more about how it can help you with your skin problems? To get you started, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about Fractional CO2 Laser, from the procedure to the benefits and even after-care treatment.
- What Is Fractional CO2 Laser?
Dermatologists and physicians use fractional CO2 lasers to reduce the appearance of acne scars, deep wrinkles, and other skin irregularities. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove the outer layers of damaged skin.
- What Is the Fractional CO2 Laser Used For?
Acne scars are commonly treated with a fractional CO2 laser. However, it can also treat a wide range of skin problems, including:
- Spots of aging
- Feet of the crow
- Oil gland enlargement (especially around the nose)
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin sagging
- The effects of the sun
- Skin discoloration
- Warts
The procedure is frequently performed on the face, but the laser can also be used to treat the neck, hands, and arms, to name a few areas.
- Who Should Consider Using a Fractional CO2 Laser?
The fractional CO2 laser is ideal for people who want to reduce the visibility of acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, and the other skin conditions listed above. Dermatologists also recommend the procedure if you have non-responsive skin following a bad facelift.
- Who Should Refrain from Using a Fractional CO2 Laser?
Regrettably, the fractional CO2 laser is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe breakouts, open wounds, or infections on the face should avoid this skin procedure. People who take isotretinoin orally should avoid the procedure as well, as it poses a risk to their health and safety.
If you have a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes), you should proceed with caution and consult a doctor or dermatologist first.
Having said that, it is critical that you schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in order for them to determine whether or not you are qualified for the procedure.
- How Is the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Performed?
A local anesthetic cream is often applied to the problem area 30 to 45 minutes before the fractional CO2 laser treatment. The procedure itself only takes 15 to 20 minutes.
It removes thin, outer layers of damaged skin by using short-pulsed light energy that is continuously blasted through a scanning pattern.
After the dead skin cells are removed, the procedure initiates the formation of multiple microthermal zones that penetrate deep into the skin. It can stimulate your body’s natural healing process and increase collagen production in this way. This eventually replaces old, damaged cells with new, healed cells.
- What Should I Do Before Getting a Fractional CO2 Laser?
It is recommended that you follow these pre-treatment guidelines before undergoing a fractional CO2 laser procedure.
- Avoid using retinoids-containing products because they can have an impact on the end result.
- 2 weeks before the laser treatment, avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and even vitamin E, as these can cause prolonged clotting.
- Consult with your dermatologist to see if you are a good candidate for fractional CO2 laser treatment.
- Is There Going to Be Any Downtime?
Healthy tissues beneath the skin can still be found just in between the microthermal zones where heat was applied, thanks to the fractional technology used during the procedure. These healthy tissues can supply the cells and proteins needed to heal the skin quickly.
As a result, patients must only endure shorter recovery periods of 5 to 7 days.
- Is Fractional CO2 Laser Harmful?
The majority of patients would describe the pain as prickling in nature. However, because the procedure involves the application of anesthesia to the area, your face will be numb, ensuring a painless treatment.
- Are There Any Negative Side Effects?
Because the fractional CO2 laser procedure introduces heat into the skin (via the laser), patients may experience some redness or swelling in the treated area. Some people may even develop discomfort and scabs.
Following skin treatment, you may experience the following complications in rare and worst-case scenarios:
- Prolonged erythema – Although redness is to be expected following the fractional CO2 laser procedure, it usually resolves within three to four days. If the redness does not go away after a month, you may be suffering from prolonged erythema.
- Hyperpigmentation – Patients with darker skin are more likely to experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It usually happens after a skin injury or inflammation.
- Infections – Bacterial infections are extremely rare, with only a 0.1 percent chance in all treated cases. However, in order to avoid further complications, it is still necessary to properly identify them and their treatments.
Fortunately, the risk of experiencing these side effects can be reduced or eliminated entirely by following some post-care tips recommended by dermatologists.
- What Should I Do Following a Fractional CO2 Laser Procedure?
You should apply sunscreen after the fractional CO2 laser procedure to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice a day, and avoid using harsh products. It’s also a good idea to limit your use of makeup because it can irritate your skin even more.
In the first 24 to 48 hours after the fractional CO2 laser treatment, apply an ice pack or compress to the treated area to reduce swelling around your face. Apply ointment as needed to prevent the formation of scabs. Finally, you may need to modify your daily activities and avoid situations where you could become infected, such as swimming and workouts.
The fractional CO2 laser is a non-surgical treatment that targets acne scars, fine lines, and other skin concerns while requiring little downtime. It entails removing the damaged skin’s outer layer, which stimulates collagen production for firmer, healthier, and younger-looking skin. After the quick (15-20 minute) procedure, you can immediately resume your daily activities and face the day with renewed vigor!
After reading this article, do you want to learn more about CO2 laser treatment? Please leave a comment below.