Fractional CO2 laser is an innovative technology in the field of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology that allows you to rejuvenate and smooth the skin and solve such unpleasant appearance defects as scars, scars, stretch marks.However, its use is very controversial. This way of skin care has supporters, most often among surgeons, and opponents, who are represented by dermatologists and cosmetologists.
What is this procedure, what effects does it give and why does it provoke such conflicting opinions? We will tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Fractional laser: description of the process and its features
In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, 2 types of fractional lasers are used: erbium, with lower power levels and shorter wavelengths, and CO2 lasers that use higher laser power and reach deeper layers of the skin.
Fractional laser treatment gives the following results:
- Rejuvenation.
- Improving the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removal of age spots.
- Shrink pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Straightening the complexion.
- Rejuvenation of the skin 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 fractional rejuvenation with a CO2 laser, which gives excellent results. Due to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains its firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed, and the complexion is evened out. There is a lifting effect, thanks to which the previous contours of the face are restored - it becomes clearer and better defined, the relaxation of the chin and cheeks is removed, and the nasolabial folds are smoothed.
In the photo 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 act on 20-25% of the treated area, when one laser head is activated. The laser beams are spaced at a certain distance from each other, both vertically and horizontally. The number of rays and the depth of treatment of skin tissues depend on the settings of laser parameters in a given area of skin and the head used. They are selected depending on the characteristics of the patient's skin, the area of treatment and the type of problem for which the procedure is performed.
The wavelength of the fractional 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 scars. Also, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis increases.
To achieve the desired result, you should take a course of 2-6 procedures, and your 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 initially poorly informed and disappointed by the discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Description of the action of CO2 fractional laser
Fractional CO2 laser therapy works very similarly. The main difference is the wavelength, which reaches about 10, 000 nm.This is an ablative technique used to reduce large scars or age spots and for a strong facelift.
The procedure is performed using anesthesia. To do this, an anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area of the skin or analgesics are taken orally.
Despite the pain relief, the patient experiences little comfort while treating the skin with laser beams. The skin swells, reddens, there is a feeling of tightness and dryness, which is often accompanied by itching. This feeling disappears after about 2 days and is replaced by peeling of the epidermis, which can be accompanied by a change in skin color to a darker shade.
Rosacea or redness does not subside completely after about 2 weeks.If the recovery period with erbium laser treatment lasts 1-3 days, then rehabilitation after fractional CO2 laser treatment lasts 4-7 days.But in most cases, the discomfort is felt longer - up to 2 weeks.
It should be borne in mind that to achieve the effect it is necessary to perform 3 to 6 procedures with a frequency of every 3-6 weeks.The results caused by the rearrangement of collagen fibers can be observed only 3-6 months after the procedure. Therefore, fractional laser skin rejuvenation with CO2 is definitely suitable only for very patient people who do not pursue fast results.
Erbium fractional laser
The fractional erbium laser differs from the CO2 laser by lower power and shorter beams - the wavelength is 1064-2940 nm. It is safer and gentler for the skin, and also provides targeted treatment of a specific area and does not affect the surrounding tissues.
Used on parts of the body with delicate skin: neck, arms, décolleté.
Rehabilitation and care after the procedure
The rehabilitation period lasts 4-5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may be red, itchy, dandruff and look unattractive. It is therefore advisable to cancel important things the next few days after the session and spend them at home resting. But it should be borne in mind that all the consequences of the procedure completely disappear only after about 2 weeks.
Skin care after the procedure plays an important role in the fractional laser result.If you want her to look good, you need to pay special attention to her in the first days after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure the optimal level of its humidity. After the procedure, your doctor will give advice on moisturizers to use after the procedure.
It is important to remember that in the first days after the session, the sun's rays should be avoided, because they can have a destructive effect on new cells and cause a change in skin color. Also, during the first month, you should not take a hot bath, visit a sauna, swimming pool, swim in open water, or sunbathe on purpose.
Another guideline after treatment is to allow the skin to regenerate at its own pace. You should not specifically increase the flaking of the skin, tear off the scaly areas - this can lead to a completely opposite effect than expected.
What are the indications and contraindications for CO2 fractional laser
The main indications for the procedure are:
- Skin looseness.
- Significant age-related changes.
- Deterioration of facial contours.
- Bore.
- Enlarged pores.
- Scars, stretch marks, acne scars.
- Pigmented spots.
- Reduce skin firmness.
- Benign formations.
Here are the contraindications for fractional laser:
- Pregnancy. Cancer.
- Inflammation.
- Skin infections. Psoriasis.
- Fresh tan.
- Chronic diseases in the acute phase.
- Oncology.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Predisposition to keloid. Thrombosis.
Considering all the advantages and disadvantages, it should be emphasized that fractional laser treatment should be carried out only after consulting a doctor and after you are thoroughly informed about the procedure.You should 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 have a low pain threshold. Taking into account the high cost of the procedure (depending on the treated area and the pricing policy of the cosmetology center), the decision should be made only after careful consideration of everything.
Fractional CO2 laser examinations
Most reviews of the fractional laser process are positive. Those who made it note its high efficiency: it removes scars and scars, smoothes the skin, improves the relief and texture of the skin, reduces pigmentation and evens out the complexion. But at the same time, the praise is parallel to the complaints. Very high cost, soreness of the procedure, long wait for results, severe itching and redness after the session - these are the moments that cause patient dissatisfaction.
It should be borne in mind that the effect largely depends on the professionalism of the expert who will perform the procedure. Therefore, if you decide to renew your skin or rejuvenate with a fractional laser, be very careful when choosing a beautician. Contacting an inexperienced doctor can lead to the effect completely opposite to what is expected - instead of improving the skin, it will get worse and will be treated for a long time.