What is a fractional co2 laser?

CO2 lasers have been used to improve the appearance of skin since 1995, when the technology received FDA approval. Those early lasers were able to deliver really good results, helping to correct issues like sun damage, enlarged pores, acne scars, and uneven tone and texture that can make skin look old, worn and uncared for. In fact, CO2 lasers are especially effective in treating soft tissues like skin since soft tissues contain a high amount of water, which absorbs the laser energy very efficiently.

But while early CO2 lasers were very effective, they did have a drawback when it came to procedures like resurfacing that require a large degree of control and consistency: Because they deliver the energy as a continuous, uninterrupted “stream” across the surface of the treatment area, they lacked the precision necessary to achieve optimal results in skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments. In many patients, that lack of precision resulted in undercorrections or overcorrections, sometimes causing changes in the skin's pigments or other unwanted complications.

To address those issues, scientists headed back to the drawing board and developed a new type of technology – fractional laser systems – that enable doctors to achieve more precise, consistent results with far fewer risks.

What is a fractional CO2 laser?

Fractional CO2 lasers use the same type of approach as their predecessors, but instead of applying the laser energy across the entire surface of the skin, they direct it to tiny columns of skin tissue, leaving areas in between untreated. The columns are located close enough together to achieve the same benefits as “non-fractionated” CO2 laser treatments, but the tiny bridges of untreated skin means there's less risk of damage and much faster healing time for patients. Plus, fractionated lasers stimulate the production of collagen, which leaves your skin feeling and looking firmer and more youthful over time.

Because of their high degree of precision, fractional CO2 laser treatment has become the “gold standard” for treating many skin issues, many of which can be resolved in just one treatment, including:

• sunspots and age spots
• acne scars
• wrinkles and creases
• uneven texture
• areas of discoloration
• Malasma
• Rosacea
• freckles
• skin laxity

No anesthesia is required and there's no downtime, so you can get back to your active life.

Find out more about laser treatments.

At Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, we offer custom skin treatments designed for each patient's unique needs. Take the first step toward better-looking skin and schedule your personal evaluation today.