What is Fractional CO2 Laser treatment?

Fractional CO2 Laser works on the principle of fractional photothermolysis. The laser heats narrow columns of skin tissue which get coagulated by the heat, known as microthermal zones (MTZ). The skin surrounding these MTZ is unaffected and helps in rapid healing. Blood circulation improves and new collagen is formed in the healing process; this helps in improving skin thickness and quality.

Dr Ruchi Agarwal, MD and our founder has been using fractional CO2 lasers for more than a decade now. She says that this treatment can be done for almost all age groups depending on the skin concern we are targeting. We can do this laser to minimise the appearance of injury or surgery scars in children as young as 12 years and above.

Satya Skin & Hair Clinic recommends a minimum gap of 4 weeks between 2 sessions of fractional laser. This is because the process of collagen induction and remodelling goes on for a much longer time even after apparent recovery of the skin.

After a fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment session, there is mild to moderate redness and swelling of the treated skin along with burning sensation. This normally settles in 24-48 hours. There is also formation of multiple minute brown scabs on the skin surface which may take 7-14 days to shed off.

Use a gentle cleanser 1-2 times per day. Moisturise your skin 2-3 times a day. Sun protection of the treated area becomes a must. Use sunscreen 3-4 times a day; use other sun protective measures also like using an umbrella, sunglasses, avoiding going outdoors in peak daylight hours(10am-4 pm). Follow the skin care regimen suggested by our dermatologist. Avoid bleach and other salon treatments for at least 15 days.

Fractional CO2 laser involves generation of heat during the procedure. This can cause a burning sensation. To make the treatment comfortable and pain free for our patients, we apply a local anaesthetic cream 35-40 minutes before the procedure and ice packs during and after the procedure.

The duration of one session depends upon the area of skin which is being treated. For small scars, only 5 minutes are needed whereas full face treatment may require 20 minutes. For larger areas like stretch marks on the abdomen, more time might be required.

Fractional CO2 Laser is most commonly done for the face for acne scar reduction as well as an anti-ageing treatment. But it is also used to treat all kinds of scars and stretch marks on any part of the body.

The fractional carbon dioxide laser is a safe treatment and usually has no adverse effects if the patients strictly follow post procedure care. The adverse effects which may occur are prolonged redness, pigmentary alterations, acne flare up, contact dermatitis or infection in the treated area.