What is Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Fractional or Pixilated carbon dioxide (CO2) Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is a non-invasive treatment and one of the latest technological advancements done for skin rejuvenation.

It is also called the anti-aging breakthrough of the 21st Century! It gives the most dramatic results for severely scarred facial skin.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment is excellent for the treatment of deep wrinkles, severe textured changes due to the sun, acne, acne scars, surgical scars etc.

CO2 has the largest wavelength and can be applied to darker skin types also with appropriate settings.

Common Applications where Fractional Lasers are used include:

  • Photodamaged skin, i.e. roughened, thickened skin with uneven tone, large pores, excessive secretion of sebum and loss of elasticity
  • Facial lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Congested skin
  • Acne scarring
  • Trauma scars, surgical scars and burn scars
  • Stretch marks (striae)
  • Mild, static wrinkles
  • Pigmented lesions, dyschromia and melasma
  • Complete skin rejuvenation of facial and non-facial areas.

How does the fractional CO2 laser work?

The skin consists of three layers, the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (mid layer) and subcutis (lower fat layer).

The epidermis contains melanocytes that are responsible for the colour of the skin. The mid layer, that is dermis, consists of collagen and elastin fibers that are responsible for the strength, elasticity and toughness of the skin.

Due to aging, the outer layer, that is epidermis, becomes thinner, thus revealing the blemishes. Also, the collagen in the dermis, reduces gradually that leads to the formation of facial lines, sagging and wrinkled skin.

In Fractional laser treatment, both epidermis and dermis are targeted. In this procedure, the fractional CO2 laser machine fractionates, or pixellates the CO2 laser rays into thousands of tiny shafts of light that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, thus removing the outer layer of the skin tissue and helps in the formation of new collagen.

Number of Treatments Sessions needed:

The number of treatment sessions needed depends on the severity of skin damage due to sun, scars or wrinkles, stretch marks, traumatic scar and also on how much downtime you can afford to have.

The factors like size, extent, depth, location, skin quality and age of the patient are also important.
Type of system that is used is also a very important consideration to decide the number of sessions needed. Generally, just 2-4 treatment sessions are needed and are sufficient for a more aggressive CO2 fractional laser treatment, but 4-6 treatment sessions are also needed for non-ablative lasers which have lesser downtime associated with them.

Benefits of Fractional Lasers Treatment:

  • Minimizes sun damage, acne scars etc.
  • Improves the skin texture making it fresher.
  • Stimulates the formation of new collagen for a more youthful skin.
  • Less Downtime.
  • Makes you feel good and confident.

Potential Complications:

The overall rate of complications associated with fractional laser skin resurfacing is much lower than with traditional ablative techniques. Complications might involve below:

  1. Milia may appear in the treated areas. These are small white bumps that can be removed by gentle wash.
  2. Hyperpigmentation, and rarely, hypopigmentation which is treatable.
  3. Swelling is also expected for first 2-3 days.
  4. Scarring.
  5. Infection, etc.

Post Treatment Instructions:

After the treatment, the skin may be red and feel burnt. This redness might last for one to two weeks.

Moisturizing the treated area is very important to avoid the formation of scars. A wrapped ice pack may be applied for 15 minutes every one to two hours for the first 24-48 hours of the treatment.

An occlusive cream must be used that promotes healing and soothes the skin. The sun must be avoided completely till the treated area heals completely, else it might lead to hyperpigmentation.

The skin heals in approximately two weeks.

FAQs about Scar Removal

What types of scars can be treated with CO2 laser?

CO2 laser done at Mayfair Aesthetic Surgery Clinic is effective for various types of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and scars from injuries or trauma.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with CO2 laser scar removal?

Side effects may include temporary redness, swelling, and changes in skin pigmentation. Serious complications are rare but can include scarring or infection.

Can CO2 laser scar removal be used on any skin type?

While CO2 laser is suitable for many skin types, individuals with darker skin may have an increased risk of pigmentation changes. A consultation with a specialist helps assess the appropriateness of the treatment.

We at Mayfair Aesthetic Surgery ensure that you get adequate time for all your consultation appointments so that you can clear all your doubts by having an interactive session with Dr. Kedarnath Pandya, Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon.

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