CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser

CO2 laser energy is absorbed by water in the skin and converted to heat. Fractional delivery creates small treatment columns while leaving untreated skin between them.

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CO2 Acne Scarring before and after result at Dr Sknn
Before & After Studio
Dr Eddie Shaffu, Medical Lead at Dr Sknn
Dr Eddie Shaffu Medical Lead · Dr Sknn
A medical view before a treatment view

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Read more about CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser Treatment details and clinical context

At Dr Sknn, fractional CO2 laser may be considered for selected concerns affecting the face, neck, décolleté and body. Treatment is not suitable for everyone: your skin colour, medical history and the area being treated affect suitability and risk. Fractional delivery treats microscopic areas of skin while leaving tissue between them untreated to support healing.

CO2 lasers use light at 10,600 nm. In suitable patients, fractional resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and selected scars. Other concerns, including pigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks and skin laxity, need assessment to decide whether CO2 resurfacing is appropriate and what improvement is realistic. It does not remove every scar or suit every pigmented lesion, and results vary.

By utilising the power of Co2, the laser energy is applied to the skin in a fractional way, by creating longitudinal microthermal zones in the skin penetrating to approximately 2mm in depth through to the dermis. This thermal damage creates trauma to the existing cells in the skin thus promoting collagen formation. The space between the columns of intact epidermis allows the skin to trigger a faster healing response of the damage tissue achieving better results with less down time.

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Before & After Studio

CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser results

1 of 3 current co2 fractional ablative laser results

1Real Dr Sknn patient result. Individual outcomes vary.
2Real Dr Sknn patient result. Individual outcomes vary.
3Real Dr Sknn patient result. Individual outcomes vary.

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Questions before booking

Frequently asked questions.

How Does the CO2 Laser Work?
The delivery of CO2 produces 2 effects on the skin: 1. Ablation Effect: The high power of the laser emission releases over a short time for rapid ablation of the epidermis and first layers of the dermis. This is beneficial for layers of the skin with low water content. 2. Thermal effect: After the epidermal ablation the energy pulse spreads into the dermal tissue causing contraction of collagen in turn initiating collagen repair.
What should I expect during the Consultation?
At Dr Sknn, the consultation includes discussion of your medical history, an examination of the area and, with appropriate consent, photographs. You can ask questions about your concerns, expectations and possible outcomes. The proposed treatment, alternatives, risks and aftercare are discussed before you decide whether to consent. A small test patch is required before treating a new area. This helps assess a small area’s response but cannot guarantee that a full treatment will be suitable or free of complications. If preparation products are recommended, your clinician will specify the product and how to use it, taking your skin and medical history into account.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
Preparation and aftercare depend on your skin, the treatment settings and how the treated area heals. Follow the written instructions given by your treating clinician, including when to pause and restart retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids and other skincare products. Do not change prescribed medicines without advice from the clinician responsible for them.
What is the after care advice?
Some of the post-treatment advice is listed below. Please note that during the consultation you will be provided with a complete list. If you have a skin type of III+ then prior to treatment a topical application of product may be needed for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Do not use products containing retinol or strong AHA fruit acids on the treatment area prior to or during your skin resurfacing treatment, please stop using the products 5 days before, they can be restarted 5 days post the treatment
How many treatments are required?
More than one session may be recommended. The number of treatments depends on the concern being treated, the laser plan, your response and how your skin heals. Your clinician will discuss a proposed course and review whether further treatment is appropriate. A course cannot guarantee a particular result.
What can I expect immediately after the treatment?
The treated area may look red or swollen and feel sore or warm. Flaking or crusting can occur as the skin heals. The degree and duration depend on the treatment and your skin; redness can last longer than the first few days. Do not pick or scratch the area, and follow your written aftercare instructions. Contact the clinic if symptoms are unexpected or worsening.
Am I suitable for the treatment?
Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Age below 18 Pregnancy, recent pregnancy or breast feeding
How long does the treatment take?
Treatments last anywhere between 15 to 45 minutes dependingon which treatment you have.
What will I feel during the treatment?
You may feel heat, stinging or pain during treatment. Sensation varies with the area treated, the settings and your individual sensitivity. Anaesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort; your clinician will explain the plan before treatment. Tell the clinician if you are uncomfortable.
Are there any side effects?
During treatment the skin will be stimulated and will becomeslightly pink/red, it is a similar feeling to when you have been in the sun.The pinkness/redness can last for up to 48 hours depending on your skinsensitivity. Additionally swelling and white spots/bumps will be present. Flaking may occur over the following days, do not pick orscratch the skin as this may result in infection or scarring
Is there any downtime following treatment?
There is a recovery period after fractional CO2 treatment. Redness, swelling, dryness and flaking can persist beyond the first few days. The time before your skin heals and before you feel ready for normal activities varies with the area treated, the settings and your response. Your clinician will explain the expected recovery and when to restart skincare, work and exercise. Persistent marks or worsening symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal.
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