CO2 Fractionated Laser - LMR Plastic Surgery
What is Fractionated CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 LASER is a non-surgical rejuvenation treatment that stimulates collagen production in the dermis, improving its elasticity, wrinkles, scars and brown spots.
By applying energy that penetrates the surface of the skin, CO2 LASER removes the superficial part of the skin, thus promoting its regeneration, giving rise to newer, unmarked and brighter skin.
Who it's for
CO2 LASER?
Who is CO2 LASER suitable for? Fractional CO2 LASER is indicated for the treatment and prevention of age spots through cell regeneration and collagen production.
The main treatment restrictions are:
- Treatment of fine wrinkles, especially “bar codes”, “crow's feet” and “smile wrinkles”;
- Dry, dull skin;
- Sagging;
- Brown spots;
- Enlarged pores;
- Acne scars.
What results can I expect
after Fractional CO2 Laser treatment
Immediately after treatment, your skin will be more sensitive, reddened and even swollen in some areas. Two to three days later you will have small scabs that fall off spontaneously as new skin is born. The difference is usually visible 10 to 15 days after treatment, giving the following results:
- Skin looks more moisturised and radiant;
- Firmer skin;
- Wrinkles and expression lines smoothed;
- Lighter stains.
Treatment procedure
Fractional CO2 Laser
CO2 LASER is a simple, quick treatment and the discomfort is minimal and brief.
It is carried out in a consulting room and the patient goes home straight after the treatment. The treatment involves:
Pre-cleanse the skin.
Application of an anaesthetic cream 30 to 60 minutes beforehand to minimise discomfort.
Carrying out the treatment at the previously defined intensity.
Recovery and aftercare Fractional CO2 laser treatment
In the first few days after Fractionated CO2 LASER treatment, you can expect your skin to be more sensitive, pink or even swollen in some areas, especially in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the periocular area.
Two to three days later, the skin will be covered in small dry scabs that will fall off as the new skin grows. The skin returns to normal after 10/15 days and you can return to your daily routine.
However, it is extremely important to follow all post-treatment care measures to the letter:
- Use of cold compresses to relieve burning;
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for the first 15 days after treatment with Fractional CO2 LASER;
- Use of a specific moisturiser according to the doctor's instructions;
- Use of sunscreen with a high factor.
Fractional CO2 laser treatment
step-by-step
Anaesthetic cream
30 to 60 minutes before the treatment, the skin is cleaned/disinfected and an anaesthetic cream is applied.
Application
Application of light via LASER that will remove the superficial layer of skin in a controlled manner.
Treatment
The treatment is carried out in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas to be treated.
After
After the treatment, a healing and regenerating cream is applied.
Benefits of the Fractionated CO2 Laser
- Stimulates collagen production;
- Prevents and treats small wrinkles;
- Improves sun spots;
- Improves sagging skin;
- Rejuvenates and improves skin texture;
- Visible results after a few days;
- Safe, fast and effective;
- Quick recovery.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Joana Alves Barbosa / Dermatologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 64457, specialising in Dermatology.
Master in Medicine from the Institute of Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences.
He completed his medical training in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, and complemented his 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.
His main areas of interest include General, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
About
Dr Catarina Correia / Dermatologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 63759, specialising in Dermatology.
Dr Catarina Correia completed her Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto and completed his Medical Internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte.
He complemented his specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASER, as well as in Trichology (Hair Diseases), at the Dermatology Department of the University of Lisbon. Ramón y Cajal Hospital in Madrid, and in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Pedro Hispano Hospital.
Her clinical activity encompasses general dermatology - including acne, rosacea, eczema, screening and assessment of pigmented and non-pigmented skin signs, spots and lesions - hair and nail diseases, dermatological surgery and laser therapy. It is also dedicated to skin rejuvenation procedures, including LASER CO₂, LASER Fotona, microneedling radiofrequency and Ultraformer, among others.
About
Dr Nélia Cunha / Dermatology
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: ballot paper no. 52765.
He completed his Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon and the Medical Internship in the Speciality of Dermatovenereology at the Lisbon Central Hospital and University Centre.
She complemented her specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASERs 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 in Brussels, and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO in Lisbon. He has attended courses in various areas including Dermoscopy, Cosmetic Dermatology, Peelings and LASERs.
Its activity encompasses General Dermatology (acne, rosacea, eczema, screening/evaluation of “signs”, pigmented and non-pigmented skin spots and lesions, among others), Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Therapy, including skin rejuvenation procedures such as Fractional CO2 LASER.
He is a regular participant in national and international courses and congresses in the speciality and areas of differentiation. She collaborates in the training of doctors in the field of Dermatology. She is also a lecturer in Dermatology at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Universidade Nova de Lisboa and a researcher in Multicentre Clinical Trials. She has authored and co-authored articles in scientific journals and book chapters in the field of Dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions about
FRACTIONATED CO2 LASER
Is CO2 LASER a safe treatment?
Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment with a low complication rate, as long as it is carried out by a dermatologist with many years' experience in carrying out this type of treatment.
What is the price of CO2 LASER treatment at your clinic (Lisbon and Porto)?
The price of the Fractionated CO2 Laser, whether it is carried out in Lisbon or Porto, depends on the areas of the face to be treated and the number of sessions required. During your medical consultation, you will be presented with a treatment plan with the respective prices for your specific case.
Is the treatment painful?
The CO2 laser is a quick treatment and discomfort is minimal and brief - an anaesthetic cream is applied 30 to 60 minutes before treatment to minimise the associated discomfort.
How long does it take to get results?
Two to three days after the treatment, small scabs appear and fall off over time. The skin returns to normal 10/15 days after treatment, by which time you can already see the improvement in the skin's appearance.
How long does CO2 LASER 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 on the duration of the results. The skin continues its natural ageing process, but from a better level. You can have several CO2 laser sessions and achieve a progressive improvement in 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 gives colour to the skin and hair, darker-skinned patients run the risk of absorbing more of the laser light and causing skin burns. Specific skin conditions should be assessed by a dermatologist.
Can the treatment be carried out at any time of the year?
The Fractionated CO2 Laser is a treatment recommended for autumn/winter, because in summer it is more difficult to avoid the sun and heat, and the treated area becomes more fragile and subject to complications related to sun exposure.
What side effects are associated with CO2 LASER treatment?
The Co2 laser is generally well tolerated and complications are rare. However, in the first few days after treatment, swelling in the most sensitive areas of the face and redness may occur. These effects are temporary and disappear quickly.
What are the contraindications of Fractional CO2 LASER?
The CO2 laser has few contraindications and those that do exist are common to most procedures:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Patients with active acne, being treated with isotretinoin;
- Active herpes;
- Patients on immunodepressant treatment;
- Suspicious pigmentary lesions;
- Other medical conditions should be assessed individually in consultation with a dermatologist.
