The Fractional CO2 Laser treatment is a revolutionary new way to correct aged and damaged skin without the prolonged downtime or adverse reactions of other resurfacing procedures. The Fractional CO2 Laser uses points of light to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas on the skin. This type of fractional treatment leaves microscopic bridges of the skin intact, thus allowing the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was resurfaced.
A prior consultation is required with the doctor to discuss which area/s of your skin is/are appropriate for treatment. For most people only one treatment is required, however the doctor will advise on individual requirements at the initial consultation. If the skin is severely sun damaged or acne scarred, a more aggressive treatment may be needed, which will mean at least a week of downtime.
A prescription for a topical steroid cream may be given to you at the initial consultation or posted a week prior to your treatment date. The topical steroid cream is to be used prior to treatment, to help reduce inflammation (if applicable, anti-cold sore medication may also be prescribed). The doctor will discuss this with you at the initial consultation. On the day of treatment, topical and/or local anaesthetic will be applied to the area being treated prior to the procedure. In addition to this, some form of sedation will be used, to assist with comfort (either oral or intravenous), which would require you not to drive following your procedure for a period of 24 hours, therefore you will need someone to drive you home, or accompany you in a taxi. Please remember though, that taxis are not always conveniently available.
Following the treatment Vaseline will be applied to the area. This will need to be maintained for the next 48 hours (it is important to ensure that the skins remains moist to allow healing without scabbing, therefore apply as much Vaseline as needed). The skin may be washed and soothed with a solution of vinegar water (mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1 litre of cold water). Following the initial 48 hours, gentle, non-irritating products, such as Cetaphil, can be used on the skin, however if skin is irritated by this, continue as for the first 48 hours for a while longer.
The skin will be red following treatment, which will subside gradually, but in some individuals may last for a number of weeks. The area treated will also be swollen for approximately three to five days after treatment. In the first 2 days, pinpoint bleeding and oozing may occur. Swelling is variable and may last up to a week for deeper treatments (in the first 2 days, pinpoint bleeding and oozing may occur).
Optimal improvement of the skin is usually visible in 3 to 6 months.
It is recommended that a zinc based SPF30+ sunscreen be used daily to protect the skin from sun damage once creams are tolerated. Mineral based makeup is recommended and skincare can be used as normal after the first week.