Fractionated CO2 Laser
Carbon dioxide (C02) lasers target water in the skin and have been a treatment option for skin resurfacing for decades. Traditional, fully ablative C02 resurfacing removes the entire skin. Many patients have excellent results, balanced by longer periods of recovery. Fractionated C02 technology works by creating tiny, evenly spaced wounds separated by equally tiny areas of untreated tissue. To the naked eye, the wounds look like dots. As the wounds heal, new collagen is formed - resulting in skin tightening and improvement of skin changes like fine lines, wrinkles, scars and sun spots. Because fractionated C02 lasers leave areas of untreated skin, the skin heals more quickly. This technology allows patients to take advantage of the benefits of C02 laser resurfacing with reduced discomfort and downtime. Depending on the type or intensity of fractionated C02 laser treatment, multiple treatments may be required.
Consultation with your dermatologist is important. Many patients can benefit from some form of fractionated C02 treatment and its skin rejuvenating capabilities. However, patients with darker skin types may be better suited for other treatments because the heat from fractionated C02 may cause changes in skin color. If your dermatologist feels you can safely use the laser, they may prescribe a pre-treatment regimen to optimize results. Patients who have active skin conditions that may be worsened by the treatment may not be a good fit or or may require treatment of the condition prior to laser treatment. Your dermatologist will have an open discussion regarding risks, benefits, reasonable expectations and results, and proposed treatment plan.
Preparing for Treatment
Vinegar soaks may be recommend as post-treatment care. Check your cabinets to make sure you have white vinegar (apple cider vinegar) and clean wash clothes available. Instructions will be provided. Have clean ice packs ready to apply multiple times the day after your treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-viral or oral antibiotics.
On the Day of Treatment
Please come to the office with a clean face and no makeup (this includes foundation and powders). We also recommend you pack a wide brimmed hat to wear and protect your skin after your treatment. A topical anesthetic will be applied to the area to be treated.
Recovery
The downtime and recovery will depend on the specific treatment intensity you and your dermatologist select. Depending on the intensity of treatment, downtime can range from 1 week to several weeks. For lighter treatments, during the first 24 hours you will experience redness and some discomfort - often like a severe sunburn. Most patients feel less pain after the first day. More intense treatments can result in several weeks of downtime and recovery. You will be provided with post-care instruction; please follow them closely. As your skin heals, you may see many tiny little dots that feel like sandpaper. Please do not pick at these.
Results
After your treatment you will notice your skin is soft, appears refreshed, brighter and tighter. With more aggressive treatments there can be redness that lasts a few weeks. The final results are seen 3-6 months after the procedure when the collagen remodeling process has completed.