1. What is Fractional CO2 Laser?
Carbon Dioxide (C02) Fractional Laser is an advanced laser machine which removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method (columns of skin are removed, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing) to help reduce “age-spots” (also called sun freckles and lentigens), fine lines, wrinkles, pimple scar, traumatic scar, Stretch marks (thinning of the skin), uneven coloration, skin laxity, removing tan and improving skin texture.
- How does Fractional CO2 Laser work?
Grid pattern of tiny pulses of light are directed at the skin through the hand piece of the machine. Each pulse delivers a column of energy with better stability that can reach different layers of skin. This stimulates a natural renewal process of the body’s own collagen. Also, because the laser beam has been fractionized, small areas of untreated skin will be left between the treated spots which accelerate the healing process.
- Which skin problems can be treated with Fractional Co2 laser?
Pimple scars
Traumatic Scars
Pore reduction
Stretch marks
Keratosis pilaris
Wrinkle reduction
Tone & texture improvement
Skin lifting & tightening for sagging skin
- Who cannot undergo this procedure?
Reasons not to do fractional laser treatment may include use of anticoagulants, chemotherapy, history of difficulty healing or scarring, history of bleeding disorders, and pregnancy
- How are fractional CO2 laser treatments performed?
You need to arrive 1 ½ hours before your treatment. After cleansing the skin, numbing gel is applied to the area to be treated.
After skin is numb for about an hour, the numbing gel will be removed. The treatment takes about, half an hour to an hour for a full face and feels a little like a “pins and needles” sensation. As micro pulses of energy are delivered into the skin, most patients will experience a warm feeling and an immediate tightening of the skin surface.
It is important to keep your eyes closed and have protective eyewear at all times during the laser treatment.
- What is the Downtime of Fractional CO2 Laser?
During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned. Ice packs are used 5-10 minutes per hour for the first 1-2 hours after the treatment. A grid pattern of Co2 Fractional laser with scabbing will be seen on the skin for 1-3 days which will peel off and the skin will be reddish brown for 7-15 days. This healing all depends on how deep your treatment is. Allow 2-4 weeks for weddings, reunions, family pictures, etc just to be safe. Allow longer for body sites like arms or legs
- What are the possible side effects of Fractional CO2 Laser?
If proper parameters and normal protocols are followed there will be hardly any side effects, the most common complications of fractional CO2 laser treatments:
- Persisting Redness: A reddish brown color may persist for two weeks to two months after the laser surgery. In rare instances, it may last three to six months. This is more common in patients who have dark skin which can be corrected by lightening creams or Acugel .
- Colour Changes: The treated area may heal with darker discolouration. This is rare and occurs most often in darker skin and 2-6 weeks after treatment. This discolouration can be improved with depigmenting creams
Response of each patient to laser treatment will be different, with different post inflammatory discolouration, which is a temporary phenomenon.
- What are the Post operative measures?
Wash your face with the given face Cleanser, Use sunscreen SPF 50+, every 4th hourly, apply post procedure cream prescribed by your doctor, and avoid sunlight strictly by using scarf, dupata, cap, hat, helmet, and black umbrella.
- When will I see results?
You will see some immediate results but you will see the full results after 4 sittings. During this period, your skin will feel smoother and looks less blotchy. As the color returns to normal, you will see fewer lines, less blotchiness, improvement of scars and stretch marks and skin looks glowing.
- How many session one will requires with Fraxis Duo Fractional Co2 laser?
It depends on the indication being treated and also on the patient. By and large 5‐6 sessions are recommended for best results.