The fractional CO2 laser takes the CO2 laser beam and fractionates it. These tiny shafts of light penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin pushing out the old sun damaged skin and replacing it with new skin. The “collateral” heat damage also helps to shrink existing collagen.​

 

Can I do the fractional CO2 laser with other cosmetic treatments?

It can be done by experts the same day with certain BBL/IPL treatments or radiofrequency treatment (RF). However, at Lypossage Spa we highly recommend to check with your cosmetic injector for best results.​

 

How long do the effects of a fractional CO2 resurfacing laser treatment last?

That depends on how well you protect your skin from the sun and other factors that cause aging like your general health, smoking, changes in weight, etc.  If you apply sunscreen and wear brimmed hats, you can maintain the good effects of your CO2 laser treatment for years.​

 

When will I see results?

Treatments can be deeper, with more healing and downtime, or shallower, with less healing time. The deeper the treatment, the better the results generally. But some patients prefer to have two treatments that aren’t as deep so they can avoid a lot of downtime. After your skin heals, which may take up to 3-14 days, there will be a period of 4 to 6 weeks after that when your skin might be slightly pink. During this period, your skin will feel smoother you will see fewer lines, less blotchiness, and more glow.​

 

How is fractional CO2 laser treatment perform?

You need to arrive 1 ½ hours before your treatment. You or a technician will cleanse the treatment area and then apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated. We also have our patients take the anti-inflammatory Toradal, which helps to reduce the discomfort. Then you just relax, read, and listen to music, while the numbing cream takes effect.After you numb for about 30 minutes, the numbing gel will be removed. The treatment takes about an hour for a big areas, and it feels a little like a “pins and needles” sensation for a few hours afterwards.​

 

How does this laser work for acne scars and other scars?

CO2 lasers have always been very effective for acne and other scars and the fractional CO2 is no exception. Go to an expert if scars are your issue.​

 

What will I look like right after the treatment and what is the healing time?

Your skin will peel for 2-7 days and will be pink for 1 to 6 weeks. This healing all depends on how deep your treatment is. After a week or so, you can wear make-up to cover the pink. Rarely, bruising may develop, which can take up to two weeks to resolve. Allow 2-4 weeks for weddings, reunions, family pictures, etc. just to be safe. Allow longer for body sites like arms or legs. Infections will cause the redness to last longer.

 

​Can I go back to work and activities immediately?

No, you will need to take the rest of that day off to ice and care for the treated area. For the lighter fractional CO2 treatments, you will need 3-5 days of downtime. For the deeper treatments, plan on 7-10 days of healing before you can go out in public. Please follow your dermatologist’s instructions.

 

Are there any reasons not to be treated with these lasers?

Reasons not to do a fractional laser treatment may include use of medications that increase photosensitivity, use of anticoagulants (some are fine), use of Accutane in the 6 months chemotherapy, history of difficulty healing or scarring, history of bleeding disorders, and pregnancy. Your doctor will go over these with you.

 

​Are there any medical or cosmetic side effects?

Comon side effects;

1. Pain: Rarely there is mild discomfort for the first day after surgery, but Tylenol is effective for it.

2. Redness: In rare instances, it may last three to six months. This is more common in patients who have a history of flushing and blushing easily or who already have dilated vessels on the surface of the skin.

3. Wound Healing: The CO2 laser causes a superficial wound to the skin that takes approximately 2 to 10 days to heal. The superficial injury of the outer layers of the skin may result in mild to moderate swelling.  Once the surface is treated, it may be sensitive to the sun for approximately 4-6 weeks.

4. Pigment Changes: The treated area may heal with increased or decreased pigmentation. This is rare and occurs most often in darker skin and 2-6 weeks after treatment.

5. Hyperpigmentation: usually fades in three to six months, though rarely pigment changes can be permanent

​6. Infection: Occasional infections can occur. If not treated promptly, these could result in scarring.