Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing for Scars & Anti-Aging
Fractional (or “Fraxel”) CO2 Laser resurfacing is a newer & safer form of traditional CO2 laser skin resurfacing that penetrates deeper into the layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production.
The treatment helps restore the look and feel of wrinkled and sun damaged skin, and can also be effective for diminishing the appearance of acne scarring and skin discoloration.
See also:
Dr. Rajagopal discusses Fraxel C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing on KRON4
*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue. These lasers vaporize skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by the water in these cells. Skin imperfections are rapidly and accurately treated one layer at a time without bleeding, while the underlying skin tissue is preserved. As a result of this treatment, the patient is left with more natural looking skin.
CO2 vs Fraxel C02 Laser
Fractional CO2 is a safer, more effective treatment than traditional fully ablative C02 laser, with minimal side effects. Benefits of fractional CO2 Laser treatment include
- less downtime than ablative C02 lasers (7-10 days vs. 3-4 weeks)
- greatly minimizes the chance of scarring, permanent pigmentation
- no need for complete anesthesia
- takes 5-10 years off skin age
- reduced wrinkles, sun damage, & acne scaring
- improved skin tightening
Fraxel CO2 laser is the #1 new Anti-aging treatment according to WebMD
Watch a testimonial from Dr. Rajagopal’s Fraxel C02 Patient
*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
How is Fractional C02 (Fraxel) Skin Resurfacing Different from Erbium skin resurfacing?
Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a milder and less invasive treatment than a Fractional C02 laser. A Fractional C02 laser is able to remove deeper layers of damaged skin than the erbium laser. For patients with deep wrinkles or severe sun damage or acne scarring, Fractional C02 laser skin resurfacing might be a more efficient treatment option. (8days vs 2-3 weeks)
The Best Candidates For Laser Resurfacing
If you have tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, then laser resurfacing can help you. It can improve sun damaged and acne scarred skin which often cause concern to both men and women. The C02 laser will produce mild long lasting change in skin texture and tone, so generally it is used for the entire face.
The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
The physician directs the laser beam toward the patient’s skin imperfection. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness. The surgery is done under anesthesia so when the procedure is completes your face will be covered with a dressing that you will leave on for 3-5 days.
Dr. Rajagopal discusses scar treatment with fraxel and ablative laser treatment:
*Laser Resurfacing San Francisco Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Before & After Photos
*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
After Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing
The recovery process varies greatly from patient to patient. On average though, typical downtime after Fractional CO2 (fraxel) laser treatment on the face is 5-7 days, and it can take 7-10 days to recover from treatment formed on the hands, arms and décolletage.
After Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment
After your fraxel skin treatment, there will be an initial redness, which will fade in a few weeks to a light pink. The color can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration (hyperpigmentation) may appear 3-6 weeks after the procedure but with skin creams will eventually disappear in 1-3 months.