What is fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is the latest non-invasive resurfacing procedure that works on the concept of fractional photothermolysis whereby high power laser energy is delivered into the skin in many narrow microbeams over fractions of areas. This induces heat injury to the superficial layer of the treated skin. The untreated normal tissue surrounding the thermally damaged zones accelerates the healing process followed by remodeling and new collagen formation.
How does Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional CO2 laser work?
It utilizes the technology of DeepFx, ActiveFx and Total Fx modes to deliver high power of narrow microbeams into layers of skin to treat various skin conditions. It is used most effectively for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation on the face, neck and hands of both men and women.
What advantages does Lumenis UltraPulse® has compared to other CO2 laser machines?
Lumenis Ultrapulse® is six times more powerful than other CO2 lasers and twice the treatment speed of most CO2 lasers. It has 34 FDA-cleared dermatology and plastic surgery indications and possesses the deepest ablative capability with hemostasis.
What sort of patient would benefit most from Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional CO2 laser?
Patients with acne scars, burn or surgical scars as well as skin signs of aging/photoaging such as fine wrinkles, prominent pores, uneven texture, rough skin, sun spots, age spots, brown spots and pre-cancerous lesion (solar keratosis), would benefit most from this procedures.
Who should avoid having this procedure?
Patients who are on oral isotretinoin for the last 6 months, active skin infection or open wound, keloid prone, recent sun tanning/burn and patients who still have active acne are unsuitable to have this procedure done.
What is the treatment like? Does it hurt?
A numbing cream is applied one hour prior to the procedure. The skin is cleansed with a mild cleanser and gently patted dry. The patient’s eyes are protected using non-reflective goggles. During the procedure, patient will experience a warm and sharp prickling sensation when the laser beam is applied to the skin. It hurts a little but tolerable in most patients.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Post-treatment, a soothing mask with cold compression is applied to the face for 15-30 minutes.
Are there any sided effects on the patient?
Side effects are uncommon. There may be pain and discomfort during the procedure. Some patients develop mild hives that resolve soon after. Redness and swelling may last up to 3 days. Occasionally patients may have mild acne eruption. In Asian skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur in about 5% of patients especially if patients do not adhere to practice of adequate sun protection post treatment. Rarely, infection due to herpes simplex may occur.
Is there any downtime for the patient?
There is minimal downtime. Mild swelling over treated areas is typical and last 1-3 days. Dark pixelated crusts usually occur after day 2-3 days and fall off after 5-7 days. After new skin is formed, the skin may be slightly pink for up to four weeks.
What precautions should be followed after treatment?
To prevent and minimized complications, patients should follow the post-treatment care protocol given. Avoid direct sun-exposure for the first one week. Sunscreen with SPF 30 and above should be applied on day time. Facial treatment or scrubbing should be avoided. You will be advised on the use of facial products to reduce the incidence of pigmentation.
How long before the patient can see the result?
The collagen remodeling takes at least 2 months. The patient may see complete results after two to six months.
How many times shall the patient do to see optimal result?
The best result is seen after 3-4 times at the interval of 3 monthly. However, even after one treatment, improvement is noticeable.
Dr. Chong Yew Thong
Consultant Dermatologist
Fractional CO2 laser is the latest non-invasive resurfacing procedure that works on the concept of fractional photothermolysis whereby high power laser energy is delivered into the skin in many narrow microbeams over fractions of areas. This induces heat injury to the superficial layer of the treated skin. The untreated normal tissue surrounding the thermally damaged zones accelerates the healing process followed by remodeling and new collagen formation.
How does Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional CO2 laser work?
It utilizes the technology of DeepFx, ActiveFx and Total Fx modes to deliver high power of narrow microbeams into layers of skin to treat various skin conditions. It is used most effectively for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation on the face, neck and hands of both men and women.
What advantages does Lumenis UltraPulse® has compared to other CO2 laser machines?
Lumenis Ultrapulse® is six times more powerful than other CO2 lasers and twice the treatment speed of most CO2 lasers. It has 34 FDA-cleared dermatology and plastic surgery indications and possesses the deepest ablative capability with hemostasis.
What sort of patient would benefit most from Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional CO2 laser?
Patients with acne scars, burn or surgical scars as well as skin signs of aging/photoaging such as fine wrinkles, prominent pores, uneven texture, rough skin, sun spots, age spots, brown spots and pre-cancerous lesion (solar keratosis), would benefit most from this procedures.
Who should avoid having this procedure?
Patients who are on oral isotretinoin for the last 6 months, active skin infection or open wound, keloid prone, recent sun tanning/burn and patients who still have active acne are unsuitable to have this procedure done.
What is the treatment like? Does it hurt?
A numbing cream is applied one hour prior to the procedure. The skin is cleansed with a mild cleanser and gently patted dry. The patient’s eyes are protected using non-reflective goggles. During the procedure, patient will experience a warm and sharp prickling sensation when the laser beam is applied to the skin. It hurts a little but tolerable in most patients.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Post-treatment, a soothing mask with cold compression is applied to the face for 15-30 minutes.
Are there any sided effects on the patient?
Side effects are uncommon. There may be pain and discomfort during the procedure. Some patients develop mild hives that resolve soon after. Redness and swelling may last up to 3 days. Occasionally patients may have mild acne eruption. In Asian skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur in about 5% of patients especially if patients do not adhere to practice of adequate sun protection post treatment. Rarely, infection due to herpes simplex may occur.
Is there any downtime for the patient?
There is minimal downtime. Mild swelling over treated areas is typical and last 1-3 days. Dark pixelated crusts usually occur after day 2-3 days and fall off after 5-7 days. After new skin is formed, the skin may be slightly pink for up to four weeks.
What precautions should be followed after treatment?
To prevent and minimized complications, patients should follow the post-treatment care protocol given. Avoid direct sun-exposure for the first one week. Sunscreen with SPF 30 and above should be applied on day time. Facial treatment or scrubbing should be avoided. You will be advised on the use of facial products to reduce the incidence of pigmentation.
How long before the patient can see the result?
The collagen remodeling takes at least 2 months. The patient may see complete results after two to six months.
How many times shall the patient do to see optimal result?
The best result is seen after 3-4 times at the interval of 3 monthly. However, even after one treatment, improvement is noticeable.
Looking for Fractional CO2 Laser in Penang, Malaysia?
Consult your skin specialist in today
Consult your skin specialist in today
Dr. Chong Yew Thong
Consultant Dermatologist
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