Fractional CO2 lasers are used to treat various skin conditions like acne scars, wrinkles, and sun damage by removing microscopic columns of skin to stimulate collagen production for a smoother, tighter, and more youthful appearance. The benefits include improved skin texture, tone, and elasticity, reduced appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, and faster recovery time compared to traditional CO2 lasers due to the "fractional" or spot-by-spot treatment method. They can also be used for medical purposes, such as treating pre-cancerous lesions and certain skin growths.  

Uses

• Skin resurfacing: Improves overall skin texture and quality, creating a brighter, smoother appearance. 

• Wrinkle reduction: Minimizes fine and deep wrinkles and fine lines. 

• Scar treatment: Reduces the appearance of acne and surgical scars. 

• Sun damage correction: Addresses sun spots, age spots, and other signs of photoaging. 

• Skin tightening: Helps tighten sagging skin by boosting collagen production. 

• Pre-cancerous lesion treatment: Can help treat certain pre-cancerous skin lesions. 

Benefits

• Promotes collagen production: 

  Stimulates the skin's natural healing process to produce more collagen, which improves elasticity and tightness. 

• Faster recovery: 

  The fractional approach leaves small areas of untouched skin between treated spots, which accelerates the healing process compared to non-fractional lasers. 

• Improved skin tone and texture: 

  Evens out skin tone and smooths the skin's surface. 

• Long-lasting results: 

  Some cosmetic effects are visible almost immediately, with more significant improvements continuing to develop over several months as new collagen forms. 

• Non-surgical procedure: 

  It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be customized for different areas like the face, neck, and chest

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Contra-indications for Fractional CO2 Scar Resurfacing

This is a very safe treatment; however, please let us know if any of the following apply:

• Have eczema, psoriasis or sensitive red and broken skin in the treatment area

• Experience bleeding or dry and irritated skin in the treatment area

• Are under the age of 18

• Have severe loose skin

• Suffer with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE from acne)

• Have active acne

• Have a mole or raised area you would like treated

• Have keloid scarring anywhere on the body

• Are you taking any blood thinning or photo-sensitive medication

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have an autoimmune disease

• Take prescribed medication for mild/severe acne or have it done within the last 12 months.

Please note if you have a Fitzpatrick of V or V1. FP 1V, the skin will need to be prepared for 2-4 weeks pre- and post-treatment to reduce the risk of pigmentation; this will be discussed during your consultation.

Common side effects of Fractional CO2 Scar Resurfacing

• Flushing and skin redness for 7-14 days with mild grid marks visible for up to 6 months (in very advanced rare cases)

• Skin tightness or dryness

• As a result of ablative laser treatment, the skin may feel taut and dry for up to 14 days.

• Skin peeling

After the treatment, we will advise you on the most suitable products to moisturise and protect your skin.

Staying out of direct sunlight and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 daily is essential.

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