Fractionated CO2 lasers are an important advance in treating aging and sun damaged skin. It is important to understand how they work and how they are different from the older CO2 lasers.
The First CO2 Lasers
The previous CO2 lasers were total resurfacing lasers. Intense laser heat burned off the outer skin layers. Healing took 1-2 weeks. Skin was permanently lightened, redness lasted at least six weeks and severe scarring was a risk. The skin was permanently thinner. Demarcation lines where the laser treatment ended and the rest of your skin began could be very noticeable.
The Fraxel and The ND Yag Lasers
Next came the Fraxel laser and ND Yag laser skin treatments. These lasers do not penetrate the skin but heat it in tiny columns to induce skin improvement. Four to five treatments are needed to see results. At effective levels of heat, it is quite painful. There is little or no recovery time.
The New Fractionated Lasers
Now we have fractionated CO2 lasers. These are the first choice for sun damaged and aging skin. We use the Smart Exide Dot laser. These lasers combine the penetration of the original CO2 resurfacing lasers with the tiny treatment columns of the Fraxel. Fewer treatments are needed, sometimes only one. Down time varies from 2 – 10 days but the average is five days.
What to expect from your Smart Exide Dot Laser Treatment
You will see improvement in skin texture and color, softening of lines and wrinkles and fading of skin discoloration. The ideal skin for this treatment is a person with moderate but not severe sun damage as is usually seen in a person from 45 – 55. It may not be the best treatment for severe sun damage and severe skin damage from smoking.
Done in the Operating Room
- You are asleep so you feel no pain.
- You wake up with Aquaphor or other ointment on your skin. This keeps the skin moist and allows rapid, smooth healing. You apply Aquaphor as needed until all crusts are gone and skin is healed.
Done in the office
- You come in an hour ahead of treatment for two applications of topical numbing medicine.
- Morgan will also block major nerves with local anesthetic to minimize pain.
- You may want some oral sedation but this is optional.
- Once you are numb and the skin is treated, it takes about 40 minutes for the full face, a bit longer if the neck and decollete are treated too.
- You need a ride home afterwards.
- You rest at home and keep the skin moist with Aquaphor. Average time for healing is five days.