Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing - What's it All About?

What is fractional laser resurfacing?

Lasers have evolved over the past ten years with substantial improvements in safety and effectiveness. Earlier CO2 lasers removed all the epidermis leading to long downtimes of 6-8 weeks with pain and crusting, and redness sometimes lasting six months or longer. In addition, these lasers sometimes removed all the pigment cells leading to loss of pigmentation, which was usually permanent.

In the past 2 years, fractional CO2 lasers have been developed which pixellate or remove only tiny sections of skin and leave normal skin "bridges" in between. Because the entire skin is not removed, it repairs itself and grows back in less than a week, including the pigment cells, so there is very little risk of permanent loss of pigmentation.

Who is a candidate for fractional CO2 laser resurfacing?

This procedure improves many of the signs of premature aging such as fine wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, lax eyelid skin and lax skin under the chin and on the neck. Anyone who wishes to improve the tone, texture and tightness of their skin will have improvement in all these issues with one treatment. The face, neck, chest, arms and hands can be treated.

What can I expect to see immediately following my treatment?

You will experience swelling and a mild sunburn sensation for about 1-2 hours following the treatment. For the first 2-3 days following the treatment the skin will be remain slightly swollen and red. Your skin may appear slightly redder or darker for 3 to 14 days depending on your skin type and treatment level. Natural exfoliation will occur as new skin replaces dead tissue. Therefore, mild flaking and peeling may occur for approximately 4-7 days. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking. We recommend the use of topical Vitamin C serum and petrolatum ointment at least every 2 hours the first 4 days to speed healing. You should return to your doctor if you notice itching, pain or infection during the first week after the procedure.

You may apply mineral based makeup after the skin has healed, usually by Day 4. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social functions the same day of treatment. Others require a little more healing time, depending upon their skin condition and the level of treatment. Your treatments can be tailored to have either less or more downtime, depending on your schedule.

If you are prone to forming uneven pigmentation, your physician may prescribe a topical bleaching cream containing hydroquinone to prevent recurrence of this problem after the laser treatment.

What sun precautions should I take?

Strict sun avoidance should be adhered to for the best results. Persistent redness or uneven darkening of the skin are likely if this advice is not followed. Sunscreens are not adequate protection for the tender, new skin cells that are repopulating your skin after the laser treatment. Continuing applications of topical Vitamin C serum along with the use of a wide-brimmed hat are the best protection against sun exposure.

What are the long term benefits of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing?

Due to the heating of dermal collagen during the laser treatment, tightening of skin laxity and improvement of fine wrinkles continues to take place for several months after one treatment. If sun avoidance is followed, your new complexion which results after laser resurfacing can be maintained for several years.

rejuvadoc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=55 Robin Fleck, M.D. is a double-board certified dermatologist and internist, recognized by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

She is the founder and Medical Director of Body Oasis Laser Cosmetic Solutions in Prescott, Arizona and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.

For more information about cosmetic laser procedures visit our website at rejuvadoc.com rejuvadoc.com