Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

By Mariam Alimi, MSN, FNP, BC

Fractional CO2, a skin resurfacing treatment, is considered by many dermatologists and skin specialists to be the anti-aging breakthrough of the decade. Fractional CO2 combines the effectiveness of traditional carbon dioxide lasers, long thought to be the gold standard in wrinkle removal, with a new application technique and delivers powerful results without the traditionally harsh side effects and downtime.

“Essentially, you are getting all the benefits of laser resurfacing, still the best way to remove wrinkles, but you're getting it without the downtime and without the horrendous complication rate,” says David Goldberg, MD, Director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

The goal of fractional laser treatment is simple replace damaged skin with new, fresh skin. The primary targets of fractional CO2 include

Fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead

Crow's feet around the eyes

Pucker marks (smoker's lines) and frown lines

Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone

Scars, especially acne scars

Stretch marks

How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The natural aging process, combined with exposure to sun and pollution, destroys collagen, the main protein of connective tissue that keeps skin plump and line-free. Laser resurfacing uses small beams of energy light to bore tiny holes in the skin, which works to put the body's natural collagen production on fast-forward.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does this in a way that prevents damage to the top layer of skin, offering maximum results with minimal recovery.

The results of the treatments can be dramatic and with proper sun protection, effects are thought to last eight to ten years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, and some, such as new collagen formation, build up gradually. The result is continued smoothing over time. Most people will continue to show improvement up to six months after the procedure.

Tighten Your Eyes With
the Madonna Lift

The eyes are an area that often times gives our age away because of the aging on the skin that surrounds them. As one ages they may form a number of conditions including dark circles, drooping eyelids or creppy skin underneath the eyes. In the past the only way to treat the eyes was a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty that involves down time.

The “Madonna lift” is a non-surgical procedure that uses laser technology to treat the skin effectively and safely around on the eyelids and the skin that surrounds the eyes. The Fractional CO2 works by sending out columns of light and energy to treat a fraction of the skin (30-50%), leaving patches of undamaged skin in tact, which speeds up the healing process. With the “Madonna lift” one is able to

Rejuvenate the skin's collagen

Reduce wrinkles that surround the eyes

Helps reduce crow's feet

Tighten the eyelids and lift the eyebrows to help make the eyes look more alert