Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
What Is Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser is a very effective skin rejuvenation method that activates the skin’s capacity to repair and renew itself. The working logic of this technology is actually very simple. The laser light is delivered to the surface of the skin not as a whole but in tiny microscopic columns. You can think of this like aerating a lawn; small holes are made not all over the soil but only at certain points. The laser does this to your skin. Islands of intact skin tissue are left between these microscopic discharge points.
At the points the laser contacts, the worn tissue in the uppermost layer of the skin is vaporized in a controlled way. At the same time, these discharges heat the deeper layers of the skin, triggering the body’s natural repair mechanism — that is, collagen production. The islands of intact skin left in between make the healing process much faster and safer. To repair this controlled damage, the body sends fresh collagen and elastin to the area. As a result, the old and problematic tissue gives way to fresher, smoother, and healthier skin.
This technology gives pleasing results for many different skin concerns. Some of these are:
- Fine and deep wrinkles
- Acne and pimple scars
- Surgical or wound scars
- Sun and age spots
- Enlarged pores
- Skin tone unevenness
- Loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin
In short, it essentially offers the skin a “fresh start.”
How Is Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?
The procedure is designed to offer a comfortable and safe experience, with every step carefully planned. When you come to the clinic on the day of the treatment, the process usually proceeds as follows: First, the area to be treated is meticulously cleaned with a special solution to remove makeup, oil, and dirt. The skin being clean and ready is important for the effectiveness of the laser.
Then, a strong local anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area so that you feel no discomfort during the procedure. We wait about 30–45 minutes for this cream to sufficiently numb your skin. This waiting period ensures the procedure passes completely painlessly and comfortably.
Once the anesthetic cream has taken effect, you move to the treatment room. Special protective glasses are put on to protect both your eyes and the eyes of the performing physician. The laser device’s tip is moved over your skin in a controlled way by the physician, making the discharges. The depth and intensity of the procedure are specially adjusted according to your skin’s needs and the concern being treated. During this, you may feel a slight pricking sensation or warmth in your skin, but thanks to the anesthesia, this is quite tolerable. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes on average, although it varies depending on the size of the area being treated. After the procedure is over, the session is completed by applying special soothing creams to calm the skin.
What Is the Recovery Process After Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Like?
The post-procedure period is at least as important as the procedure itself and requires careful aftercare to achieve the best results. In the first few days after the treatment, it is an expected condition to have intense redness, slight swelling, and sunburn-like sensitivity in your skin. This is a natural sign that the skin has entered its healing process.
After about 2–3 days, crusting in the form of small dots begins to form on the skin surface. These crusts show that the skin is renewing itself and fall off on their own within about a week. When this shedding is complete, fresh, vibrant, and pink skin emerges from beneath. This first week is usually considered the “recovery time,” which requires staying away from social life a little.
There are some golden rules for your skin to heal in the best and fastest way:
- Absolute protection from the sun
- Keeping the skin constantly moisturized
- Never peeling the crusts
- Regularly using the repairing creams recommended by the physician
- Protecting the skin from hot water and irritating products for the first week
It should be remembered that the real effect of the laser emerges over time. Although the improvement in the skin is visible after the first week, collagen production and the rebuilding of the skin continue for 3 to 6 months. Your skin will continue to firm, smooth, and revitalize during this period. For this reason, it is necessary to be patient to see the final result.