CO2 fractional

What is Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing?

In general, laser resurfacing is a method of reducing wrinkles, scars and blemishes. By using a laser to remove the outermost surface of the skin, laser resurfacing offers the skin a chance to regrow into a glowing, unblemished surface. Laser resurfacing also stimulates collagen growth underneath the skin. With increased collagen, wrinkles are filled in, reducing or eliminating their appearance.

With previous methods of laser resurfacing, the surface of the skin would take a beating. There were complications that could persist over time. Despite this, the basic process did get good results—it was just a matter of producing a better device that’s not so hard on the skin. That’s now been done with the Fractional CO2 laser.

The Fractional CO2 laser offers all the advantages of laser skin resurfacing with drastically reduced disadvantages. Because one purpose of laser skin resurfacing is regrowth of the outer layers of skin, patients should still expect some redness and a recovery period while the skin heals. However, this is dramatically reduced from previous procedures, and patients are much more comfortable following the procedure. Additionally, because the Fractional CO2 laser is not as rough on the skin, the recovery time is significantly shorter with faster results.

Treatment uses for the Fractional CO2 laser

The Fractional CO2 laser is extremely diverse. At the Medical Laser & IPL Clinic, we use it to treat a broad variety of skin conditions, including:

  • Fine lines or wrinkles throughout the face, such as around the eyes, mouth or forehead
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Aging skin
  • Liver spots
  • Discolored complexion
  • Warts
  • Birthmarks
  • Enlarged oil glands
  • Skin resurfacing on other visible parts of the body, such as the hands

Recovery

The recovery period after Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is almost as important as the treatment itself. After all, the healing process is why the treatment exists in the first place. For this reason, it is important that you follow all guidelines set forth by your practitioner. They are intended to not only make your recovery as comfortable as possible, but also to ensure that the best possible results are gotten from your procedure.

With Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, the recovery period is typically no longer than 2 weeks. During that period, your skin will look red, and there will be flakes coming off. This is part of the natural healing process, and it ultimately means your skin will have a much-improved appearance at the end.