CO2 fractional laser is an innovative technology in the field of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology that allows you to rejuvenate and soften the skin and get rid of such obvious unpleasant imperfections as marks, scars, stretch marks.However, its use is highly controversial. This method of skin care has supporters, most often among surgeons, and opponents, represented by dermatologists and cosmetologists.
What is this procedure, what effects does it give and why does it cause such contradictory thoughts? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description of the procedure and its featuresIn cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, 2 types of fractional lasers are used: erbium, with a lower power level and shorter wavelength, and CO2 lasers, which use higher laser power and achieve more layersdeep skin.
Fragmented laser treatment produces the following results:
- Renovation.
- Improving the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, marks and marks.
- Removing age spots.
- Shrink pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Face alignment.
- Skin rejuvenation by stimulating blood circulation in the capillaries, thanks to which it receives more oxygen, which has a positive effect on its appearance.
The most popular is the partial renovation with a CO2 laser, which gives excellent results. Due to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed and the complexion is smoothed. There is a lifting effect, thanks to which the previous contours of the face are restored - it becomes clearer and better defined, the chin and cheeks are removed, the nasolabial folds are softened.
In the picture you can compare the condition of the patient's skin before and after the fractional laser:
During the procedure, the skin is treated with laser beams that work in 20-25% of its treated area, when a laser head is activated. The laser beams are scattered at certain distances from each other, equally vertically and horizontally. The number of rays and the depth of skin tissue treatment depends on the settings of the laser parameters in the given area of skin and scalp used. They are selected depending on the skin characteristics of the patient, the treatment area and the type of problem for which the procedure is performed.
The fractional wavelength of the laser is about 1550 nm. This results in the penetration of the beam to a depth of 2 mm into the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin tissues, which leads to a rejuvenating effect and a reduction of wounds and scars. Also, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis is increased.
To get the desired result, you need to undergo a course of 2-6 procedures, the doctor will tell you the exact number.The duration of the procedure is 40-100 minutes (processing time depends on many parameters).
Despite the excellent effects, the procedure still causes a lot of negativity, especially among those who were poorly informed at first and were disappointed by the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of CO2 fractional laser operation
CO2 laser fractional therapy works very similarly. The main difference is the wavelength that reaches about 10, 000 nm.This is an ablative technique used to reduce large marks or blemishes of age and for a strong facial lift.
The procedure is performed using anesthesia. To do this, an anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area of skin, or analgesics are taken orally.
Despite the pain relief, the patient experiences little comfort while treating the skin with laser beams. The skin is swollen, red and a feeling of tightness and dryness appears, which is often accompanied by itching. This sensation 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 rash does not go away completely after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, then rehabilitation after CO2 fractionated laser treatment lasts 4-7 days.But in most cases, the discomfort is felt longer - up to 2 weeks.
It should be noted that to get the effect, it is necessary to perform from 3 to 6 procedures with a frequency every 3-6 weeks.The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can be observed only 3-6 months after the procedure. Thus, fractional skin rejuvenation with CO2 laser is definitely suitable only for very patient people who are not pursuing fast results.
Erbium fractional laser
The erbium fractional laser differs from the CO2 laser in lower power and shorter beams - the wavelength is 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and softer for the skin, and also provides a targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect the surrounding tissues.
Used on areas of the body with delicate skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Rehabilitation and care after the procedure
Rehabilitation period lasts 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may become red, itchy, shaky and look unattractive. Therefore, it is advisable to cancel important issues in the days following the hearing and leave them at home, resting. But it should be borne in mind that all the consequences of the procedure disappear completely only after about 2 weeks.
Post-procedure skin care plays an important role in fractional laser outcome.If you want it to look good, you need to pay special attention to it in the first days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimal level of its humidity. After the procedure, the doctor will give advice on moisturizing creams to be used after the procedure.
It is important to remember that in the first days after the session, sunlight should be avoided, as they can have a devastating effect on new cells and cause skin blemishes. Also, you should not take a hot bath, visit a sauna, swimming pool, swim in open water, sunbathe on purpose during the first month.
Another guideline after treatment is to allow the skin to regenerate at its own pace. You do not need to increase the skin specification, peel off areas with skin - this can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for fractional CO2 laser
The main indications for the procedure are:
- Thickness of the skin.
- Age-related changes.
- Deterioration of facial contours. Wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores.
- Signs, stretch marks, acne scars.
- Pigmented spots.
- Decrease skin firmness.
- Benign formations.
Here are the contraindications for a fractional laser:
- Pregnancy.
- Inflammation.
- Skin infections. Psoriasis.
- Fresh tan.
- Chronic diseases in the acute phase.
- Oncology.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- kelloid predisposition.
- Thrombosis.
Considering the pros and cons, it should be noted that treatment with a fractional laser should be performed only after consulting a doctor and after being well informed about the procedure.You need to be fully aware of what awaits you during the session and how much you will be able to improve skin imperfections.
It should be assumed that the procedure is uncomfortable and even painful, despite the use of painkillers, in addition, the result appears only after a few months. Therefore, it is not suitable for people who are impatient and with a low pain threshold. Given the high cost of the procedure (depending on the area treated and the pricing policy of the cosmetology center), the decision should be made only after carefully considering everything.
Fractional CO2 laser reviews
Most fractional laser procedure reviews are positive. Those who made it notice its high efficiency: scars and scars are removed, the skin is softened, the relief and structure of the skin is improved, the pigmentation is reduced and the complexion is smoothed. But at the same time, praise is paralleled by complaints. The very high price, the pain of the procedure, the long wait for the results, the itching and severe redness after the session - these are the moments that cause dissatisfaction to the patients.
It should be remembered that the effect depends very much on the professionalism of the specialist who will do the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to do skin rejuvenation or rejuvenation with a fractional laser, be very careful when choosing a beautician. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to the exact opposite effect to the expected one - instead of improving the skin, it will get worse and take longer to treat.