Fraxel CO2

What is Fraxel CO2?


Fraxel CO2 involves the use of the latest in skin care laser technology to purposefully stimulate the body’s own restorative processes by controlled damage done to the skin. Reaching deep into the skin’s second layer, the dermis, Fraxel CO2 helps to stimulate the body’s restorative abilities and thus new collagen and skin is formed. The advantage of the CO2 laser is the ability to tighten the skin by altering weakened collagen. Older skin that is damaged is removed from beneath the epidermal layer, the outermost area of skin. The process of controlled skin damage in small areas which are separated by healthy skin allows for minimal healing time and highly effective skin rejuvenation.

Who is a candidate?

For anyone suffering from age spots, sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles near the eyes, lax facial and neck skin and even melasma (skin discolorations), this treatment is a great way to achieve clearer and even more radiant looking skin.

What can Fraxel CO2 treat?

Fraxel may be used on the neck, chest and hands to treat lip lines, eye wrinkles, skin laxity in the face and neck region, skin texture and roughness, sun damage, acne scars and surgical scars.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments needed to acquire certain results will vary from patient to patient. Discussing this is always recommended. Usually only 1-3 sessions are needed.

Are the treatments permanent?

Patients can enjoy long lasting results as long as their skin is maintained and well taken care of over time. However, age and the elements can still cause skin changes as time progresses so Fraxel CO2 is a skin rejuvenation procedure which can be repeated if further unwanted changes occur to the skin.

How is the Fraxel CO2 procedure performed?

Treatment begins by cleansing the skin and applying a topical cream to numb the treatment area about an hour prior to treatment. This is to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. The laser is then used to help the skin rejuvenate in the associated treatment area. The epidermis and dermis layers of the skin are treated, yet no visible damage is done to the epidermal layer of the skin. By only damaging specific areas of the skin, spread out over the area being treated, healthy and unaffected skin is left intact to support the healing process and stimulate the body’s healing capacity. This results in the production of new collagen and more radiant skin. Treatments usually conclude in about a half hour.

What should be expected during recovery from a treatment?

Depending upon the aggressiveness of your treatment, there might be some pinpoint bleeding following the procedure as well as some oozing for up to 48 hours until the wounds close up. The most common side effects are swelling (which may last up to one week) and redness (which may last up to one month). Other temporary side effect may include minor itching, dry skin and peeling, flaking, oozing and crusting. The skin should be treated as if sunburned, keeping it moisturized and out of heavy sun exposure. Sunscreen and protective clothing is a good idea. Some patients can expect to return to daily activities right away while others may require a bit more time to adjust. Makeup may be worn to help alleviate some of the redness to the skin if desired and if the skin is not too sensitive to the touch. Shaving may also be done if discomfort is minimal. Every patient’s skin is unique so different recovery times are normal.

When will results be apparent?

Results will usually begin to show in about two to three months post treatment, yet every patient’s skin type varies.

What is unique about Fraxel CO2?

By fractionally treating skin in specific areas while leaving some skin unaffected nearby, Fraxel CO2 allows for an easier and less invasive procedure. Due to this approach to skin rejuvenation, the body’s healing response is enhanced. Fraxel CO2 is a balanced laser treatment which allows for the high effectiveness of some other more invasive laser treatments while maintaining a shorter recovery time with fewer side effects.

Is Fraxel CO2 approved in the USA?

This is the only FDA 510(K) clearance for a fractional laser system for the treatment of wrinkles, furrows, fine lines, textural irregularities, pigmented areas and vascular discoloration.

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