Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The latest generation CO2 laser

Treating wrinkles with lasers: improving the appearance of the skin

While botulinum toxin works on muscles to reduce wrinkles and hyaluronic acid restores lost volume by erasing resulting wrinkles, laser wrinkle treatment acts on the superficial layers of the skin to improve its overall appearance. The CO2 laser has a truly remarkable skin tightening effect. Today, there are new possibilities for using a CO2 laser.

Known for its medical and surgical properties for several decades, this laser is, for some machines, equipped with a computerized system that allows the treatment of skin surfaces by “scanning.” In the past, CO2 laser peels destroyed the entire skin, causing a controlled thermal burn that led to skin regeneration during the healing phase. Even though the effects were surprising and the results remarkable, the side effects and complications were numerous.

The fractional CO2 laser solution

With the advent of this improvement, it is now possible to treat only 5% to 40% of the skin, providing both quick recovery and comfort due to the reduced social or professional downtime.

How the fractional CO2 laser works

These lasers (MIXTO©, FRAXEL©) create thousands of “micro-wells” in the skin, reaching the dermis and leaving untreated areas in between, from which the healing process begins. Thanks to this “fractional” treatment, healing is much faster than with traditional resurfacing methods. The effects on the skin are multiple: destruction of part of the epidermis and dermis (controlled 2nd-degree superficial burn) and collateral thermal elevation. The results show skin regeneration through the appearance of new fibroblasts synthesizing new elastin and collagen fibers, as well as contraction of the surrounding collagen fibers due to the temperature rise in the skin next to the lasered areas.

The treatment

During each session, 5% to 40% of the surface is treated. On the first day, the skin appears “tanned.” For the next three days, the skin peels. Everything returns to normal after 5 or 6 days. Knowing that you can cover these small inconveniences with makeup if you absolutely have to go out or work. If you want no one to know you’ve had resurfacing, plan for 3 or 4 free days, from Friday to Monday, for example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which areas can be treated?

The entire face, as well as more delicate areas such as the backs of the hands, the neck and décolleté, the stomach, etc.

What are the indications for this fractional resurfacing?

Scars (acne, chickenpox), certain brown spots due to sun exposure (helioderma of the hands, face, décolleté), enlarged pores, skin regeneration (reduction of facial wrinkles and fine lines), stretch marks.

How is this treatment performed?

Today, there are anesthetic creams (EMLA©) that, when applied locally 1 hour before the laser peel, make the procedure quite bearable. Likewise, the postoperative period during which you may feel a sensation of skin warming is reduced.

What do you look like after fractional resurfacing?

For the first 2 days, the skin will show more or less intense redness and slight swelling, varying according to the indication type. From the 3rd day and generally until the 5th or 6th day, the micro-crusts will gradually peel off, revealing pink skin. Swelling may persist during this period.

When can I return to work?

In the vast majority of cases, you can return to social or professional life the next day, of course, with makeup (covering the “tanned” color due to the drying of the micro-crusts).

How should I handle sun exposure?

Caution is required: no direct sun exposure for 3 months following the treatment. Apart from that, sun protection (SPF 50+) is essential for any outdoor activity (gardening, walking, etc.).

What are the results?

Gradually, you will notice an improvement in skin quality: radiance and firmness will be favorably altered. You will also notice a reduction in the depth of certain wrinkles and fine lines, as well as the disappearance of some pigment spots. The effect is also beneficial on acne or chickenpox scars. In the latter case, several techniques may be combined (ice pick scars). Fractional CO2 laser treatment works and continues for up to 6 months.

Are there any contraindications?

Recent and intense tanning, taking photosensitizing medications, and taking tretinoin (ROACCUTANE©) contraindicate this treatment. Although the risk of depigmentation is not comparable to that encountered in traditional resurfacing, the possibility exists, even if it is low. As in all peels, infections are possible (bacterial, viral such as cold sores), postoperative hyperpigmentation (usually reversible after a few months), and healing disorders have been cited by scientific studies.

PHOTOS

Photos of treatment results can be found on many websites, but their presence is now condemned by the Order of Physicians and Belgian law. That is why we do not show them here. However, it is legitimate for you to obtain personalized information on the topics that concern you. During your consultation, many photos will be shown to you, so you can judge and appreciate the results.

Would you like explanations and details concerning you personally? Come and meet us in consultation.