Skin Club by DermaGenesis

Fractional Laser is the latest in skincare technology. Conventional Lasers or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) targets a large portion of the skin (about 1 cm - 2 cm diameter) in a single Laser beam. Fractional Laser, on the other hand, uses numerous microscopic Laser beams, which create tiny Laser "punctures" (each of about 0.05 mm in diameter) into the skin while leaving the untreated surrounding areas intact. The untreated tissue helps to accelerate the healing process and rejuvenate the skin by promoting microcirculation and new cell genesis.

There are many types and similarly numerous brands of Fractional Laser. Fractional CO2 Laser has the longest wavelength of 10,600 nm compared to Fractional Erbium YAG (2940 nm) or Fractional Erbium Glass (1550 nm). The CO2 Laser's longer wavelength allows deeper penetration that helps not only in exfoliation and skin rejuvenation but also in skin resurfacing to treat fine lines and photo-aged skin. Fractional CO2 Laser is currently the gold standard to treat acne, pigmentation, scars (post acne and traumatic), open pores, dull texture & complexion, stretch marks and photo aged skin; for both the face and body. It is also very popular for face, neck, décolleté and hand rejuvenation.

The procedure

Fractional CO2 Laser is a well-tolerated and safe procedure. An anaesthetic cream can be applied to make the treatment more comfortable.
Immediately after the treatment the skin will appear red and in rare cases, minimally swollen. There will be numerous microscopic dots on the treated area, which will develop into fine scabs within a day, or two. The scabs will disappear within 3 - 4 days; after which the skin is smoother and clearer. The entire recovery process takes about 3 - 5 days. If a more intense treatment is being performed, the recovery process may take up to a week. Applying Copper Polypeptide following the treatment helps to stimulate new cell growth and shorten the recovery period.
An individual may require 4 - 7 treatments done once in 2 - 3 weeks. The actual number of treatment would depend on the severity of the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle. Upon achieving the desired results, the treatment can be continued for a prolonged duration at regular intervals of 3 - 5 weeks to maintain a healthier, radiant looking skin and to prevent the recurrence of the initial condition.

Images below show the immediate changes and the effects after Day (1) following a Fractional CO2 laser treatment. Patients can easily resume their daily activity after the procedure.

Fractional CO2 Laser results

The effects of Fractional CO2 are normally noticeable after few treatments. The initial concern, such as pigmentation, acne, scars, open pores, spider veins, stretch marks, etc may not be eliminated completely, but the skin will appear healthier, radiant and clearer after few treatments. Results are even better if sun exposure, smoking and stress are kept to a minimum. The results may last for months to a year or two; however, the longevity of Fractional CO2 effects depends on the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle.

Fractional CO2 Laser Rejuvenation vs Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO2 can be used to perform laser rejuvenation and / or laser resurfacing treatment. Laser Rejuvenation is done for common aesthetic concerns such as open pores, dull skin, pigmentation and acne; while Resurfacing is done for deep acne scars, photo aged skin and fine lines. Rejuvenation is done once in 3 - 4 weeks while Resurfacing is done once in 2 - 3 months. Downtime for Laser Rejuvenation is only about 1 - 2 days.

Laser Resurfacing is a strong and deeper procedure and the patient must be vetted by medical doctors before proceeding with the procedure. The downtime for Laser Resurfacing is normally about 3 - 4 days of redness and minimal swelling. Patients are normally covered with a topical antibiotic cream and copper polypeptide cream following the procedure. Patients who are prone to keloid or Skin Type IV and above are not suitable for Laser Resurfacing.

Fractional CO2 Laser safety, risks and side effects

The common side effects are pain, itching, redness and / or swelling for few days. In rare cases, some patients may experience scab formation, bruises, infection and temporary hypo or hyper-pigmentation. There is no restriction of daily activities after the treatment. However, it is advisable to apply more moisturizer and sun block to soothe the skin and stay away from excessive sun exposure during the recovery period.

Uses of Fractional CO2 Laser

Uses of Fractional CO2 laser treatment include:

• New cell production is enhanced
• Strengthens the collagen matrix
• Skin firmness is enhanced
• Pores are minimized
• Pigmentation & age spots are minimized
• To treat photo aged skin and fine lines
• To treat scars - chicken pox, post acne, post traumatic scars
• Eliminates dead cells from the epidermis
• Skin becomes healthier and radiant

Reference:

Geronemus RG. Fractional photothermolysis: current and future applications. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38:169-76.K, Quevedo WC Jr, Fitzpatrick TB, Szabó G. Biology of melanocytes. In: Freedberg IM, Fitzpatrick TB, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in general medicine. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993:261-89. Pulsed Light for the treatment of Facial Freckles in Asian Skin; Huang Y-L.[1]; Liao Y-L.[1]; Lee S-H.[1]; Hong H-S.;Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwanclinical results of IPL photorejuvenation; James Brazil[1]; Patti Owens[1]; Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic Olympia Washington USACK, Fitzpatrick RE. The treatment of melasma with fractional photothermolysis: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31:1645-50.