Are all fractional co2 lasers and their results the same?

Doctor's Answers 2

There are many CO2 lasers in the market and each with their own proposed form of individual technology. Some even combine with other modalities such as radio-frequency and report synergistic results.

The specifics of the above considerations are something that we as doctors take when purchasing the machine, and, I would say, is not something you as a patient should be too concerned with; what matters most is the operator's experience with lasers in general, as well as with the machine he/she has in his/her clinic - being able to manipulate the machine correctly is most important to ensure results are optimised while side effects are minimised.

More importantly, scars typically require a mixture of techniques for optimal outcome, and this means more than just using "the best" CO2 laser in the market. Some patients require minor dermatological surgeries like subcision with or without fillers, and others TCA Cross for pitted scars - something CO2 lasers, regardless of worth, will not be able to treat sufficiently well without first causing major side effects.

It would be best for you to discuss with your doctor your current issues and needs before committing to a procedure.

Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time, analogous to a photographic image being enhanced or altered pixel by pixel.

A fractional CO2 laser is an ablative fractionated laser that uses carbon dioxide gas as its medium and emits energy at 10600nm, aim to resurface skin to treat:

  1. deep textural scar-like hypertrophic scars
  2. pores reduction
  3. rhytids
  4. and fine lines reduction

Different brands of fractional CO2 laser work similarly thus providing similar efficacy, e.g.:

  1. FRAXEL Repair
  2. Lumenis
  3. EDGE
  4. etc

However, it is crucial to first identify your specific skin concerns, discussing with your aesthetic doctor who is experienced in laser, understands each treatment benefits and combination treatment options, as well as the potential risk of treatments you are considering.

Similar Questions

How does Agnes RF compare to Fractional CO2 lasers for syringoma removal?

Hi, In principle, Agnes RF would be “better” compared to fractional CO2 for treating syringomas. This is because the insulated needle of Agnes RF can be inserted directly to where the syringoma is and the skin surface is minimally damaged during the procedure. I have found Fractional CO2 laser not very effective in treating syringomas as the treatment does not destroy the syringoma completely and the leftover syringoma grows back rather quickly.

Photo of Dr Chin Yee Choong

Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

What is the ideal length of time between subcision and fractional CO2 laser treatment for acne scars?

To address your questions: 1. Generally subcision (I assume with some collagen stimulators) will lead to collagen stimulation, and this is also what CO2 laser aims to do. Some experts suggest that an interval of at least 4 – 6 weeks is kept between each collagen-stimulating treatment for optimal results. There is no real good answer – as social downtime and other considerations have to be taken into account by the doctor in recommending the treatments. My personal preference though is not to stretch the treatment too wide apart – 6 months does seem to me to be a little long.

Photo of Dr Winston  Lee

Answered By

Dr Winston Lee

Aesthetic

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