What is Fractional Co2 Laser Resurfacing?
Fractional Co2 Laser Resurfacing, otherwise known as Fractional Photothermolysis, is a non-invasive laser cosmetic procedure that improves skin conditions such as wrinkles and lines, acne scars, general scars, sun damage, brown spots and other skin problems, and results are shown immediately with minimal side effects and recovery periods.
How does Fractional Co2 Laser work?
The laser, a high-energy beam of light, can be directed into parts of tissues within the skin. These beams of light are produced in one wavelength or colour and vary in terms of their strength and the type of tissues targeted.
Ablative Lasers
The “ablative” or skin resurfacing lasers briefly direct an intense burst of laser energy onto the surface of the skin. When energy heats water within the skin’s surface layers, it causes both the water and the tissues of the skin to turn into vapour. Some outermost layers of the skin are removed accurately and controlled, at appropriate depth each time the laser passes over the skin.
Non-ablative Lasers
The non-ablative laser is a type of aesthetic equipment for skin rejuvenation introduced recently. These lasers have lower energy levels than ablative lasers. It causes damage within the dermal layer of the skin without removal of the outer epidermal layers. That is to say, the laser treats the layers of skin under the surface without much damage to the skin surface resulting in a faster recovery time.
Fractional Co2 Laser Treatment Areas:
- Skin pigmentation
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Acne scars
- Facial wrinkles & lines
- Surgical & acne scarring
- Chloasma
Is the Fractional Co2 laser treatment painful?
To minimize discomfort and irritation, a topical anaesthetic will be applied before the procedure and a cool air machine will be used during the procedure. Discomfort, swelling, light crusting, flaking, itching, and infection at the treatment sites may occur.
This procedure produces flashes of bright light that could trigger seizures for epileptics or headaches for photosensitive individuals. Pixel treatments should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months.
How long does the Fractional Co2 Laser treatment last?
A full-face treatment usually takes around 30 minutes. The patient is allowed to go home straight after treatment.
How long does it take to recover after Fractional Co2 Laser Treatment?
The recovery time for your skin varies with each individual, ranging from 2 to 7 days.
If you feel any discomfort, please come back for a follow-up at NeuGlow.
What do you need to take note of before Fractional Co2 laser treatment?
If you have a history of frequent herpes outbreaks (cold sores, fever blisters) at or near the site of the procedure should consult your family doctor to determine if a systemic antiviral medication should be taken in advance of the procedure.
After the treatment, you have to stay away from UV light (sun, tanning booths, etc) or excessive heat (hot tubs, saunas, etc) within three days to prevent any elevation of any discomfort. A detailed post-treatment instruction manual will be given to you in ensuring the best possible results.
