Fractional Laser Treatment
The natural aging process, combined with exposure to sun and pollution, destroys collagen - the main protein of connective tissue that keeps skin plump and line-free. Fractional laser resurfacing is the latest method for rejuvenating aged and wrinkled skin, as well as treating acne, acne scarring, removing pigmentation caused by sun damage and even improving red facial veins.
About fractional laser resurfacing
The anti-aging breakthrough of the decade is a skin-resurfacing treatment known as CO2 fractional laser therapy. Combining the effectiveness of traditional CO2 lasers with a new application technique, it delivers powerful results without the traditionally harsh side effects.
During the past few years this new technology has significantly shortened recovery time and lessened the occurrence of complications. For this treatment, lasers are used to remove small circles of damaged skin, while leaving surrounding areas untouched. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing prevents damage to the top layer of skin, while helping to speed healing and to tighten the skin, in order to give you a more youthful and uniform appearance.
page topYour consultation
During the consultation, your doctor will advise you on the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He will explain the procedure, its risks and limitations, as well as the costs involved.
He will take a complete medical history and will examine your face, both the skin and underlying bone. He will then give you specific instructions to follow, such as instructions for pre-treating your skin before the operation.
You must advise your surgeon if you:
- Have any allergies (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
- Have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation
- Have a history of unusual scarring, or
- Have had cold sores around the mouth (like herpes or shingles)
- Have had previous facial surgery
- Smoke; take any drugs or medications, including aspirin.
Your treatment
First, the doctor, or an assistant, will thoroughly cleanse your face to remove oils from the skin. Fractional laser therapy with CO2 can be performed quickly using only anaesthetic creams in most cases.
The laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams which are separated so that when they strike the skin surface, small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser. These small areas of untreated skin promote a more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications.
The small areas treated by the fractional micro beams, called micro treatment zones, cause sufficient laser injury to promote new collagen production and facial skin rejuvenation.
page topRecovery
If using a more powerful and therefore more effective treatment, you could experience up to five days of redness following treatment which will subside to minimal discomfort. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. There may be some swelling but this generally resolves in two to five days. This downtime is due to the fact that there is very little risk of scarring post treatment.
Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the treatment, producing longer beneficial changes.
The effects of fractional laser treatment can last eight to ten years.
page topRisks and complications
Fractional laser treatment carries relatively few risks. There are usually few complications due to the laser therapy itself. Common minor side effects for fractional laser resurfacing include redness and swelling that lasts about two days.
Patients with darker complexions may be at risk for pigmentation loss with any laser surgery.
page toplearn more
If you'd like to know more about our fractional laser treatment or wish to print this article, we invite you to download our brochure on fractional laser treatment or call our office at +44 (0) 123 456789. Alternatively, fill in the online contact form and one of our patient advisors will get in touch as soon as possible.
