The CO2 Laser Resurfacing had been the gold standard in skin resurfacing for the past couple decades as it achieved unparallel smoothness and reduction of wrinkle that no other modality can match. However, it has fallen out of favor because of significant pain requiring general anesthesia and substantial down time- several weeks.
The Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is the new gold standard in skin resurfacing, with a short downtime, a few days. It outperforms any non-CO2 based laser and device for skin rejuvenation. It is safe for most skin types delivering dramatic ablative clinical results with minimal discomfort. The procedure is often performed using only topical anesthetics (numbing creams).
The Fractional technology delivers the CO2 laser energy in a pixel like fashion where microscopic holes are punched into the skin right next to one another via computer-generated pattern. This fractionated CO2 laser technology delivers microscopic columns of 10600nm CO2 laser energy deep down into thickness of skin. The segments of skin- untouched by laser beams, positioned between the treated columns facilitate a speedy healing of the treated areas within days.
Some facts about Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing are:
- It outperforms any non-CO2 based laser and device for skin rejuvenation and/or resurfacing
- It dramatically reverses 5-10 years of skin aging, wrinkles, sun spots
- It is safe on almost all skin types
- It drastically improves appearance of scars: acne or trauma related scars
- It improves pigmentation disorders or conditions such as freckles and melasma
- It significantly minimizes risk of future development of skin cancers
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FAQ’s about Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing:
How long after the procedure will it take to see the result? You will see gradual improvement in the appearance of your skin immediately after the initial healing phase is complete at about 4-7 days or so. The CO2 laser stimulates collagen production in the dermis (deep skin layer) that helps fill in the fine lines of your face. Collagen build-up takes up to 6 months to complete.
How long do the results last? The final results of the Fractional CO2 laser are permanent. The result would then be subject of natural aging process.
How many treatments will I need?It depends on many factors: the skin condition being treated, severity of condition, age, particularity of skin type, genetics, the degree of improvement expected. In most cases, 1 to 2 treatments would be adequate to achieve the expected result. In case of acne scars, multiple treatments are needed to achieve optimal results.
Will I have any pain afterwards?Most patients report that the laser feel like a sun burn for about two hours after the procedure is completed.
I want a non-surgical laser facelift, is this possible? The Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing can result in skin tightening for the entire face. It also helps to elevate the jowls and soften its appearance. For many, Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing might be all necessary the results they desire.
Does Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing replace the need for a facelift?While there is no substitute for a facelift in terms of its potential to tighten the skin, Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing can provide a result satisfactory enough to obviate such a need for most. The long down-time time, potential very severe complications, possibility of nerve damage, a huge scar, and an unnatural look associated with surgical face-lifts are some of factors that might persuade many to choose Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing over a surgical face-lift.
Can Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing be combined with other procedures to further obviate the need for a surgical facelift and to achieve a younger look? Yes! At our practice, Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing can be combined with fat grafting (to cheeks, lips) as well as Smartlipo (to melt away fat pockets and tighten skin in jowls, chin, and neck area) to achieve a drastic rejuvenated and youthful look!
Is there such a thing as a laser eyelid lift and brow-lift? Yes! Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing can result in tightening of the upper and lower eyelids, as well as the forehead area. This can result in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles associated with eyelids and can help to elevate brows
