Let’s Talk about Fractionated CO2 Laser Treatment

Aesthetic rejuvenation has become a popular topic of discussion across the globe. It can feel as though new techniques and products aimed at preserving youthfulness are developed at lightning speed. We agree! From our perspective, though, we can see how continual innovation is beneficial for our patients. We are proud to offer treatments such as fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing because we know that cosmetic surgery is not for everyone.

You may not be ready for surgical facial rejuvenation. Perhaps you never will be. Laser treatments can be an alternative that enables you to manage facial aging with the utmost grace. The use of lasers is not new, but questions still surround this technology. Do laser treatments hurt? Will they burn the skin? How much redness and peeling must be endured? These are all questions that could prevent you from getting personal care that could change how you feel about your appearance. So let’s talk.

What is fractionated laser resurfacing?

There are some different fractional laser devices on the market today. Ours emits beams of carbon dioxide, but not in a steady stream; in thousands of tiny pinpoints of energy. The pixelation of light allows deeper penetration without increased risk. When energy passes through the epidermis, it removes dead and damaged cells that have accumulated on the surface. An additional benefit from treatment is that collagen is heated and, as a result, tightened.

Fractionated laser resurfacing is suitable for all areas of the face and neck, including the delicate skin around the eyes that tends to become thin and crepey with age. Patients from midlife to age 70 and beyond can obtain noticeably tighter, smoother skin when they choose this method of rejuvenation.

The Road to Better Skin

Laser skin resurfacing has improved significantly with the development of the fractional technique. Patients can still expect to need some time to recover. It isn’t that there is a period of discomfort, necessarily, but that the skin will be changing quite a bit over the course of several days.

Initially, there may be a sensation of having a sunburn across the treatment area. This immediate side effect diminishes over a few hours. If heat feels uncomfortable, it can be soothed with cold compresses or ice packs.

Every person heals in their own time, but we see recovery times of about 6 days for facial treatment, up to 10 days for the neck, and up to 14 days for chest treatment. During this time, it is important to closely follow post-treatment care instructions.

Aging skin doesn’t have to be unmanageable. We can help you. Call our Cincinnati office to learn more about our cosmetic services.