Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser (E CO2)
Everyone who cares about their appearance wants to have smooth skin. However, acne, scars, burn scars and stretch marks from the past can sometimes overshadow our beauty.
What is Fractional CO2 Laser and how does it work?
When the harmful effects of sun damage and air pollution are added to the normal aging process, collagen degradation accelerates. As the amount of collagen in the skin decreases, wrinkles begin to appear. Fractional CO2 lasers used in skin rejuvenation open microscopic columns on the skin, unlike conventional CO2 lasers that affect the entire skin surface. These columns are very thin channels. The main target in these regions is water, that is, water-containing structures such as collagen, blood vessels, keratinocytes undergo selective thermal damage. Living cells in the undamaged areas right next to the thermally damaged area migrate to the damaged area and stimulate the repair mechanism there. Thus, new collagen production begins under the skin. The most important feature of the new generation fractional CO2 lasers is that they perform their functions under the skin without damaging the upper surface of the skin. Thus, a much faster recovery occurs on the upper surface of the skin and people can return to their social lives in a short time.
Due to the short wavelengths of Er:Glass and Er:Yag lasers produced before, sufficient skin depth could not be reached, therefore their effects were limited and sometimes it was not possible to reach the desired point despite many applications. In order to overcome this limitation, the last point reached worldwide is the fractional version of CO2 laser systems.
The thickness of the skin treated during fractional laser applications is not known based on eye judgment or experience, as in chemical peeling or dermabrasion, but the depth reached is known for certain. Although it is strong, thanks to its fractional feature, the recovery rate after application is very high and the recovery time is short. Since the wavelength is longer and it shows its effect in the deeper dermis, its effect is much higher than similar systems.
In Which Areas Is Fractional CO2 Laser Used?
Skin Rejuvenation, facial rejuvenation:
It is used in the removal of wrinkles and lines on the face, eyelids, neck, décolleté areas, on the hand, and in genital area aesthetics.
Scar Treatment:
It is used to correct the appearance of acne scars (acne scars) and pits, scars and burn scars and skin cracks on the face, back and chest.
• Elimination of large pores and coarse appearance of the skin
• Removal of sunspots, age spots, postnatal spots and superficial pigment disorders on the skin
• Reduction of poor wound healing (hypertrophic scar) and wound swelling (keloid)
• Treatment of some skin cancers
• Pyogenic granuloma treatment
• Rhinophyma and otophyma treatment
• Treatment of congenital or acquired moles
• Treatment of cholesterol plaques (xanthelasma) formed on the eyelids
• Treatment of warts and condulomas formed in places such as hands, feet, genital area
What are the changes in the skin as a result of Fractional CO2 Laser?
After fractional CO2 laser application, a 30% shortening occurs in subcutaneous collagen fibers. In the next 1-3 months, new collagen formation under the skin and reorganization of the subcutaneous connective tissue occur. As a result of all these, there is a high level of reduction in stretching, skin roughness, spots and scars on the skin, which is called skin rejuvenation. The pores in the skin narrow and the structure of the skin returns to its condition 2 – 5 years ago.
Is Fractional CO2 Laser Application Painful?
There is a burning and painful sensation during the application. This feeling can be reduced by using local anesthetic creams.
How Many Times Is Fractional CO2 Laser Application Performed?
The number of sessions in the fractional CO2 laser system varies depending on the severity of the problem and the power and depth settings of the application. While 2-3 sessions are sufficient for mild to moderate wrinkles and scars, the treatment is arranged as 3-5 sessions for very deep acne scars and wrinkles. The interval of the sessions is 1 – 1.5 months.
What are the Characteristics of the Healing Process?
No dressing is required after fractional CO2 laser application. On the first day, redness and edema occur on the skin. Afterwards, there is no complaint other than point crusting, which lasts for 3-7 days. The patient can apply make-up from the 3rd day. This advantage of the CO2 fractional laser allows the patient to continue his daily life.
What Should Be Considered Before Application?
The patient should stay away from the sun and solarium for 1 month before the application. Drugs that prevent blood clotting (aspirin, heparin), drugs containing retinoids (isotretinoin), drugs that cause photosensitivity (tetracycline, naproxen, estrogen, progesterone, birth control pills, chloroquine) should not be taken. Before the application, if treatments such as skin abrasive dermabrasion and peeling or skin stretching have been applied, the treating doctor must be told. If the patient has a history of herpes (herpes) in the past, he should definitely take medication before the application.
What Should Be Considered After the Application?
Warm shower can be taken 2 days after the application. Cold compresses can be applied to reduce edema and inflammation. The skin should be kept moist and clean in order to reduce the crusting that may occur on the skin after the application. In the first week, this moisturizing process should be repeated 3-4 times a day. Depending on the patient’s skin type and environmental conditions, sunscreens should be used after recovery, and skin peeling creams should not be used for at least 1 month.
Who is not treated?
• If the person has a history of using isotretinoin in the last 3 months, this treatment is not applied.
• Not applicable to pregnant women.
• It is not applied to those with active skin infections and acne.
