CO2 Fraxel

In recent years, laser skin resurfacing procedures have advanced significantly. There are now more treatments available than ever before for a wider range of skin types because of plastic surgeons' ability to provide a variety of cutting-edge laser procedures to their patients in an office environment.

The Fraxel Laser is a well-known skin resurfacing procedure that can help to lessen the appearance of stretch marks, scarring from acne or surgery, dark spots, and melasma. The top layer of skin is unaffected by Fraxel lasers because they are non-ablative. They function by focusing on the dermal layer and treating small patches of skin at a time.

By inducing micro-injuries on the dermis, the Fraxel laser helps to tighten and smooth the skin by stimulating the creation of collagen. Areas of mismatched pigment can also be treated with Fraxel lasers.

Many people choose Fraxel laser treatments, but not everyone is a good candidate. Consider Fraxel's benefits and drawbacks before deciding on a laser procedure if you're thinking about getting one.

CO2 Fraxel Laser

A fractionated CO2 laser called Fraxel CO2 laser (Fraxel repair) is used to treat skin that has considerably deteriorated or aged. It improves skin tone and texture on the face, neck, chest, and hands by treating deep wrinkles (particularly stubborn crow's feet and lip lines), acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and laxity. The Repair, the most powerful Fraxel laser, stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin cells and collagen by vaporizing (removing) small columns of damaged tissue from the skin's surface and deeper layers.

The skin heals more quickly and with fewer complications when treated with the Repair than it would when resurfaced with a conventional CO2 laser because it ablates in a pixelated fashion, treating only a portion of the skin while sparing adjacent areas. The procedure requires at least five to seven days of recovery time, during which the skin will be sore, swollen, oozing, crusting, and itchy due to the device's equivalent of a second-degree burn. The skin should recover completely in 10-12 days, but depending on the strength of the treatment and your skin type, redness may take weeks or even months to become pink and then completely disappear (makeup can cover it in the meantime). The redness tends to last longer on skin that is lighter in color. Deeper skin tones are more susceptible to laser-related problems, particularly with intense CO2 treatments, so be sure to get active communication with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon before treatment. So that you can have reasonable expectations regarding the procedure and review possible side effects and recovery time with your clinician.

Facts on CO2 Fraxel

The only FDA 510(K)-cleared fractional ablative laser system in the market, Fraxel Repair System cures wrinkles, furrows, fine lines, textural irregularities, pigmented areas, and vascular discoloration.
More than 400 patients from leading clinical facilities around the United States participated in clinical tests for the Fraxel Repair system.
In addition to addressing wrinkles and discolorations, the Fraxel Repair laser uses carbon dioxide laser beams to tighten skin by inducing your collagen.
Treatments like Fraxel Repair have a substantially shorter recovery period than conventional laser procedures.
Treatments with Fraxel Repair penetrate deeper to address deeper damage.
The white-out around the lips, for example, that would usually indicate that you've had resurfacing done, is not left after CO2 Fraxel treatments.
CO2 Fraxel is The first and only deep, fractional ablative procedure that causes tissue contraction, tightness, and collagen remodeling.
CO2 Fraxel promotes quick healing because it doesn't damage the surrounding microenvironment.
The only device that combines a CO2 laser source with a cutting-edge, proprietary Intelligent Optical Tracking System is the Fraxel Repair System. This makes a variety of conditions safe to be treated.

If you want noticeable results that can reverse age-related changes that are deep and noticeable or remove damage from environmental factors, Fraxel Repair laser treatment might be the best option for you.

CO2 Fraxel Benefits

Benefits of CO2 Fraxel laser therapy:

CO2 Fraxel is safe, efficient, and FDA-approved.
All skin types and colors are treated by the CO2 Fraxel laser for a variety of skin issues.
The ground-breaking technique for repairing and restoring damaged skin is the Fraxel CO2 laser.
Compared to other laser types, the CO2 Fraxel laser is more efficient and less invasive.
Without downtime, the CO2 Fraxel laser produces results comparable to those of completely ablative CO2 and Erbium.
CO2 Fraxel laser repairs with less downtime and fewer side effects.
Your body's healing process is accelerated by the CO2 Fraxel laser.
The most cutting-edge revolutionary laser system now accessible is the CO2 Fraxel laser.
For aesthetic skin resurfacing, the CO2 Fraxel laser is the industry standard.

For men and women of all ages who seek significant results from a resurfacing process that will treat deeper wrinkles and skin laxity without surgery, CO2 Fraxel laser treatment is the ideal option. Since 2006, hundreds of Fraxel procedures have been carried out in clinics and test settings.

CO2 Fraxel Advantages

It requires less recovery time than other laser treatments. Because Fraxel is a non-ablative laser, recovery time is typically much shorter than those following ablative laser treatments. Ablative lasers eliminate the top layer of skin, and the healing process might take weeks or even months. In comparison, a Fraxel treatment's recovery time is merely a week or so. The treated area may first show signs of swelling or redness. You'll probably notice that the skin in the treated area tends to peel or flake off after a few days.
Treatment is quick. The length of a Fraxel treatment depends on the size of the treatment area, but the process is often rather short. The average length of the procedure is under an hour. It's important to keep in mind that the numbing ointment will need time to take effect if you choose to have it applied before the treatment. The cream typically needs to numb the region for 45 minutes before treatment can proceed.
Little preparation is needed. Some treatments necessitate a significant level of preparation. For instance, before plastic surgery, patients frequently need to modify certain behaviors like drinking and smoking or stop taking certain drugs for a few weeks. Little preparation is needed for the Fraxel laser. You might only need to cease using certain skin care products a week before your treatment, such as any acids or retinoids. It is advised to avoid using any skincare products that can irritate your skin. Having said that, whether or not you can proceed with the process may depend on the state of your skin on the day of the procedure. You may want to postpone your Fraxel session until after your skin has healed if you've already had a lot of sun exposure and have a prominent burn or if you're currently experiencing a severe breakout.

CO2 Fraxel Disadvantages

Results might be less dramatic than an ablative laser. Although ablative lasers typically have a long recovery time, they can frequently have quite dramatic effects. You might benefit more from an ablative procedure than a non-ablative one like Fraxel, depending on where your skin is in the aging process.
You might find it uncomfortable. It's crucial to realize that some people find Fraxel laser treatment to be a little painful, which is why numbing cream is recommended. Your general pain threshold and whether you opt to have a topical anesthetic given first will both affect how uncomfortable you feel throughout treatment. People frequently compare the sensation they experience during treatment to sting or minor burn.
After treatment, you must be particularly careful to avoid the sun. Your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight following Fraxel and any other form of laser treatment. To prevent harm and hyperpigmentation (uneven darkening of the skin), you'll want to protect it as much as you can. Being extra careful to protect your skin from the sun is part of skin protection. Avoiding sun exposure right away after treatment is your best strategy. If you must go outside, use SPF 30 (or greater), put on a hat, and spend as much time as you can in the shade. If you're worried about dark spots, wrinkles, or other skin flaws, the Fraxel laser may be the best option for you.

CO2 Fraxel Candidates

A fractional ablative laser system called Fraxel Repair destroys old, damaged tissue, promotes the production of new collagen, and tones and tightens the skin.

Fine lines & wrinkles. Collagen is produced more, which helps to lessen fine lines and wrinkles.
Facial skin laxity. Collagen activation tones and tightens skin, improving facial skin laxity.
Uneven skin tone. Deposits of hyperpigmented color are reduced for a more even complexion.
Uneven skin texture. Depositions of dead and damaged skin cells are broken down to provide a smooth complexion.
Acne scars. In the area where the scar tissue was, new, healthy cells were encouraged to proliferate.

A person who has UV-damaged skin, pigment abnormalities, uneven skin texture, minor wrinkles or fine lines, or scars is a good candidate for Fraxel Repair, an ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing. Due to an increased risk of hypopigmentation, Fraxel Repair is not advised for people with dark skin tones.

How CO2 Fraxel Works?

A percentage of the skin cells in the treatment area are vaporized by the ablative Fraxel Repair Laser. For patients treated, this strategy offers several advantages.

First, the laser causes some of the previously injured skin cells to go. These cells are responsible for problems including dull skin and hyperpigmentation. This implies that some hyperpigmentation caused by liver spots, melasma, or acne scars can be specifically treated.

Second, the laser's little skin damage triggers the body's immune system to heal the wounds. New, healthy skin cells and more collagen fibers that strengthen the skin's support system are created as a result.

Furthermore, it is significant to note that the Fraxel Repair is a fractional laser, in contrast to previous laser technology that occasionally treated the complete surface area. This indicates that a specific microgrid is used to deliver light wavelengths to the skin. By doing this, only a small portion of the skin experiences damage, while the nearby tissue is unharmed. This kind of technology has been demonstrated to shorten overall healing times and adverse effects while maintaining remarkable results once the skin has healed.

Your doctor will put on safety goggles throughout the Fraxel Repair Laser procedure to shield your eyes, and he or she will apply a numbing lotion to lessen any potential irritation. To ensure the patient's comfort, a local anesthetic may occasionally be used.

Depending on the size of the area being addressed, the Fraxel Repair Laser treatment time may vary. You must avoid the sun for at least 48 to 72 hours following treatment, and you may need to skip work or socializing for up to a week.

CO2 Fraxel Recovery

Your skin will feel soft, seem smooth, and have a more even tone with less uneven pigmentations shortly after treatment. Your skin will continue to tighten and wrinkles will continue to fade over two to six months as new collagen is produced in the deeper layers of the skin. For the majority of patients, one therapy session yields the best benefits. For up to six months, your outcomes will get better.

Your skin will be temporarily red and swollen after receiving Fraxel treatment. Depending on the type of Fraxel treatment used, this could last 4 to 7 days. To make your skin heal fast and safely, the doctor will advise using plain emollient moisturizers.

Your skin will only be slightly pink and any swelling from the first few days will have subsided after one week. At this time, most people return to their regular social and professional activities. It is advised to use light moisturizers and face cleansers with little to no fragrance because your skin will be sensitive.

Your doctor will advise using glycolic acid creams and/or Retin A products to further boost collagen production and improve your outcomes after a few weeks.

Your doctor can do a gentler Fraxel procedure on you with a recovery period of a long weekend or three to four days if you have minimally sun-damaged skin with few minor wrinkles and slight pigment irregularity. Your doctor may use a Fraxel laser treatment to treat your skin if you have severe acne scars, deep wrinkles, or sun damage that has affected your skin severely. A week of social isolation can result in a recovery.

After six months, it may occasionally be required to repeat a laser treatment in areas with really deep wrinkles or scars. Instead of a full-face treatment, this second laser treatment may just be necessary for the area of significant wrinkling (such as around the mouth). Your best option for treating wrinkling and wrinkled skin around the mouth, neck, and eyes is the Fraxel Repair laser.

The Fraxel Repair laser treatment is a highly efficient, non-invasive technique to eliminate wrinkles and sun damage, tighten and brighten your skin, and take years off your appearance.

CO2 Fraxel Results

Fraxel Repair can be completed in just one treatment session, in contrast to many other skin restoration techniques. The effects of this surgery can be seen right away, and they get better as the side effects fade and the treatment goes on. As the deeper layers of the skin heal, the majority of patients see their full effects three to six months after treatment.

With complete outcomes, patients frequently enjoy:

Enhanced skin texture and tone
Reduced pore size
Reduced visibility of brown spots, age spots, and acne scars
Creases and lines around the eyes are less prominent
Rejuvenating the hands, neck, and chest skin

Following treatment, patients must take specific steps to protect the skin and promote healthy healing. After receiving Fraxel treatment, patients should limit their time in the sun and use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF because their new skin is extremely sensitive.

CO2 Fraxel Side Effects

Patients frequently have extreme redness, seeping, and crusting in the first 48 hours following therapy. Depending on the patient, the redness and swelling may persist for several weeks even if the oozing and crusting should stop in a few days. During your appointment, your practitioner will provide you with advice on the best aftercare measures to ensure quicker healing.

Fraxel Repair vs Fraxel Dual

While the standard Fraxel DUAL uses an Erbium laser, the Fraxel Repair (CO2) uses a CO2 laser. The Fraxel Repair typically only needs one treatment, whereas the Fraxel DUAL typically needs several. Deeper lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity can be treated more effectively with the Fraxel Repair because it takes a more aggressive approach to skin tightening and resurfacing. It causes tissue to evaporate, eliminating old, damaged skin and promoting the growth of new collagen. Compared to the DUAL, the repair's downtime is more significant. Both Fraxel lasers are cutting-edge technologies, and each has unique benefits and indications.

Conclusion

A revolution in the laser technology has been brought about by fractional thermolysis medical devices. Numerous fractional thermolysis devices that are currently on the market aim to reduce scarring, photodamage, and skin texture. Others are ablative with varying degrees of downtime, while some are nonablative with little to no downtime. If patients receive the right pre- and post-skin care, adverse events like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may be reduced to a minimum. If users of these devices are not given adequate training and knowledge, further undesirable outcomes, such as scar formation, will occur more frequently.