With time the skin changes. Fine lines could be more prominent, acne scars may stay and pigmentation or sunspots can make the skin tone appear uneven. If creams and traditional skin care aren’t giving you the improvement you want, you may have heard of fractional laser skin resurfacing.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to improve both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. It can help to improve skin texture, pigmentation, scars, fine lines and other visible signs of aging.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing uses laser energy to treat small areas of skin, rather than the entire surface at one time. This creates tiny, controlled channels or micro-injuries in the skin which kick start the body’s natural healing response. As the skin heals after CO2 laser resurfacing, it naturally produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins are naturally found in the dermis and help to maintain the firmness, structure and flexibility of the skin. Depending on the type of fractional laser used, the treatment can either remove the outer layer of skin or heat the deeper skin without removing the surface layer.
What Can Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Do for Your Skin?
Fractional laser resurfacing is a treatment option for several common skin concerns. Some of its benefits include:
Assists in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
With age our skin gradually loses some of its firmness and elasticity. Fractional laser treatment encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which can help diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Refines skin texture and tone
Uneven texture can cause the skin to appear dull or rough. Fractional resurfacing targets not only the surface but also the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate new tissue growth, helping your skin look smoother and more even. It may also help with concerns such as sunspots, hyperpigmentation and uneven complexion.
Helps improve acne scars and other types of scars
Acne scars sometimes can last long after active acne has settled. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing works on the skin layer by layer and can be used to improve acne scarring, pigmentation and some surgical scars. Depending on the individual’s concern and the dermatologist’s assessment, treatment can also be used for other visible skin changes.
Encourages natural collagen production
There are many reasons why it is used for skin rejuvenation, the important one is its effect on collagen production. The laser energy stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen and elastin production in the treated areas. The healing and collagen building process will continue to make your skin look smoother and firmer.
Treatment may be fairly rapid
Fractional laser resurfacing usually takes an hour or less, although the actual treatment time will vary depending on the area being treated. It is also considered a minimally invasive treatment since no surgical cuts are involved.
How does Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment work?
A topical anesthetic or other form of local numbing may be used to make the procedure more comfortable before treatment. The laser then delivers targeted energy to the skin, treating small areas while leaving some skin untreated. The non-treated areas between the laser treated spots can help the skin to heal faster than with treatment affecting the entire surface. In the first healing period after treatment the skin may look fine and grid-like. It grows new skin underneath and causes it to peel. Recovery time is different for everyone. It is dependent upon the area treated and the treatment setting.
Is Fractional Laser Treatment the Right Choice for You?
Not really. Fractional laser treatments can be used for a variety of concerns including wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation, sunspots and uneven skin texture, but the right treatment depends on your skin and the concern being treated. Before you begin fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, your skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Then the area and the skin concern being treated can be taken into consideration to plan the treatment.
Why Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Sumit Sethi at DermaStation?
Dr. Sumit Sethi is a dermatologist and aesthetic dermatologist at DermaStation providing advanced laser services such as fractional CO2 laser treatment. If you’re considering fractional laser resurfacing for acne scarring, pigmentation, uneven skin texture, fine lines or skin rejuvenation, a consultation can help you to determine if the treatment is right for your skin.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is about more than just improving the way your skin looks. It works with your skin’s natural healing process to help reveal a fresher and more even looking complexion.