CO2 Fractional Laser

How a fractional CO2 laser treatment works

The treatment begins with a consultation and skin analysis, at which the condition of the skin is assessed and the zones and intensity of the treatment are defined. Before the treatment itself the skin is thoroughly cleansed, and an anesthetic cream is then applied to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

The laser then treats the selected zones in a controlled way, with the device creating microchannels that trigger the skin's natural renewal processes and collagen production. The duration depends on the size and number of zones treated, and most facial treatments are completed within a single visit. During the treatment you will usually feel warmth and mild tingling.

Preparation and recovery step by step

Before the treatment you are advised to avoid sun exposure and sunbeds, and to temporarily stop using certain products, for example those containing retinoids or acids, as recommended by your doctor.

Immediately after the treatment the skin is redder and warmer, much like mild sunburn, and over the following days there may be slight flaking as the surface layer renews itself. During that period it is important to moisturize the skin regularly, not to pick at the flaking skin, and always to use high factor sun protection. Most people return to their usual activities quickly, with simple care at home.

Results and when the treatment is not advisable

The first effects, in the form of smoother, more radiant skin, are visible soon afterwards, while the full result develops gradually over several weeks as new collagen forms. For more pronounced concerns a course of treatments is usually recommended, with the number determined individually after the skin has been assessed.

The fractional CO2 laser is not recommended in cases of active skin infection or inflammation, during pregnancy or with certain skin conditions, which is why an assessment is always carried out beforehand. Where appropriate the treatment is combined with other procedures as part of a care plan, and this is decided at the consultation.

What makes the fractional approach different

With fractional technology the laser beam acts on only part of the skin's surface and leaves the surrounding tissue intact. Those intact zones speed up healing and renewal, so recovery is generally shorter than with classic ablative treatments of the whole surface, while collagen production in the deeper layers is strongly stimulated.

Thanks to this, the fractional CO2 laser is suitable for precise work on the face, but also on more delicate areas such as the neck, decolletage and backs of the hands. The intensity and depth of the treatment are adjusted to the skin type and to the goal, which means the same device can be used both for gentle skin refreshing and for more pronounced correction of scars and wrinkles.

Where the CO2 laser fits into a skincare plan

The CO2 laser is most often part of a broader skincare plan rather than an isolated procedure. Depending on your goals, treatments for hydration, regeneration or maintenance care may be recommended before or after the laser, always with enough time for the skin to recover between procedures.

The plan is always drawn up individually, based on your skin type, the concern being addressed and your expectations, so as to achieve a natural result with the least possible strain on the skin.