Today, we’re introducing one of our devices: the CO2 fractional laser. This is a mid-infrared laser with a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers. Its primary target is the water molecules within our skin tissue.
This specific wavelength of laser energy is strongly absorbed by the water molecules in the skin tissue. This absorption process unleashes a burst of high energy, which acts on the surface layer of our skin, causing a controlled injury, essentially vaporizing the skin’s surface. Following this controlled damage, the skin initiates a regeneration process and an inflammatory response. Throughout this wound-healing process, fibroblast cells are induced to produce a large amount of new, more organized collagen and elastin. Additionally, the heat generated by the laser stimulates the collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper dermal layer. Therefore, its function is to remove superficial wrinkles, scar tissue, and other lesions on the epidermis.
This makes it particularly suitable for treating conditions like acne scars and superficial wrinkles. For other concerns that may develop later, such as various types of dark spots on the face, we would more likely recommend a picosecond laser. However, for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from acne, the CO2 laser is a viable option. It can also be used to treat some shallow sun spots. Furthermore, it can improve scars left from surgery or trauma, as well as atrophic scars. Some doctors also use this machine to improve stretch marks and weight-loss marks. Others incorporate it as an annual treatment for overall skin rejuvenation.
This machine actually has three working modes. The first is its fractional mode. This is the scanning mode we typically use on the face and body. It can create different patterns, such as triangles, squares, or rectangles, to treat various areas. You can also select the density of the dots and the distance between them. If this is being used for routine skin rejuvenation, the distance between the dots can be larger. If it’s for treating a dense area of acne, the distance can be smaller.
The second function is its cutting head. Currently, doctors use this cutting head infrequently for major surgical procedures. It is mainly used to touch up and remove raised skin growths like bumps or certain moles by rapidly vaporizing the tissue. More complex procedures require a specialized surgeon.
Another function is for feminine wellness, often referred to as the private mode. The principle of action is the same; it delivers energy in a fractional pattern to improve issues like vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence.
This is an ablative machine, which means post-operative care is quite demanding and the recovery period is relatively long, requiring at least one to two weeks. During the first week, scabs will likely form in the first three days, and the wounds will slowly heal thereafter. The scabs will naturally fall off in about seven days. Throughout this process, it’s crucial to avoid sun exposure and practice strict physical sun protection.
The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after this treatment is quite high. Therefore, post-treatment care must also focus on controlling inflammation in the epidermis. Beauty clinics will typically pair the treatment with certain products, such as specific lyophilized powders or ointments with anti-infective properties, to provide to the client to ensure the best possible outcome from the aftercare.
When treating acne, it is imperative to ask the patient if they have taken oral isotretinoin within the last six months. This medication is often prescribed for severe acne to inhibit oil secretion. If they have used this drug, they must stop for at least six months before undergoing this treatment.
There are other patient groups for whom this machine is not suitable. This includes individuals with a predisposition to keloid scarring. Another group is people with dark skin, for example, those with a Fitzpatrick skin type of V or VI. In these cases, using a CO2 laser is no longer recommended because their skin has a high melanin content, which makes it absorb too much light, leading to a very strong risk of hyperpigmentation.
Having said all that, let’s talk about the advantages of this machine. Why choose a CO2 laser for regular skin maintenance? The most significant reason is its remarkable effectiveness. For improving wrinkles, skin laxity, and scars, it is one of the most powerful options among all light-based and energy-based devices. Its effects can last for several years, unlike other treatments that might last for three, five, or six months before requiring another session. Furthermore, its ablative mechanism allows it to address a wide variety of skin problems, making it a truly multi-functional machine. Finally, the technology is very mature. The depth of penetration into the skin and the amount of energy used are precise and controllable. In contrast, other lasers may only target a general range, for instance, a certain depth in millimeters below the skin. This laser is highly precise, allowing for adjustable depth control.
