Since 1993, light-based laser systems have been effectively and safely used in dermatology for both the treatment of skin diseases and skin rejuvenation.
Among the most effective laser systems used for this purpose are Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fractional Laser systems. The mechanism of action involves creating controlled micro-columns of damage in the skin using laser beams to stimulate the skin's natural wound healing process. This removes damaged collagen and stimulates fibroblast cells to produce new collagen and elastin, thereby renewing, tightening, and making the skin healthier.
CO2 Fractional Lasers are safely used in various dermatological treatments, including:
1. Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-aging with CO2 Fractional Laser:
The aging process is a complex one influenced by many unknown factors, involving numerous external and internal factors.
Internal factors include decreased hormone levels, accumulation of cellular waste products, cellular damage caused by oxidative products, mitochondrial aging, shortening of telomeres, and genetic mutations. This aging process occurs at the cellular level, with genetic factors playing a significant role.
In aging due to external factors, environmental influences are more significant. These include sun exposure, gravity, alcohol and tobacco use, air pollution, stress, and dietary habits. These effects cause changes and deformities in every layer of the skin, from the surface to the bones.
Fractional laser treatments aim to correct the changes caused by aging in the skin. The goal is to increase collagen and elastin production, which decrease with age, thus tightening and rejuvenating the skin. Results of CO2 Fractional laser treatments for anti-aging include:
- Tightening of the skin due to increased collagen and elastin.
- Reduction of fine lines on the skin surface.
- Decreased visibility of fine lines around the eyes and mouth that are resistant to Botox treatments.
- Reduction of enlarged pores.
- Diminished brown spots caused by age and sun exposure, resulting in brighter and more vibrant skin.
- Renewed and rejuvenated skin.
2. Treatment of Acne Scars and Pits:
This is one of the most common uses of Carbon Dioxide Fractional laser treatments. Although acne mostly occurs during adolescence, it can also occur in later ages due to various factors. Acne, which develops as a result of hormonal changes during puberty, usually resolves on its own by the end of puberty. However, in families genetically predisposed to acne, with hormonal disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome or adrenal tumors), or due to the use of medications or foods that increase acne, or during the course of various diseases, acne can be more severe and prolonged.
Large and cystic acne can leave pits or spots on the face as they regress. When acne leaves scars, the first step should be to start acne treatment under the supervision of a Dermatologist to prevent new scars from forming. If a condition suspected of aggravating acne is identified, appropriate tests should be conducted. Depending on the underlying cause, long-term topical medications, antibiotics, or Vitamin A derivatives may be used.
After acne treatment and complete cessation of acne, scar treatment may be necessary, as pits caused by acne can be cosmetically bothersome and can worsen over time as skin elasticity decreases.
CO2 Fractional laser treatments are the gold standard for treating acne pits and scars. However, the patient should first be examined by a Dermatologist to determine if the treatment is appropriate. In extremely sensitive and blemish-prone skin, alternatives like Microneedling (Dermapen) or Radiofrequency Microneedling (Golden Needle) can be considered.
Combination treatments always enhance success and shorten treatment duration in acne scar treatments. Therefore, CO2 Fractional laser treatments are often combined with collagen-stimulating treatments like calcium-containing mineral fillers, poly-L-lactic acid hybrid fillers, Salmon DNA mesotherapy, or PRP treatments.
3. Pore Treatment:
Pores, through which the skin breathes and expels oil and sweat, can be larger and more prominent in some individuals due to structural factors or excessive oiliness.
Prominent pores can cause the skin to appear rough, which many find aesthetically unpleasing. Enlarged pores can accumulate dirt and oil, leading to blackheads and subsequent acne.
One of the most effective treatments for reducing pores is the Fractional CO2 laser. Using the Cool Peel setting, pores can be comfortably reduced, and the skin surface becomes brighter and smoother.
4. Treatment of Benign Moles and Age Spots with Potential Cancer Risk:
Age spots and moles that appear on the face with aging should be monitored and regularly checked by a Dermatologist. Lesions on the nose, temples, upper cheeks, and forehead that develop redness and crusting over time might carry a risk of skin cancer. Identifying and treating risky spots early can prevent them from developing into skin cancer.
Ablative laser systems like the Carbon Dioxide laser or cryotherapy are commonly used in these treatments.
Additionally, benign lesions that are cosmetically concerning, such as skin tags or seborrheic keratosis (harmless age spots), can be easily treated with laser therapy.
It is crucial that suspicious dark moles or potentially cancerous lesions are not treated by non-specialists. Hence, mole treatments should always be conducted under the supervision of a Dermatologist to avoid health risks.
5. Reducing Surgical or Burn Scars:
In genetically predisposed individuals, scars that are raised and large can occur after burns or surgeries due to excessive collagen production during wound healing. Several treatments are available to reduce these raised scars, including steroid injections, cryotherapy (freezing), and Carbon Dioxide laser ablation. If laser systems are to be used, it is recommended to wait about 2 to 3 months after wound healing before starting treatment.
6. Reducing Facial Spots:
Using the Cool Peel mode of the Fractional laser, which provides non-thermal, superficial peeling, skin tone irregularities and surface spots can be treated. Post-treatment, the surface layer of the skin peels off over time, revealing brighter, more vibrant, and rejuvenated skin underneath. Additionally, as collagen synthesis is stimulated, fine wrinkles and enlarged pores on the skin surface are reduced.
When and How is Fractional Laser Treatment Performed?
Fractional laser treatment is generally performed in the winter months, as there is a risk of post-treatment skin discoloration with most laser systems during the summer.
Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin for about half an hour to reduce pain. The face is then cleaned and sterilized before starting the treatment. Cooling devices are also used during the procedure to minimize pain.
How Long Does Pain and Skin Peeling Last After Fractional Laser Treatment?
The determining factors are the dosage of the Fractional laser and the skin type. Post-treatment pain may last a few hours. Staying in a cool environment can help alleviate this pain.
Topical creams used to repair the skin post-laser treatment accelerate healing and shorten the peeling period. On average, peeling and redness subside within a week, revealing new skin underneath. Lower dosages result in a shorter peeling period.
What Should I Pay Attention to After Fractional Laser Treatment?
- Avoid hot showers and washing your face for about a day.
- Avoid hot environments and activities that could increase small bleedings, like taking aspirin or consuming alcohol on the first day.
- Regularly use the healing and anti-infection creams recommended by your doctor. Apply these creams in absorbable amounts to prevent clogging pores, which can cause acne.
- Avoid alcohol-based products, exfoliating creams, and do not scrub the skin to hasten the removal of scabs.
- Do not forget to regularly use sunscreen during and after the treatment.
How Often is Fractional Laser Treatment Performed and When Does its Effect Begin?
Sessions are typically spaced about a month apart, with noticeable changes after each session. However, the increase in collagen synthesis and the main effects are evident after about three sessions.
Are There Any Combined Treatment Methods with Fractional Laser?
Combination treatments are particularly beneficial in treating acne scars and anti-aging. Collagen-stimulating hybrid fillers, mineral fillers, or collagen mesotherapy used during or after Fractional laser treatments help fill acne scars and tighten and rejuvenate the skin by increasing collagen synthesis in the deeper layers of the skin.
