CO2 Fractional Laser

How it works

The laser creates a grid of tiny columns of removed skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. Healing replaces the treated columns with new skin and stimulates collagen over several months. Deeper and denser settings produce stronger effects and longer healing, while lighter settings are repeated more often. Cost follows the area (full face or a section), the depth and density, the number of sessions and the aftercare products used. Results vary by person.

Who it may suit

• Moderate acne scars and rough texture
• Fine to moderate wrinkles
• Enlarged pores and sun-damaged skin
• People who can plan about a week of visible healing

The treatment day

1. Consultation. The doctor reviews your skin, scars and medications, and chooses depth and density.
2. Numbing. Strong numbing cream is applied for a period before the treatment. Anesthesia options are a quote line.
3. Laser passes. The laser is passed over the area. The skin feels hot and may show pinpoint bleeding.
4. Dressing and instructions. Ointment and sometimes a dressing are applied, and you receive a healing plan.

Aftercare

• Redness, swelling and crusting commonly last roughly five to seven days
• Keep the skin moisturized with the recommended ointment
• Avoid picking, scrubbing and sun
• Wear sunscreen once the skin has closed
• Contact the clinic for severe pain, pus, fever or cold-sore symptoms

Things to know first

• Prolonged redness, darkening or lightening of skin, infection, scarring and flare of cold sores can occur
• Darker skin tones have a higher risk of pigment change
• Isotretinoin use, pregnancy and active infection are usual reasons to wait
• Several sessions are normally needed and results vary by person
• Strict sun avoidance is part of the plan

What the price of CO2 fractional laser depends on

Area and settings define the core price. A full face costs more than cheeks only, and a deeper, denser pass takes longer and heals more slowly. Ask whether the quote is for a stated area and intensity so you can compare it to another.

Sessions come next. Many scar plans involve two to four visits one to two months apart. Packages can reduce the per-visit figure, but because the settings are adjusted after each visit, the plan can change. Ask how that is handled financially.

Then there are supporting items: numbing cream or stronger anesthesia, healing ointments, dressings, sun protection and antiviral medicine for those with cold sores. Some are included and some are sold separately. Ask for each, and for tax status.