Fractional CO2 Laser

Sometimes a strong laser is the only way to achieve your skin goals!

Fractional CO2 laser remains one of the most talented lasers at skin rejuvenation. Meet our CO2 Fractional Laser from Ilooda, called the Fraxis DUO….

The fractional CO2 laser is part of a platform called the FRAXIS DUO. This means that the CO2 laser shares a home with a technology called The Secret RF, and both treatments can be done over time to achieve impressive skin results.

The CO2 laser emits fractionated beams of light that create controlled thermal damage to the skin. This thermal damage will be healed by the surrounding tissues naturally over time, to create the final result that is to be expected from a CO2 laser procedure. The depth and intensity of this thermal damage is controlled by the treating Doctor or Advanced Aesthetician by setting the laser on a defined intensity. The outcome should be encouraging collagen remodelling within the skin, without significant side effects.

The CO2 laser is a powerful tool, and treatments should only be performed in a qualified and trained Doctor’s practise, by the Doctor, or a highly skilled Aesthetician who is being supervised by the Doctor.

CO2 laser can be used on the face and body, and is designed to treat and reduce the appearance of the following:

Tightening of skin and collagen stimulation
Severe signs of sun damage
Fine lines and wrinkles
Scarring from acne or surgery
Enlarged pores
Age spots
Uneven skin tone
Stretch marks

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What does the procedure entail?

The first step is to take before pictures on our Visia Skin Analysis Machine. We will then apply a topical anesthetic on the specific target areas and wait until it is sufficiently numb. This is usually around 30 minutes.

The Doctor or Aesthetician will then begin by making one or several passes on sections of your face or specific target areas with the fractional CO2 laser. Heat and tingling sensations can be expected as the laser moves across the skin, but it is not painful.

Depending on the size of the target areas, the procedure may take anywhere between 15 to 60 minutes.

What can I expect immediately AFTER the procedure? What is the downtime?

This outpatient procedure (not needing admission to a hospital or clinic) typically entails several days of downtime. Immediately after the procedure, treated areas will be red and warm to the touch.

Ice packs or a cold compress may be applied for 5 to 10 minutes per hour during the first 5 to 6 hours post-treatment in order to ease discomfort.
A thick topical gel or cream may be prescribed to protect and speed up the healing process and will be used for the first 2 days.
Thereafter, the ointment will change and a new gel will be applied for the next week approximately, also with strict sunblock to be applied every day and avoidance of sun exposure.
You will need to avoid hot sweaty exercise for 2-4 days, and avoid saunas or steam baths.

For about 4 days, the skin will remain red and areas especially around the eyes will swell. Swelling can be minimised by sleeping as upright as possible.

The skin will take about 3 to 14 days to shed dead skin and heal completely. However, for around 4 to 6 weeks after the treatment, the treated areas may remain pinkish and slightly blotchy. While your skin will already start to show noticeable improvements after the initial recovery, the final results will only be revealed in about 3 to 6 months.

Dr. Mel will make it a point to monitor your progress throughout your entire recovery and follow-up treatments. This helps her ensure that you are healing well and that there are no ill effects.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Fractional CO2 Laser procedure, and who should avoid it?

The ideal candidate for CO2 laser has mild to moderate signs of aging such as wrinkling around the eyes and mouth, skin laxity, tone and pigmentation irregularities, and facial volume loss. It is best if your skin does NOT pigment easily after hot procedures. This pigmentation is called PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). If you are prone to this, please let us know before.

CO2 laser is not recommended for those who have recently used tretinoin (especially orally – Roaccutane, Oratane etc), have active skin infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of keloid scarring, or individuals with dark skin tones or certain skin types (due to the higher risk of hypopigmentation).

When can I expect to see results from the Fractional CO2 laser?

The results of a Fractional CO2 laser treatment become noticeable after a few weeks as the body heals. Initially, the skin will take about 3 to 14 days to shed dead skin and heal completely. Then, for around 4 to 6 weeks after the treatment, the treated areas will remain pinkish and slightly blotchy. While your skin will already start to show noticeable improvements after the initial recovery, the final results will only be revealed in about 3 to 6 months.

So, this treatment is about patience, and delayed gratification!

Dr. Mel will make it a point to monitor your progress throughout your entire recovery and follow-up treatments, using repeat photographs taken on the Visia Skin Analysis. This helps her ensure that you are healing well, that there are no ill effects and you are seeing the desired results.

The final results of all skin treatments naturally change with age and further accumulation of photo-aging.

What are the potential side effects of a Fractional CO2 procedure?

Potential side effects following treatment include prolonged redness, tight/itchy skin, burning or stinging sensation, skin damage or burns, scarring, changes to skin pigment, and infection. These potential affects are extremely rare if certain procedures are followed:

Do not have CO2 laser if you are not well.
Do not have laser if you have difficulty with healing (especially be careful if you are diabetic)
Smokers can struggle to heal after laser.
Exposure to sun may cause unpredictable pigmentation after laser. Strictly limiting sun exposure (even when wearing sun block) greatly reduces the risk of patchy skin pigmentation development. Strictly follow the post procedure instructions, and suer the creams prescribed by the clinic only.
Keep in touch with the clinic while recovering and report any concerns.

What do I need to keep in mind before a Fractional CO2 treatment?

Avoid very harsh products for a week before CO2 laser. These include topical tretinoin, strong acids, strong exfoliation. Discontinue them around 1 week before a laser.
Avoid other strong treatments for at least 2 weeks before (like microneedling, hair removal, waxing, threading etc in that area)
Do not do injectable treatments like Botox or Fillers for around 2 weeks around the laser.
If you suffer from cold sores and are having laser close to that area, ask the Doctor to prescribe you an antiviral to start the day before the laser.
Do not come for the laser if you are sunburned recently.

How many treatments will be needed?

Depending on the condition of your skin, between 1 and 4 treatments are usually needed per year. The younger and healthier your skin is, the less treatments you would need. The more sun damaged and wrinkled your skin is, the more treatments will be needed for significant results.

A final decision on how many treatments and how soon apart can only be given during a consultation on your own skin.

To make an appointment for a consultation, you can email therapist@centofwellness.co.za or WhatsApp +2761 529 3668

How much does Fractional CO2 laser cost?

The cost of laser is dependant on how large an area is treated, and this can only be quoted during a consultation on your own skin.To make an appointment for a consultation, you can email therapist@centofwellness.co.za or WhatsApp +2761 529 3668