FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER - LMR Plastic Surgery
WHAT IS FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER?
Fractional CO2 Laser is a non-surgical rejuvenation treatment that stimulates the production of collagen in the dermis, improving its elasticity, wrinkles, scars and some blemishes.
By blasting an energy wave that penetrates the skin’s surface, CO2 Laser removes the skin’s outer layers, thus promoting its regeneration, and giving way to a younger, flawless and more radiant skin.
FOR WHOM IS
CO2 LASER INDICATED?
For whom is CO2 Laser indicated? The Fractional CO2 Laser is indicated for the treatment and prevention of aging signs, promoting cell regeneration and collagen production.
The main applications of this treatment are:
- Treatment of fine wrinkles, especially “frown lines”, “crow’s feet” and “smile lines”;
- Dull and dry skin;
- Flaccidity;
- Brownish blemishes;
- Enlarged pores;
- Acne scars.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT
AFTER FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER TREATMENT
Right after the treatment, your skin will be more sensitive, reddened and even swollen in certain areas. Two to three days later you will have small scabs that will fall spontaneously as a new skin surfaces. The difference is usually visible 10 to 15 days after treatment, providing the following results:
- More hydrated and luminous looking skin;
- Firmer skin;
- Smoothed wrinkles and expression lines;
- Lighter blemishes.
FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER
TREATMENT PROCEDURE
CO2 Laser is a quick and simple treatment with minimal and brief discomfort.
It is performed in a standard examination room and the patient goes home immediately after the treatment. The treatment involves:
Preliminary skin cleansing.
Application of an anesthetic cream 30 to 60 min in advance to minimize discomfort.
Treatment execution at the previously defined intensity.
FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER AFTERCARE AND RECOVERY
In the days following a Fractional CO2 Laser treatment, the skin might be more sensitive, pink or even swollen in some areas, especially where the skin is thinner, like the periocular area.
Two to three days later, the skin will be covered with small dry scabs that will fall off as new skin surfaces. The skin will be back to normal 10 to 15 days after the treatment, which is when you can return to your daily routine.
However, it is extremely important to strictly follow all post-treatment care:
- Using cold compresses to relieve the burning sensation;
- Avoid direct sun exposure for the 15 days following the Fractional CO2 Laser treatment;
- Using specific moisturizer, following medical indications;
- Using high protection sunscreen.
FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER TREATMENT
STEP BY STEP
ANESTHETIC CREAM
30 to 60 min before treatment, the skin is cleaned/disinfected and an anesthetic cream is applied.
EXECUTION
Light is blasted through the laser, removing the superficial layer of the skin in a controlled manner.
TREATMENT
The treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas to be treated.
AFTERCARE
After the treatment, a healing and regenerating cream is applied.
BENEFITS OF FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER
- It stimulates collagen production;
- It prevents and treats small wrinkles;
- It improves sun blemishes;
- It improves skin flaccidity;
- It rejuvenates the skin and improves its texture;
- Visible result after a few days;
- It is safe, fast and effective;
- Quick recovery.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Joana Alves Barbosa / Dermatologist
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: n.º 64457, Dermatologist.
Master in Medicine from the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute.
She completed her medical internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, having complemented her training in Dermatology with internships in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO do Porto.
Her main areas of interest include General, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
About
Dr. Nelia Cunha / Dermatologist
BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER
Medical license n.º 52765
She completed her Integrated Master in Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, and her Internship in the Dermatovenereology Specialty at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central.
Dra. Nelia complemented her specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASER, at the Dermalas Clinic of the Teknon Medical Centre in Barcelona, in Hair and Nail Diseases, at the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital Centre of Brussels, and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO of Lisbon. Additionally, she has attended courses in several areas including Dermatoscopy, Cosmetic Dermatology, Peelings and LASERs.
Her activity encompasses General Dermatology (acne, rosacea, eczema, screening/evaluation of “signs”, pigmented and non-pigmented skin blemishes and lesions, among others), Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatologic Surgery and Laser therapy, including skin rejuvenation procedures, such as Fractional CO2 Laser.
Assiduously participates in national and international courses and congresses of the specialty and areas of differentiation. She collaborates in the training of doctors in the area of Dermatology. Additionally, she teaches Dermatology at the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa and she is an investigator in Multicenter Clinical Trials. She has authored and co-authored articles in scientific journals and book chapters in the field of Dermatology.
FAQ about
Fractional CO2 Laser
IS CO2 LASER SAFE?
Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment with a low complications rate as long as it is performed by a dermatologist with several years of experience in this type of treatment.
HOW MUCH DOES CO2 LASER COST IN LISBON?
The price of a fractional CO2 Laser treatment will depend on the facial areas to be treated and the number of sessions required. During the medical appointment, a treatment plan will be presented with the respective cost for your specific case.
IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?
CO2 Laser is a quick treatment and discomfort is minimal and brief – an anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 60 minutes before treatment to minimize the associated discomfort.
HOW QUICKLY WILL RESULTS BE NOTICEABLE?
Two to three days after the treatment, small scabs will appear and then fall over the days. The skin will go back to normal 10 to 15 days after the treatment, at which point it will be possible to see the improvement in its appearance.
HOW LONG DO CO2 LASER RESULTS LAST?
As the result is due to the stimulation of collagen production during healing and an increase in skin firmness, there is no time limit for the results. The skin continues its natural aging process, but from a better condition. Several sessions of CO2 laser can be performed, thus achieving progressively improved results.
CAN PEOPLE WITH DARKER SKIN UNDERGO CO2 LASER TREATMENT?
There are some restrictions for higher phototypes (darker-skinned patients). As the laser light targets the pigment that conveys color to the skin and hair, patients with darker skin are at risk of absorbing more of the laser light, thus suffering skin burns. Specific skin conditions should be evaluated by the dermatologist.
CAN THE TREATMENT BE PERFORMED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR?
Fractional CO2 Laser should be performed during autumn/winter, as in summer it is more difficult to avoid sun exposure and heat, and the treated area becomes more fragile and subject to related complications.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CO2 LASER TREATMENT?
CO2 Laser is usually well tolerated and complications are rare. However, in the first days after treatment, swelling and redness may occur in the most sensitive areas of the face. These effects are temporary and disappear quickly.
WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS OF FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER?
Laser CO2 has few contraindications and these are common to most procedures:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Patients with active acne, being treated with isotretinoin;
- Active herpes;
- Patients undergoing immunodepressive therapy;
- Suspicious pigment lesions;
- Other medical conditions should be evaluated individually by a dermatologist.
