One of the most common uses of the CO2 fractional laser treatment is for acne. While acne is mostly seen during adolescence, it can also occur later in life due to various factors. Acne develops as a result of hormonal changes in the body during puberty and usually clears up on its own once puberty ends. However, in families with a genetic predisposition to acne, in cases of hormonal disorders (such as PCOS or adrenal tumors), or with the use of certain medications, foods, or during the course of various diseases, acne can be more severe and persist longer.
If the acne that forms is large and cystic, it can leave pits or marks on the face as it recedes. When acne leaves such scars, the first thing to do is to start treatment under the supervision of a specialist dermatologist to eliminate the acne. This is important because each new large acne breakout means another potential scar. If a condition that might exacerbate the acne is suspected, appropriate tests should also be conducted. If the underlying cause is identified during treatment, long-term use of topical medications, or antibiotics, or vitamin A derivatives may be prescribed accordingly.
Once acne treatment is completed and breakouts have entirely ceased, it may be necessary to move on to scar treatment. This is because the pits formed on the skin post-acne can be cosmetically bothersome, and if left untreated, these scars can grow larger over time as the skin's elasticity decreases with age.
The gold standard for treating acne scars and pits is CO2 fractional laser treatment. However, the patient should first be examined by a dermatologist to determine if they are suitable for the treatment. For excessively sensitive and blemish-prone skin, alternatives such as Gold Needle or Dermapen treatments may be preferred.
Combination treatments always enhance success and shorten the treatment duration for acne scar treatments. Therefore, in addition to CO2 fractional laser treatments, collagen-stimulating treatments, such as calcium-containing mineral fillers, poly-L-lactic acid hybrid fillers, salmon DNA-containing mesotherapy, or PRP therapy, are frequently used.
When and How Is the Fractional Laser Procedure Performed?
Fractional laser procedures are conducted only in winter, as there is a risk of post-procedure skin blemishes with most laser systems if performed in summer. Before the procedure, the skin is numbed with topical anesthetic creams for about half an hour to reduce pain. After the face is cleaned and sterilized, the procedure begins. Cooling devices are also used during the procedure to reduce the sensation of pain.
How Long Does the Pain and Peeling Last After Fractional Laser?
The main determinants here are the dose of the fractional laser and the skin's structure. The pain felt post-procedure can last for several hours. In this case, being in a cool environment can help reduce the pain. Topical cream treatments used to repair the skin post-laser can speed up the healing process and shorten the peeling period. On average, peeling and redness subside within a week, revealing the renewed skin underneath. For low-dose applications, this peeling period can be even shorter.
What Should I Pay Attention to After a Fractional Laser Procedure?
- Avoid hot showers and washing your face for about one day.
- To prevent small bleeds on the skin surface, avoid hot environments, blood-thinning medications like aspirin, or alcohol, especially on the first day after the procedure.
- Regularly use wound healing and infection-preventing creams as recommended by your doctor. However, use these creams in amounts that the skin can absorb. Overuse or layering of creams can clog pores and cause pimples.
- Avoid alcohol-based products, exfoliating creams that can irritate the skin, and refrain from scrubbing if there is scabbing.
- Do not neglect to use sunscreen regularly during and after the treatment.
How Often Is the Fractional Laser Procedure Performed, and When Do Its Effects Start?
The sessions are typically spaced about a month apart, and changes in the skin are noticeable after each session. However, the increase in collagen synthesis and the noticeable effect occur after three sessions.
Are There Any Treatment Methods Applied Along with the Fractional Laser Procedure?
Combination treatments are always more successful and shorten the treatment duration, especially for post-acne pits and anti-aging applications. Collagen-stimulating hybrid fillers, mineral fillers, or collagen mesotherapy treatments applied during or after the fractional laser treatment increase collagen synthesis in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to fill acne pits and tightening and renewing the skin.
Every skin is unique. Therefore, providing the necessary health solutions and medical support with a personalized treatment approach is crucial. Specialist Dr. Pınar Koç, in addition to dealing with dermatological disorders, is particularly interested in aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology, laser applications in dermatology, and hair diseases. For detailed information and consultation, please contact us.
