What is CO2 fractional laser?
CO2 fractional laser, or fractional carbon dioxide laser, is a laser treatment used in dermatology and cosmetic medicine to enhance the skin’s appearance and address specific skin issues. By emitting high-energy light pulses, this laser targets specific areas of the skin while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Its goal is to rejuvenate the skin, improve its texture, and treat various skin conditions.
How Does CO2 Fractional Laser Work?
Fractional laser treatment is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the skin’s appearance and texture. By emitting high-energy laser beams, it selectively targets specific areas of the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries or thermal zones. This innovative fractional approach allows for precise treatment and faster healing compared to older ablative laser techniques.
Here’s a breakdown of how CO2 fractional laser works:
Fractional pattern: The laser emits a pattern of small laser beams in close proximity to each other onto the skin. This pattern forms columns of microscopic thermal damage, called microthermal zones (MTZs).
Selective targeting: The laser energy is absorbed by water molecules in the skin, generating a thermal effect within the MTZs. This controlled thermal damage triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin fibers.
Collagen remodeling: The heat from the laser activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. As the damaged collagen fibers gradually give way to new, healthy collagen, the skin’s structure, texture, and firmness improve.
Epidermal exfoliation: The laser energy also causes the superficial layers of the skin to vaporize, leading to exfoliation and the removal of dead or damaged skin cells. This process contributes to improved skin tone, reduction of pigmentation irregularities, and the smoothing of rough or uneven skin texture.
Fractional healing process: One of the advantages of fractional laser treatment is its ability to spare the surrounding healthy tissue. This accelerates the healing process, as the untreated skin adjacent to the MTZs acts as a reservoir of healthy cells, aiding in the rapid regeneration and recovery of the treated areas.
By following this comprehensive process, fractional laser treatment helps rejuvenate the skin, reduce imperfections, and promote a more youthful appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate For CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment?
Individuals with aging skin: Fractional laser treatment can effectively address signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. It stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and firmness, making it beneficial for those seeking skin rejuvenation.
People with sun-damaged skin: Sun exposure can lead to sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Fractional laser treatment can target these pigmentation irregularities, reducing their appearance and promoting a more even complexion.
Individuals with acne scars or other scars: Fractional laser treatment can help improve the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and other types of scars by stimulating collagen remodeling and smoothing out the skin’s texture.
Those with rough or uneven skin texture: If you have rough or uneven skin texture, fractional laser treatment can exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and promote the growth of new, healthier skin cells. This can result in a smoother and more even complexion.
Individuals with enlarged pores: Fractional laser treatment can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin, leading to a reduction in pore size.
People with melasma or other pigmentation issues: Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown patches on the face. Fractional laser treatment can be used to target and reduce the appearance of melasma and other pigmentation issues.
