Fractional CO2 laser treatment

What is important to know about CO2 laser treatment?

Fractional skin renewal with Fraxis CO₂ laser is advanced, minimally invasive procedure during which laser beams create microthermal zones in epidermis and dermis, stimulating natural skin regeneration and intensive collagen and elastin production.

Procedure significantly improves skin texture, firmness, and tone, effectively reduces fine and medium-depth wrinkles, scars, pigmentation changes, and sun-induced skin damage.

Compared to traditional ablative laser technologies, fractional CO2 laser treatment features shorter healing period and lower complication risk.

Most commonly applied for facial, neck, and décolletage area fractional skin renewal, but this procedure is suitable for various body areas.

How to prepare for Fraxis CO2 laser treatment?

• 2–4 weeks before procedure, direct sun rays and tanning bed should be avoided. Do not forget to use broad-spectrum UV protection cream.
• At least 4 weeks before procedure, aggressive skin exfoliation procedures should be avoided.
• At least 7-10 days before procedure, smoking and alcohol consumption should be limited and, after consulting with dermatologist, blood-thinning medications or supplements should be avoided.
• 4–7 days before procedure, use of active skincare products (for example, retinoids, acids) should be discontinued.
• There should be no active infections or acute skin diseases at procedure site.
• It is important to inform doctor about used medications and previous procedures or surgeries in affected area.

Procedure course

Target skin areas are disinfected; local anesthetic cream is applied to them to reduce discomfort.

With Fraxis CO₂ laser, microthermal zones are created very precisely and controllably in epidermis and dermis, where laser energy is selectively absorbed by water in skin. Tissue is controllably affected by laser heat, so skin regeneration and new collagen production are activated.

Procedure duration varies, typically ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area and the intensity of the treatment.

After CO2 laser treatment

• First 3–5 days, skin is slightly swollen and sensitive. After 2–7 days, peeling may begin. Full regeneration usually lasts about 7–10 days, but skin redness may persist for 3–4 weeks or longer.
• First 48 hours, it is important to avoid hot water, sauna, steam rooms, and intensive physical exertion.
• For at least 6 weeks, avoid direct sun rays and tanning bed. It is important to use high-protection sun cream (SPF 50 or higher), even when indoors.
• Skin is regularly treated with cream indicated by dermatologist. For at least 2–4 weeks, retinoids, acidic scrubs, and other active skincare products should be avoided. Makeup is possible only when skin is fully healed.
• After procedure, scabs and blisters may form, which is important not to scratch. Temporary pigmentation changes may also occur. These changes usually pass within several weeks or months.