Fractional CO2 laser treatment

When is fractional CO2 laser treatment warranted?

As we age, and as a result of sun exposure and stress, our skin loses its radiance and firmness, and fine and deeper wrinkles and skin blemishes appear, especially on the surface of the face, neck, cleavage and hands. Fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment is used to restore vitality to sagging skin and to correct bags, acne, scars, pigment spots and other skin irregularities without surgery. The procedure is recommended for patients over 20-30 years of age or even older patients, and combines well with other rejuvenating interventions, such as wrinkle filling, fractional microneedle treatment, plastic surgery of the face or neck, eyelid surgery, or liposuction, however establishing the right treatment sequence is key.

What happens at the first consultation?

Carbon dioxide laser treatment is always preceded by a consultation with our dermatologist. The specialist will ask about your previous facial treatments - facial rejuvenation, wrinkle filling and other procedures - and then assess the condition of your skin and determine if this intervention is the most appropriate for you. If so, they will prepare a personalized treatment plan.

Preparing for the intervention

In contrast to the preparations for plastic surgeries, no further examinations are needed following that performed at the initial consultation, however we recommend incorporating certain lifestyle changes to enhance the results of the treatment. We advise that you do not smoke, thereby promoting skin regeneration processes. Before the procedure, eat light meals, ensure a proper fluid intake, and we recommend you take certain vitamins and mineral supplements (vitamin C, selenium and zinc) to help you heal. Use of aspirin, ginkgo biloba and other herbal remedies is not recommended for two weeks before fractional CO2 laser treatment. Three weeks before the treatment, special attention should be paid to protecting yourself from sunlight, and the use of cosmetics should be avoided in the days and weeks before the treatment.

What happens during the procedure?

The SmaXel laser used in our Private Hospital is one of the best premium-quality lasers in plastic surgery, suitable for all types of dermatological and small surgical interventions, and a wide range of aesthetic procedures. As a first step in the fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment, the specialist disinfects the skin surface to be treated before anesthetizing it. Based on the skin condition and treatment plan, they select the energy, pixel shape, pixel width and pixel density required for the treatment, to determine the depth of penetration of the laser and the width of the heat zone. During the treatment, the laser places the pixels on the skin in an area of variable size and shape (square, triangle, hexagon, circle). During the skin rejuvenation procedure, the number of pixels can be varied within a very wide range (9 ~ 4489 pixels) depending on the primary aim of the intervention. The ability to fine-tune the treatment parameters ensures maximum safety, precision and control. Thanks to the unrelated treatment area, the tissues do not overheat, and the treatment is more effective, practically free of bleeding and involving less discomfort. The laser light burns or evaporates the skin layers with a higher water content, tightens the connective tissue and stimulates the production of collagen fibers responsible for skin elasticity, thus helping the skin’s natural regeneration. After treatment, proper medical instruction is essential to achieve the right result and to prevent unwanted complications. Finally, aftercare is conducted using a special preparation. The duration of treatment is 45-90 minutes. A treatment series usually consists of 2-3 sessions, with rest periods of 6-8 weeks.

What results can you expect from the intervention?

Fractional CO2 laser treatment is one of the most advanced non-surgical methods for skin rejuvenation. As it stimulates cell exchange and regeneration, its effect can be seen as early as 2 weeks after treatment. The final result is noticeable after 3 months, which lasts for up to 1.5-2 years, depending on age.

Recovery, aftercare

For 3-4 days after the fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment, it is worth treating the naturally occurring redness, itching and possible edema gently with ice. To be expected, after around 5-8 days, is a natural skin reaction whereby the skin becomes dry and begins to peel off so that a new layer of skin can form. The process is painless, initially the fresh skin turns pink and then gradually fades. It is not recommended to apply make-up for 2 weeks after the treatment, and for at least 4 weeks it is important to avoid sunbathing, using the solarium and sauna, and smoking. No other cosmetic procedures should be performed during the treatment series, after which you should protect the treated skin surface with at least factor-30 sunscreen for a further 6 months. After one year, a maintenance treatment is recommended, according to individual needs. Side effects after fractional laser skin rejuvenation are very rare, and at the first consultation our specialist will inform you about these.