CO2 Fractional Laser in Wrocław, Poland – Nowa Estetyka

Laser skin rejuvenation and lifting treatments with a fractional CO2 laser can be summarized in three words: fast, safe, effective.

The CO2 DOT laser (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) is a modern method of laser skin rejuvenation that allows for rapid, noticeable, and long-lasting skin regeneration for both young and mature skin. The fractional CO2 laser is successfully used not only on the face but also on the body, aiming to smooth wrinkles, remove scars and stretch marks, perform non-surgical lifting, restore lost firmness, and even out skin tone.

Initially, fractional laser treatments were not very popular among patients due to the long recovery time (several weeks). They caused significant swelling and redness, although their effectiveness in smoothing the skin and reducing scars was undeniable. New generation fractional lasers work more precisely, thanks to the microscopic laser beam. They are more effective, and the skin returns to its normal appearance faster.

Will the fractional laser solve my problem?

The following list contains the most common indications for fractional CO2 laser therapy — both ablative and non-ablative:

• smoothing of surgical, post-operative, accident-related, burn, and atrophic scars
• removal of acne scars
• facial wrinkles, both expression lines and deeper set wrinkles
• facial contouring
• reduction of photoaging effects
• enlarged pores
• hand rejuvenation
• overall poor skin condition: thin, dry skin lacking volume and firmness
• pigmentation removal
• improving the appearance of stretch marks
• sagging skin (abdomen, arms), post-pregnancy skin laxity

If you struggle with any of the above issues, it does not automatically mean you will qualify for the procedure. Many devices used in aesthetic medicine have versatile applications, but when deciding on a treatment, you should always rely on the qualifications and experience of the physician. Based on the severity of the skin conditions such as scars, wrinkles, discoloration, and grooves, the doctor will choose a safe treatment course that can yield optimal results.

Fractional laser – preparing for the procedure

Before the first session, you should inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, such as blood thinners, retinoids, or photosensitizing drugs like certain antibiotics or antidepressants. Patients prone to HSV1 cold sores should prophylactically take oral antiviral medications (acyclovir, heviran) to prevent outbreaks 2-5 days before and after the procedure. Fractional laser treatment is not performed during an active herpes outbreak, as it poses risks in the healing process.

Fractional laser therapy should not be combined with other aesthetic treatments that damage the epidermis (or, more so, the deeper layers).

The procedure

Non-ablative fractional CO2 lasers produce point radiation at 1550-1927 nm — the laser’s power depends on the treatment goal. The energy emitted is absorbed by the water contained in the tissue of the epidermis and dermis. The beam from the laser head consists of multiple microscopic beams that penetrate the tissue precisely and evenly, causing microscopic damage to cells at the appropriate skin depth.

The upper layers of dehydrated tissue die off, while the young tissue left after the treatment regenerates quickly. The precision of the laser pulses is such that it does not cause burns but effectively stimulates old or diseased cells to regenerate, boosting the natural production of elastin and collagen.

The CO2 laser procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes. Thirty minutes before exposure, a numbing cream is applied to the skin.

When can I repeat the treatment?

Due to the skin’s regeneration cycle, laser treatments should be spaced at least 45 days apart, which is about six weeks.

However, it all depends on the overall skin condition (dry, porcelain-like skin may react worse to laser treatments than well-moisturized skin) and the severity of the imperfections that the laser aims to correct. A detailed treatment plan always requires individual consultation with a doctor.

Is fractional laser treatment painful?

Fractional laser therapy can be relatively painful. To minimize the patient’s discomfort, local anesthesia (cream or gel) is applied about 40 minutes before the procedure. The skin is also cooled with compresses during the session.

When should I start laser treatments?

The time of year matters.

The best time to begin a series of CO2 laser treatments on the face is in the fall. It is advisable to schedule a consultation as early as September/October, allowing sufficient time to complete 3-4 treatments before the spring when UV radiation intensifies. Patients wishing to start laser therapy on their face during the summer are advised to wait until the next fall when sun exposure is less intense.

This is due to the additional irritation of the delicate and sensitive facial skin caused by UV exposure, which is difficult to avoid on hot days.

This does not apply to fractional laser therapy on other body parts (e.g., CO2 laser cellulite removal treatments), which can be easily protected from the sun by wearing UV-blocking clothing.

Fractional CO2 laser – results

For 2-3 days after the procedure, the skin may be red, tight, and dry, with localized swelling. The skin treated with fractional laser impulses begins rebuilding over the next 2 – 14 days. To shed dead cells, the skin undergoes a light peeling process, and slight darkening of the skin may also occur (up to 14 days).

Recovery after CO2 laser treatment is a multi-stage process, so patience is sometimes required.

Depending on the laser’s power, the depth of laser penetration, and the patient’s natural ability to regenerate, the healing process can last up to six months. The visible results may differ from the desired effects — visible enlarged pores, loose skin, swelling, redness, and skin burns. However, these side effects should only be temporary.

The tissue regeneration process after fractional CO2 laser treatment is much faster than with traditional laser smoothing methods. A noticeable smoothing and firming effect is visible 14 days after the first treatment. However, the full results of the procedure can take 4-5 weeks to appear.

Collagen remodeling continues for 6-12 months after the treatment. The skin becomes visibly firmer and “rejuvenated.”

To achieve the best results, laser treatments should be repeated. Typically, 3 to 5 treatments are performed, with intervals of 3-6 weeks between sessions.

Fractional laser – post-treatment care

The skin’s regeneration cycle lasts 45 days, so that should be the minimum time between laser sessions. During the entire treatment period (about 8 weeks after laser therapy), patients should avoid sun exposure and use high SPF UV protection creams SPF50+ whenever possible (especially in the summer). In winter, a good daily cream with UV protection should suffice to shield the skin from the sun.

During the critical healing period (up to 14 days post-treatment), patients should avoid saunas, gyms, and swimming pools, and try to stay out of heated environments, as these places may cause infections, burns, and hinder the healing process.

In addition to the previously mentioned sunscreen creams, the first few hours after the procedure are crucial for a quick recovery. While still in the clinic, the doctor cools the facial skin to minimize swelling and redness. You should also cool the treated skin area intensively right after returning home (for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the intensity of the laser beam and the level of pain). The doctor will always provide detailed instructions and will also guide you on safe methods to alleviate pain in the days following the procedure.

For 2-3 days after the treatment, makeup should not be applied — it’s worth mentioning, though, that most patients are unable to wear makeup due to noticeable swelling, redness, and tenderness. Within 24 hours after laser treatment, small scabs appear on the skin — very tiny and evenly spaced, as if they were imprinted by a fine sieve. These scabs will disappear on their own after about 5-10 days. During this time, the patient should not pick at them. Once the scabs are gone, makeup can be applied.

Benefits of Laser Treatments

• Fractional rejuvenation can be performed on the face, neckline, and other areas affected by skin laxity, scars, or wrinkles
• The fractional CO2 laser provides a controlled and safe impact on the skin
• Laser photothermolysis is a nearly painless method, as local anesthesia is applied
• The procedure is characterized by a short recovery period (3 to 7 days)
• Long-lasting results
• The treatment is used to: reduce pigmentation, effectively improve skin tone uniformity and texture, perfectly smooth fine and deep wrinkles, and eliminate various types of scars
• Non-surgical facelift

Fractional Laser – Contraindications

• Skin cancer
• Inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Active skin infections
• Oral steroid therapy, which must be discontinued during laser treatments

Fractional Laser – Complications

Complications after fractional laser treatment occur most often when the type of laser used is not appropriate for the problem (or the laser treatment should not have been performed at all) or when the laser parameters (beam power and penetration depth) were not chosen correctly. The skin regeneration process will also be significantly longer if the patient does not follow the post-procedure instructions.

Laser parameters that are too strong can lead to uncontrolled tissue damage, including collagen and elastin fibers — these are proteins that give skin its elasticity. The goal of fractional laser treatment is to stimulate fibroblasts to increase the production of these proteins, meaning that some fibroblasts must remain untouched. However, this process takes time.

If unexpected symptoms occur, which were not explained by the doctor, or if symptoms worsen or last significantly longer than the doctor indicated, it is important to schedule a follow-up appointment. An experienced doctor can assess whether the patient’s symptoms are within the normal range.