What A CO2 Fractional Laser Can Do For You

If you have problem skin from any number of different causes and can’t seem to find a solution to help clear things up, the use of lasers to actually resurface an area of the face or body can be just the solution you’re looking for.

A CO2 fractional laser sounds like a device straight out of a science fiction movie, but in reality it is a fairly simple tool that can help you take care of a common and difficult problem.

Skin resurfacing is a process in which a CO2 fractional laser can dissolve molecular bonds on the surface of human skin to help smooth over and eliminate the presence of unsightly defects such as wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, acne and unwanted veins. It can also be used to help smooth out loose and wrinkled areas resulting from liposuction surgery.

These types of lasers have traditionally been used to complete this process, but the use of a CO2 fractional laser has become most common in recent years due to its increased effectiveness, lower risk and less resulting time needed to heal.

To complete the process, small points of light deliver the lasers to the skin’s surface in a small fraction of the area to be treated. Thousands of these tiny pinpoints of light can be applied per square inch, meaning that only the necessary areas will be hit and that healthy skin can remain unaffected on the periphery.

This is important and one of the most beneficial aspects of the use of these types of lasers because it makes the process a lot safer and easier for the patient. Fewer points of contact between the lasers and the targeted surface area means less chance of scarring or irritation post-surgery and also reduces the time needed to heal completely.

At the same time, a goal of this type of procedure is to facilitate the growth of new, healthy tissue in place of the blemishes that previously existed. Leaving healthier, untouched tissue within the target area helps to promote this and makes the process faster and more complete.

Another benefit of this type of procedure is the ability for the surgeon to customize how he or she treats each individual patient. Unlike with related treatments such as chemical peels or even other forms of cosmetic surgery, the use of a CO2 fractional laser allows for pinpoint control over not only the specific area to be treated right down to the millimeter, but also the intensity and level of treatment. This helps the surgeon deliver just the right amount of force to manipulate the tissue without causing unneeded damage or side effects that can limit the effectiveness of his or her work.

With all this in mind, a CO2 fractional laser may still sound like a space-age tool straight out of a movie, but in reality it can be a simple, effective solution to a problem that many regular people have. At the very least, it’s certainly worth discussing with your doctor or dermatologist to determine if it is right for you.