Modern cosmetology in its development has gone far ahead. Sometimes, when contemplating the result of coordinated work of cosmetologists, it seems that they can do anything. Why is CO2 laser used in cosmetology? Are reviews of fractional laser applications positive or negative?
The tasks of laser therapy
CO2 laser has a wide range of applications. Most often, with its help, they try to eliminate such age-related changes as:
- wrinkles;
- loss of skin elasticity;
- pigmentation.
Also, using a carbon dioxide laser, cosmetologists help get rid of scars and scars acquired due to acne or in any other way.
True, in the case of acne, acne must first be cured , otherwise laser resurfacing loses all meaning.
Laser principle
The CO2 laser has a high-temperature point effect on the skin. At the point of contact, he makes a microscopic hole that allows the old scar tissue to absorb. Dead cells evaporate, but the processes of collagen production and tissue renewal become more active.
The point action of the laser helps to achieve the maximum effect with a small area of heat exposure. A significant area of the skin remains unaffected by the laser beam, due to which the recovery period is markedly reduced.
A carbon dioxide laser is delicate in application. Therefore, it is safely used even for the correction of very delicate areas of the face, neck, arms and eyes. Laser procedures can get rid of pigmentation, increase skin elasticity, etc.
Laser Results
What does the client of the cosmetology clinic receive when deciding to
polish the face with this laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective when it comes to correcting skin defects. This is the gold standard of cosmetology in cases where there is a need to get rid of scars or scars.
The result of fractional grinding with a carbon dioxide laser directly depends on the depth of wrinkles and scars, and yet the effect can be seen after the first procedure. This is especially true for people with a light skin type, which immediately reacts to any kind of cosmetic procedures. In some cases, two procedures are enough to permanently forget about your skin problems.
A carbon dioxide fractional laser is also very popular because it does not cause complications. Special preparatory procedures before grinding are practically not required. And after the manipulations, only reddening of the skin is observed, as if a person was a little sunburned. Within a week, all traces of grinding performed completely disappear.
How is fractional CO2 laser different from others?
Carbon dioxide lasers come in several types. How is fractional CO2 laser different from others?
Cutting, ablative lasers affect the entire surface to be treated. Because of this, the recovery period after their use is significantly increased and the likelihood of complications is also increased. The fractional carbon dioxide laser has a partial, targeted effect on the skin. Moreover, these impact areas are accurately calculated using a computer, which allows all risks to be minimized.
Regeneration processes after application of a fractional CO2 laser are much faster. You can start your daily activities and go out the next day. Light redness will gradually disappear.
A fractional carbon dioxide laser is much more efficient than, for example, an erbium laser. After all, it does not just stimulate the evaporation of water from tissues - the technique of its effect is aimed at evaporation of the tissue itself (for example, scar).
Preparation for laser resurfacing
Before using a fractional CO2 laser, a person needs to perform simple steps to prepare for the procedure.
- One to two weeks before the procedure, it is necessary to minimize any contact with the sun. Sunbathing is strictly prohibited.
- For people with a III-V phototype, special depigmenting creams or creams with a high sun-protection factor are prescribed before grinding.
- It is necessary to carry out the prevention of herpes with the help of drugs that the cosmetologist will advise.
Laser resurfacing can be considered a small cosmetic operation. The procedure is quite serious, therefore, has its own contraindications.
- The period of pregnancy or lactation.
- The age of the patient is up to 18 years.
- Infections such as herpes, impetigo, acne.
- Oncology.
- Psoriasis.
- Inflammatory processes in the treated area.
- Blood diseases.
- Mental illness.
- The tendency to form keloid or hypertrophic nodes.
Procedure
A procedure in which a CO2 laser is involved lasts about an hour or two. The operation is as follows.
- The skin is cleaned with a special gel. A calming lotion is used.
- Local anesthesia is done so that the patient does not experience even the slightest pain.
- It is necessary to coordinate in advance with the cosmetologist the need for sedatives before the procedure, as well as antihistamines.
- Before polishing, the face is covered with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory cream. The operation can only be started 30-60 minutes after its application.
- After a certain time, the cream is removed, and the face is again wiped with lotion.
- Grinding itself takes an average of half an hour.
- After the operation, the beautician again covers the skin with a soothing cream. Then the specialist can apply several more cosmetics.
- After the procedure, special creams are used for three days, which the cosmetologist selects for the patient, depending on the type of skin.
- After a week, a checkup is carried out.
Side effects
The occurrence of side effects was observed in only 3% of patients in cases where a fractional CO2 laser was used for grinding. Reviews, photos of patients after unsuccessful operations show that there are only four forms in which a side effect of the procedure may occur:
- keloid scars ;
- clogged skin pores;
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- infection.
Whether side effects occur or not depends directly on the qualification level of the cosmetologist who will perform the operation. Moreover, it is important how faithfully the patient approached the preparatory period and how carefully he monitored his skin during the recovery period. An important role is played by the reliability of information about one’s state of health, which a person provides to a cosmetologist.
CO2 fractional laser: reviews
Advertising brochures promise that a positive result after laser correction is guaranteed. However, there are quite different opinions about the effectiveness of the procedures during which a fractional CO2 laser is used.
Reviews, photos of some patients are simply surprising how much better the skin after polishing began to look visually. Moreover, the first positive results appear within twenty days after the procedure. Then, within six months, the skin continues to be renewed, its condition improves every month.
The experience of individuals shows that laser fractional resurfacing can cope even with the largest and unattractive scars.
But at the same time, there is another side to the procedure: some patients are not lucky, side effects still appear on their skin. Although the matter is most likely not in luck, but in the degree of responsibility with which a person relates to his health. After all, it is not only important to prepare for the procedure, but also to make sure that the selected clinic has a good reputation, and that the patient himself has no contraindications to the procedure.