How Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Works
Fractional CO2 laser is a new and innovative approach to ablative skin resurfacing to rejuvenate the aging skin and to treat acne scars. This novel laser treatment utilises the principle of “fractional photothermolysis” by creating multiple small laser puncture holes into the skin. The procedure injures only a fraction of the skin leaving lots of normal skin surrounding the laser-puncture holes. These small laser-puncture holes appear as faint tiny spots on the skin after the laser treatment. Because there is lots of normal skin in between the puncture holes, the cells from the normal skin rapidly repairs the holes and the skin heals rapidly. And as a result of this healing process, new collagen is formed and improvements in wrinkles, scars and pigmented spots are seen.
What Conditions May Be Treated With Fractional CO2 Laser
Acne and other atrophic scars
Photoaged skin (fine lines, rough texture, superficial pigmentation)
Superficial benign skin growths
What Happens After Treatment
You will experience a burning sensation on the skin that will last between 60 minutes and 6 hours on the first day after treatment. If you have discomfort following the treatment, take panadol or ask for a pain–killer prescribed by the doctor (e.g. voltaren, naprosyn or ponstan). Cold compresses over the treatment sites will also help minimise the discomfort.
Treatment to the facial area will result in an appearance similar to a darker tan/sunburn for the first week. A fine scab will be formed. Do not be concerned as this is part of the normal healing process. Make-up can be used after the scabs have fallen off.
Your skin will get darker, and then nearing the fifth to seventh day, starts to flake off. More intense treatments may require a longer recovery.
Wash the treatment area using a mild non-abrasive soap everyday, pat dry gently and apply a mild skin recovery ointment / bland moisturiser liberally to the treated sites 3 to 4 times a day. Avoid hot water. Avoid picking on the scabs.
Rest well. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping or lifting heavy objects for 3-5 days after procedure. These activities may cause swelling and pain on your face and slow down your recovery. Sleep with your face elevated above your heart for the first day after the procedure.
Avoid sun exposure for at least 3 months. A sunscreen SPF 30 or higher should be applied every day after the first week. Use hat and sunglasses. Your skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun after the laser treatment. Protecting your skin and limiting sun exposure ensures the best cosmetic results.
Over the following weeks and months, the skin repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the laser treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Number of Treatments and Treatment Schedule
3 to 5 treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart.
Potential Side-effects of Treatment
Discomfort, redness, swelling, blistering, scarring, pigmentary changes. Post-laser redness may last several weeks. Post-laser hyperpigmentation may occur in 5-10% of cases and may take several months to clear – sun avoidance will help to reduce the risk of this complication.
