- CO2 skin laser resurfacing has become a rapidly sought-after treatment for acne scarring with effective results.
- Certain CO2 laser equipment can be used in both non-fractional and fractional modes.
- CO2 fractional laser treatment is also used to improve skin texture and reduce sun damage and pigmentation.
FACTS ABOUT CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENT
HOW IS NON-FRACTIONAL TREATMENT DIFFERENT FROM FRACTIONAL TREATMENT?
The non-fractional mode of treatment treats the entire skin surface by removing the upper layer of the skin surface, simultaneously removing damaged skin, pigmentation, and wrinkles. This treatment requires a long recovery period.
On the other hand, fractional treatment directslaser energy columns into the skin that leaves untreated skin between the columns of energy. This allows for a lesser downtime.
CAN A CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER TREAT?
As a widely sought-after treatment under skin resurfacing, the latest CO2 technology helps deal with a number of skin issues effectively. Some of these conditions include:
- Acne scarring
- Pigmentation
- Sallow skin
- Age spots
- Enlarged oil glands
- Warts
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Crow’s feet
Apart from these conditions, the treatment is also used to tighten the skin and improve the texture of the skin.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE TREATMENT?
People who have acne scarring and are looking to minimize the scarring. This treatment is also ideal to deal with pigmentation, fine lines, warts, crow’s feet, sagging skin, age spots, uneven skin tone, enlarged oil glands, and other skin issues.
In certain cases, doctors may also recommend the treatment for patients who have had a bad facelift resulting in non-responsive skin.
However, while CO2 laser for acne scars is widely sought after, this treatment should be avoided by people who have extensive breakouts, infections, chronic health conditions, and those that are pregnant.
In case of doubts, a consultation can help you find out if you are eligible for the treatment.
THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE TREATMENT
You may notice some redness to the skin once the treatment is done. This takes about a week to fade in treatments that require low energy levels. In case of more aggressive treatments, the redness may take around a month to subside. Mild swelling is yet another side-effect of a CO2 fractional laser procedure.
With the skin regenerating after the treatment, there could also be a mild break-out on the face around 3 days after the treatment. For a week, your skin may flake, scab, and peel as new skin is regenerated.
For cases requiring high-level treatment, you may need to be monitored for a week for signs of infection with the doctors providing antibiotics and antiviral medications.
THE COST OF CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENT IN MELBOURNE
Like every other cosmetic procedure, the cost for CO2 fractional laser treatment is subjective. The areas being treated and the level of treatment determine the cost of CO2 fractional laser treatment in Melbourne. In some cases, there may be a need for a low energy level of treatment with very little surface to cover while in other cases, the complexity of the treatment may be higher. A consultation with the practitioners at CSD can help you better understand the procedure you will undergo and the cost for the entire treatment.
WHY OPT FOR CSD CLINICS?
At Cosmetic Skin Doctors, we use the best laser technology available, from Fraxel CO2 lasers to the Ultrapulse CO2 laser. We have the most equipped doctors at hand to carry out treatment for CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Melbourne at prices that are reasonable. With our fractional CO2 laser reviews shared by vast clientele, you can rest assured of finding the right treatment at our clinic tailored to your needs.
To know about fractional CO2 laser treatment, be sure to book a consultation with our doctors online!
BEFORE & AFTER
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION
To confirm your suitability for treatment and for personalised information, book your consultation by calling 03 9090 0099 or request an appointment online.
FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES FRAC C02 WORK?
Frac co2 works by producing columns of laser beams which precisely penetrate to the level of wrinkles or scars, and stimulate your own skin to replace the old collagen with new “baby” collagen. In between the laser beams, the skin remains intact, allowing healing to occur quickly. Who is suitable for Frac c02? Moderate to severe facial wrinkles Moderate wrinkles neck, hands Sun damage and brown spots Acne and other Scarring
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INVOLVE?
The treatment involves using the laser over a complete area or whole face. It is not suitable for a single wrinkle line or fold. A numbing cream is applied to the area for at least 1-2 hours prior to treatment, and in some cases local anaesthetic injections are used. Pain puffers and medication can also be used if needed. The laser is applied to the affected areas. At the end of the treatment the area will look like small white or red dots that disappear by the following day. There is usually redness that lasts at least 7 days, and swelling for a few days. Most people need about 5 days off work.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Depending on the degree or wrinkling or scarring and your expectations, you would usually need 1-3 treatments. Some people need more, especially those with severe acne scarring.
IS FRAC C02 PAINFUL?
Pain really depends on how strong you use the Frac c02 laser. In most cases, it is essential to use at least a numbing cream, and often local anaesthetic injections are also used.
After the treatment, there is some discomfort for about 1 hour. It is best relieved by using ice, cold air, or cold compresses.
WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE AFTER THE TREATMENT WITH FRAC C02?
Immediately after the treatment you will look red, with tiny white dots, or pinpoint bleeding on your skin. These dots usually disappear the next day. Swelling will last a few days and redness at least 7 days. You can apply makeup usually after 3 days, but you usually need a few days (5-7) days off work.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS DO I NEED BEFORE THE TREATMENT?
There are no special precautions before the treatment except: If you have a history of cold sores, you may need to take an anti cold sore tablet starting the day before treatment. If you have recently taken Ro Accutane for acne, you may more suited to non ablative fractional laser eg Fraxel.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?
After the treatment, in most cases you will Take antibiotics to prevent infection (depending on the doctor’s decision). Use light non greasy moisturiser and sunscreen, the clinic will recommend one that is suitable for your skin. You may wish to take anti swelling tablets for a few days. You may wish to use compresses with white vinegar and water for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser eg Cetaphil lotion. If you have darker skin, you may need to use a bleaching lotion after the treatment to prevent post treatment increase in skin pigmentation.
WHAT SORT OF RESULT CAN I REALISTICALLY EXPECT?
After one treatment session, depending on the strength of the treatment, you should notice a significant improvement in wrinkles especially around the eyes. Lines around the mouth are more difficult and may need more than one session. Acne scars usually show more improvement with the fractionated CO2 laser than with the older fraxel laser after the first treatment.
WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS?
Nowadays there are many options for treating wrinkles, sun damage and acne scarring. During the consultation process, all options can costs can be discussed. They include: Wrinkles Other Lasers; Non Fractional CO2, Erbium Chemical Peeling Injectable Fillers. There are many injectable fillers which can be temporary, semipermanent, and permanent Muscle Relaxing Injections. These generally last 3-4 months and are excellent for frown lines and smile lines around the eyes Non Lasers Plasma Portrait PSR Acne Scarring Fraxel Laser Needling scars Injectable Fillers Microdermabrasion-Mild non depressed scars Pulsed light- Red or brown scars, not depressed scars Many people may benefit from a combination of these treatments rather than one alone.
WHAT DOES A CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER DO FOR THE FACE?
The CO2 fractional laser helps minimise the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, and age lines while also improving the tone and texture of the skin. CO2 fractional laser is also known to stimulate the production of collagen and help in treating skin lesions that could cause cancer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER TREATMENT?
A CO2 laser treatment is effective and safe, with very minor side-effects that subside over time. It may take up to 2 weeks to completely recover after the treatment & erythema (redness) of the skin can last up to 3 months post treatment however will fade over time.
HOW PAINFUL IS CO2 LASER ON THE FACE?
The CO2 laser treatment is more invasive than most other treatments that we provide. It may cause a little discomfort to you, similar to a prickling or tingling sensation you feel when your nerves are compressed. But we do our best to make sure that you are at ease and make the procedure as comfortable for you as possible.
HOW MANY SESSIONS OF CO2 LASER ARE NEEDED?
Depending on the severity of your skin issues, we may recommend a minimum of 2 to 4 sessions that are scheduled 6-12 weeks apart.
DOES CO2 LASER HURT AFTER?
The CO2 laser treatment is relatively painless. You may feel some hot sensation in the treated area and notice mild swelling immediately after the treatment. This subsides in a day or 2, leaving you with radiant skin.
HOW LONG WILL MY FACE BE RED AFTER CO2 LASER?
Mild redness and swelling after a CO2 laser treatment is a very common after-effect. This subsides over time and becomes less noticeable. Make sure you follow the after-care instructions recommended by your doctor and nurse.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CO2 LASER?
A CO2 fractional laser treatment is ideal for almost everyone however higher skin types (darker skin) have increased chances of post treatment pigmentation. You are eligible if you are in good health and have realistic expectations from the treatment.
