CO2 Fractional Resurfacing

CO2 Fractional Resurfacing(Candela’s QuadraLASE – MIXtoLaser)
The CO2 laser is the gold standard for laser skin resurfacing in order to treat the effects of facial skin aging. The latest laser technology, the fractional CO2 laser, offers many of the benefits of the full face CO2 laser, with a fraction of the downtime.

The laser is used to treat the effects of sun damage on the skin as well as facial skin aging. The laser can provide skin tightening, is used to treat dyschromia (brown spots and skin discoloration), even out the skin tone and color, remove fine lines and wrinkles, and to reduce the size of large pores.

The Benefits:

  • Skin tightening
  • Immediate shrinkage of damaged skin
  • Improves overall texture & tone
  • Wrinkle Reduction
  • Removal of age and sun spots
  • Acne scarring
  • Minimal downtime
  • New collagen production for up to one year post treatment

Contact us for a consultation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER SKIN RESURFACING (Mixto)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fractional C02? 

C02 is a Carbon Dioxide laser that has been used for more than 25 years in the Aesthetic industry for treatment of conditions such as fine and deep wrinkles, scars of various origin, uneven pigmentation and dilated pores. When the C02 beam of light comes in contact with the epidermis it heats and vaporizes the skin tissue, instantly removing the superficial layers of the skin, scars and wrinkles while smoothing out the surface of the skin. The skin remodeling occurs with new skin and collagen growth.

How does it work?

CO2 Fractional Laser enables the Doctor more control to regulate the depth of penetration and the amount of heat delivered by the beam. The high speed scanner, driven by a patented pending algorithm divides the treatment area into four quadrants or “fractions” and skips the beam from quadrant to quadrant so that each strike is separated by the longest possible interval. This process is repeated until the entire area is treated. Dividing energy this way allows maximum time for thermal cooling of the tissue, less pain for the patient and faster recovery! Compared to traditional resurfacing of the past this is a big step in technology for the patient and the physician!

Does it hurt?

The treatment is painful however to minimise the discomfort we apply topical anesthetic to the area an hour before the treatment. The discomfort is similar to bad sunburn and usually stings for a few hours post the treatment.

What are the risks?

Erythema (redness of skin); the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will gradually fade during the first few days. Inflammation (swelling); Treatment with the Fractional CO2 presents a minimal amount of swelling that can last up to 24 hours.
Hyperpigmentation (tanning); This is presented after the third day of the procedure but then begins to shed and reveal younger healthy looking skin.

A personal interview and clinical examination will be conducted to obtain relevant facts about your medical and dermatologic history, and any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past. If you are prone to cold sores, you need to ask your doctor for an antivirius prescription before the treatment.

Fractional Treatment has been proven safe for the face, neck, chest and hands.

How long is recovery?

Typical downtime is 6 days. The patient will not be able to go to work within the first 5 days. No make up must be applied for the first 7 days after treatment. During this time period you will keep the skin clean and moist with Vaseline.

What is the recovery like?

The patient is red and can be swollen the day after. On the second, third and fourth day the patient is peeling and can experience a little itchiness typical to a sunburn.

When do you see the results?

You will see gradual improvement in the appearance of your skin immediately after the initial healing phase is complete at about 5 days. When we are doing the procedure you can immediately see the skin contract and shrink. The patient will really see the benefits by the time the skin is completely peeled and will continue to see results for up to six months with new collagen regeneration that “plumps” up the skin. The results are permanent.

Who is the best candidate for this procedure?

Fractional Co2 Laser resurfacing is suitable for thethe younger patient with severe acne scars; the middle-aged patient with wrinkles and age spots; and the older patient with wrinkles, age spots and pre-cancerous lesions.

How many treatments are needed?

In most cases only one, but for deeper wrinkles and acne scars two or more treatments.

Is it just for the face or can it be used on other areas of the body?

It is most commonly used on the face but can be used on neck, chest, arms and hands.

Contact us for more information on this treatment