Here’s everything you need to know about the fractional CO2 laser treatment and what it entails.

What Is a Fractional CO2 Laser?

The fractional CO2 laser is a dermatological treatment to minimize the visibility of acne scars, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses LASER energy with carbon dioxide, to remove the superficial layers of damaged skin.

What Does Fractional CO2 Laser Treat?

The fractional CO2 laser is widely used to treat acne scars. It is also useful for a wide range of skin problems such as:

• Age spots
• Crow’s feet
• Swollen Sebaceous Glands around the nose
• Fine lines and wrinkles on the face
• Hyperpigmentation due to sun damage
• Loss of tone in the skin
• Discolouration
• Uneven skin tone
• Warts

The procedure is mostly done to the face, but other areas of the body such as the neck, hands, and arms can also be treated by this procedure.

Who can benefit most from fractional CO2 laser treatment?

The fractional CO2 laser is great for people who like to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, and other skin conditions.

How is the Fractional CO2 Laser Procedure Done?

• The first step in a fractional CO2 laser is to apply a local anaesthetic cream to the problem area thirty to forty-five minutes before the procedure.
• The time taken for the complete procedure is only 15 to 20 minutes.
• The procedure uses short-pulsed light energy that is continuously burst through a preset scanning pattern to remove the thin, outer layers of irregular skin.
• Once the dead skin is fully eliminated, it activates the production of many microthermal zones
• These microthermal zones penetrate deep into the skin.
• The process stimulates the body’s natural healing process and augments collagen production.
• This procedure essentially replaces old, damaged, and irregular skin with new and rejuvenated skin.

How to prepare for a fractional CO2 laser?

Before undergoing the procedure, your dermatologist will usually recommend the following:

• Avoid using products that contain retinoids as they may interfere with the results
• Avoid extreme sun exposure about 2 weeks before the laser treatment.
• Inform your doctor of any medications that you may be taking and stop as advised

Is there any downtime?

With the advanced fractional the technology used during the procedure, healthy tissues underneath the skin are accessible. They are found just in between the microthermal zones where thermal energy was applied. These healthy skin tissues can provide the cells and proteinsrequired to replenish the skin. Owing to this, the recovery period is much shorter- only 5 to 7 days.

Does the procedure hurt?

Most of us will experience a certain degree of discomfort and a sensation similar to a prickle. But, since the procedure involves the use of anaesthesia, the procedure is virtually painless.

Are there any side effects?

Since the fractional CO2 laser procedure uses heat through the laser into the skin, you may find some redness or swelling in the treated area.

Some people may experience discomfort and occasionally scabs.

Very rarely some of the following side effects may be seen:

• Prolonged redness – After the fractional CO2 laser procedure, there is a certain degree of redness but it usually heals within 72 hours. If redness hasn’t faded away after a month, you must consult your doctor
• Hyperpigmentation – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is common in those with deeper skin tones. It is caused by an injury or inflammation of the skin.
• Infections – Getting bacterial infections is a very rare instance but it is always best to get treated and avoid further damage.

What should I do to take care of my skin after the fractional CO2 Laser Procedure?

• You must apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun
• Make sure to also use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice a day as recommended by the dermatologist
• You must limit the use of makeup for a week or so as it may irritate the skin
• Use an ice pack or compress in the first 24 to 48 hours after the fractional CO2 laser treatment to relieve discomfort or irritation
• Apply prescribed ointment as advised to prevent scab formation.
• Avoid activities such as swimming and workouts, where you may catch an infection.

Are the results of the fractional CO2 Laser instant?

The nature of the results of the treatment will depend on the problem. For instance, if you are getting treated for hyperpigmentation, you can see results instantly. On the other hand, when getting treated for acne scars and fine lines, it may take a while before you see results.

Do I need to undergo multiple fractional CO2 laser treatments?

It will vary depending on the intensity of your skin condition and you may need to undergo about one to three sessions done at four to six-weekly intervals.