Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fractional Laser Resurfacing removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method in order to rejuvenate the skin. Co2 fractional lasers have the power to deliver very short pulsed light energy, which is called ultrapulsed, and works with continuous light beams. This type of laser removes thin layers of skin with precision and minimal damage to your surrounding tissue.
During the process, columns of damaged skin are treated, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing. Fractional laser resurfacing helps reduce age-spots, which are also called sun freckles, liver spots and lentigines. Fractional laser resurfacing is an excellent treatment for advanced skin damage and wrinkling addressing uneven coloration, wrinkles, scarring, fine lines, skin laxity, textural irregularities, dull tone, and a thinned collagen layer of the face, neck, and chest.
Masri Clinic for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery has locations in Dearborn and Birmingham, Michigan, and has been serving patients for over 25 years. Dr. Haitham Masri and Dr. Raj Gupta are board certified surgeons noted for their attention to detail, extensive experience and refined skills with advanced laser technology.
Fractional laser resurfacing removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method in which columns of skin are treated, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing.
During your treatment, a Co2 laser will vaporize the superficial and outermost layer of your skin. Bursts of laser energy are computer controlled in a pre-defined pattern such as a square, circle, rectangle or linear pattern best suited for your skin. The laser creates a controlled “burn” without thermal heat which results in a less damaging procedure. The laser resurfacing process controls the depth of your skin treatment which creates the opportunity to address of the delicate tissues surrounding your eyelids.
The skin will continue to improve for a period of six months following the procedure provided proper skincare is used and sun exposure is minimized. Sometimes the results are not significant until the sixth and even the ninth month, depending on the person's age, their aftercare routine and their history of smoking.
After the treatment, most patients describe the post-procedure sensation as being similar to a bad sunburn for about twelve to twenty-four hours. Healing may require seven to fourteen days. Co2 fractional laser resurfacing is performed in our office. Both pre-treatment and post-treatment medications will ensure proper healing and comfort during and after the procedure.
Discomfort associated with the procedure can be expected to vary depending upon the depth of the treatment. For your comfort during the treatment, you may receive a topical anesthetic, local anesthetic, or tumescent anesthetic, possibly combined with sedation. Patients generally rest after the procedure. Your skin will be raw. You will be provided instructions for maximum healing.
After the procedure we like to see our patients each day for three days in order to ensure that healing is progressing. You can usually apply makeup or venture out in public on day seven. However, your skin will be pink and sensitive for one to three months. A skincare regimen and sun avoidance is recommended for best healing and optimal results for a period of six months following treatment. Sub-optimal results or unwanted side effects may occur if you do not follow post-procedure instructions.
Your skin will continue to age from sun exposure, environmental stress or overall health and lifestyle choices such as smoking. To maintain laser results we recommend a healthy skincare routine including cosmeceutical products and facials which are medical grade.
One laser treatment with Co2 fractional laser resurfacing is generally recommended. Occasionally, patients may have an area where aggressive treatment is not suggested. In that event, more than one treatment may be required in order to optimize results. Maintenance treatments may also be necessary to maintain your results, particularly if the sun is not avoided or the patient does not engage in proper skin care used. In some cases, an additional treatment may be required one to two years after the initial treatment in the area around the eyes.
Co2 fractional laser resurfacing can be combined with other treatments but not in the same area(s) on the same day. Wrinkle relaxers can be combined to reduce unwanted wrinkles caused by muscle contraction. Dermal fillers can be used to fill areas where volume has been lost such as the lips, cheeks and lower eyelids. Botulinum toxin two weeks prior to the treatment may enhance the effect on wrinkles caused by movement.
This is not a treatment for pregnant women or anyone who has been treated with isotretinoin (or Accutane) within six months. The physicians at the Masri Clinic will discuss the best options in order to reach your aesthetic goal.
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Anyone who has sun damaged, aging skin may be a candidate for Co2 fractional laser resurfacing. This includes wrinkles, sagging, irregularly pigmented skin, irregular skin texture or other skin conditions that could be expected to be improved with this treatment. It is important to understand the risks, costs and time necessary to achieve the full benefit of the procedure and have realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.
The Co2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing includes significant downtime. Depending upon the area and the aggressiveness of the treatment, it will take 7-14 days for your skin to heal. This downtime will include significant redness and crusting, including possible minor bleeding and oozing depending on treatment depth. Dryness, peeling and flaking occur and it is important to keep the skin moist after treatment.
Social and work activities should be curtailed during this time, although you will be capable of working from home after the first day or two. There can be pain with this procedure but full facial anesthesia minimizes the pain during the procedure and the hours following surgery. Other potential side effects may include but are not limited to skin wound, infection, scarring, hypo-pigmentation and hyper-pigmentation.
Masri Clinic for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery is the only specialty cosmetic surgery clinic in Michigan featuring Board Certified physicians in Facial Plastic Surgery, General Plastic Surgery, and Esthetic Medicine. Masri Clinic’s Dearborn office is open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and its Birmingham Clinic office is open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
The clinic takes pride in answering your questions fully concerning your Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fractional Laser Resurfacing and recovery.
Haitham Masri, MD is board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology and in sleep medicine.
Raj Gupta, MD is a board certified plastic surgeon.
The Masri Clinic’s staff includes a broad range of allied professional support including an allergy nurse, certified audiologist, medical assistant, and three Board Certified physicians.
(*) The results described are not typical and will vary based on a variety of factors.
