How does CO2 fractional laser treatment work?
The fractional laser is an effective treatment method for reducing acne scars, wrinkles and pigmentation spots. The laser uses a safe technique to improve your skin in a controlled manner. Your skin becomes smoother, firmer and looks more vital.
Am I suitable for CO2 fractional laser treatment?
Most men and women who suffer from scars, large pores, an uneven skin surface or visibly aged skin will benefit from CO2 fractional laser treatment. There is always a consultation before any treatment takes place. The doctor will assess your personal situation and give you advice on a suitable treatment.
What does a treatment with the CO2 fractional laser involve?
Before the actual laser treatment begins, the skin in the treatment area is rubbed with an anaesthetic cream. After a reaction time of approx. 20 minutes, the cream is removed and the treatment begins. The laser beams of the CO2 fractional laser are distributed on the skin through a grid. This method exfoliates your entire skin surface and creates a new, improved skin structure.
What can I expect after a CO2 fractional laser treatment?
You may leave the clinic immediately after the laser treatment. The treatment is not completely painless. Occasionally there is a burning sensation on the skin. For this reason, your skin will be cooled with a special product during the treatment. Your skin will also be treated with a cooling cream after the laser treatment.
What can I expect from the results of CO2 fractional laser treatment?
The duration of a CO2 fractional laser treatment depends on the area to be treated. After the treatment, there may be temporary redness and slight swelling of the treated skin. The redness and swelling usually disappear within the first few hours after the treatment. Any crusts that form on your skin will fall off within a few days. It takes an average of 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to fully recover. The effect of the treatment can last for several months or even years. The number of treatments required varies per person.
Is the CO2 fractional laser treatment painful?
Treatment with the CO2 fractional laser is not completely painless. Many patients experience a burning and warm sensation during the treatment. To minimise discomfort, your skin is treated with an anaesthetic cream before the treatment.
What are the advantages of CO2 fractional laser treatment?
There are a number of advantages of CO2 fractional laser treatment. Almost every skin type is suitable for the treatment. Your skin is stimulated by the treatment to produce new collagen. The CO2 fractional laser is suitable for treating the face, skin, décolleté, hands and feet. The treatment is not tied to a specific period of time. You can make an appointment for CO2 fractional laser treatment all year round.
Does the CO2 fractional laser treatment take place under general anaesthetic?
Treatment can be perceived as unpleasant. To reduce the discomfort, the skin is treated with an anaesthetic cream before the treatment. Your skin is constantly cooled during the treatment. A general anaesthetic is not used for CO2 fractional laser treatment. If you suffer from pain after the treatment, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol.
How does the CO2 fractional laser treatment work?
On the day of the laser treatment, the treatment procedure will be discussed with you again. Photos will also be taken for your medical records. Your skin will be treated with an anaesthetic cream before the treatment begins. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the cream is removed and the treatment can begin. The CO2 fractional laser creates tiny holes in your skin. Up to 250 holes per square centimetre can be lasered. As a result, your skin cells contract and the skin becomes firmer. The outer and inner cell layers are renewed during the recovery process. After the treatment, your skin becomes more resilient and has a smoother texture.
When is the effect of CO2 fractional laser treatment optimal?
After the laser treatment, you can enjoy beautiful, smooth and firmer skin that is less dry and has a better complexion. With good skin care, the results will remain visible for one to three years. You should take care to prevent new wrinkles. Smoking, for example, causes vertical wrinkles on the upper lip. Sun exposure without a good sun protection factor also reduces the effect of the laser treatment. The CO2 fractional laser treatment serves to improve the surface of the skin. Do you have any other expectations of the treatment? A doctor at the Acura medical centre can give you more information.
How much does treatment with the CO2 fractional laser cost?
What costs should I expect for CO2 fractional laser treatment?
The costs for a CO2 fractional laser treatment depends on the diagnosis and your personal treatment plan. During the consultation, the doctor will inform you how many treatments are needed to achieve the best results for your situation. The price for CO2 fractional laser treatment of one region is 175€.
Can the costs of CO2 fractional laser treatment be reimbursed?
As a rule, health insurance companies reimburse the costs of CO2 fractional laser treatment in part or even in full. This depends on your personal situation. You can find further information in the terms and conditions of your health insurance. You should contact your health insurance company directly.
What are the risks of CO2 fractional laser treatment?
Laser treatment always leads to a slight lightening of the skin. This slight discolouration can last for several years. CO2 fractional laser treatment is not recommended for heavily pigmented skin, as the new, lighter-coloured skin will be clearly visible. Your doctor can inform you about alternative treatments. The colour of the skin will return to normal when exposed to sunlight. Dark-skinned people may experience a temporary discolouration of the skin. In some cases, a permanent discolouration occurs. Occasionally, blotchy pigmentation occurs in the treatment area. This can also persist over a longer period of time. During the consultation, the doctor will inform you in detail about the risk of pigmentation. Long-lasting redness may also occur, as well as a feeling of tension in the eyelids. In rare cases, an allergic reaction or complications during wound healing may occur.
Is CO2 fractional laser treatment safe?
Skin-improving laser treatments have been used successfully around the world for many years. The treatment has been scientifically proven to be effective and is approved by the American FDA.
Can a CO2 fractional laser treatment be carried out despite a cold sore?
Herpes blisters are annoying. Are you suffering from cold sores at the time of treatment? The doctor treating you may decide to postpone treatment until the herpes blisters have disappeared.
How do I care for my skin after a CO2 fractional laser treatment?
It is extremely important that you take good care of your skin after the laser treatment. You should use mild products to gently cleanse your skin. Use a sun cream with sun protection factor 30 or higher for the first few months after the treatment. You should optimally protect your skin from sunlight and avoid using chemicals if possible.
What does a CO2 fractional laser treatment feel like?
The sensations of the treatment vary from person to person. There is usually no real pain. Some patients report a burning sensation on the skin. For this reason, your skin will be cooled during and after the treatment. Your doctor will be able to give you more information.
For whom is CO2 fractional laser treatment not suitable?
Your medical background will be discussed during the consultation. Treatment with the fractional laser has a number of contraindications. If this is the case, you can opt for an alternative treatment. Some of these contraindications are Psoriasis, vitiligo (chequered skin), (skin) cancer, MS, certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory reactions of the skin and taking certain medications.
Who carries out laser treatment?
The treatment is carried out by an experienced skin therapist or doctor. A personalised diagnosis will be made before the treatment and you will receive a treatment recommendation.
What should I look out for during CO2 fractional laser treatment?
Your doctor will give you advice and tips to optimise the treatment process. We advise you to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or going to the tanning parlour for at least 3 weeks before treatment. If you occasionally suffer from cold sores, you should apply an anti-herpes cream before treatment for preventative reasons. If you are taking medication, you should discuss this with your doctor.
What can I expect during the consultation at the Acura Medical Centre?
The Acura medical centre prepares you for the treatment. During the consultation, you will be informed about the method and technique of CO2 fractional laser treatment. You will also discuss your current state of health and your medical history. The doctor will draw your attention to possible risks and side effects. You will have the opportunity to express your wishes and expectations. Alternative options for skin rejuvenation will be explained by the doctor. You will have enough time to ask all your questions. You will receive a personalised treatment plan with a complete cost overview. You can make an appointment directly for the CO2 fractional laser treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
We always try to work as intensively as possible in order to achieve a beautiful result in just one treatment. For many patients, one treatment is sufficient. However, whether a laser treatment needs to be repeated depends on the condition of your skin.
How long does regeneration take?
The days following the treatment, your skin will mainly be slightly red and swollen. Crusts may also appear. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, it takes an average of 5 to 10 days for the discomfort to disappear.
How quickly will I recognise the result of the treatment?
The first results are visible after 10 days. However, as the stimulation of collagen lasts up to 3 months, the optimum result is only achieved after 3 months.
How long should I avoid the sun after the treatment?
We recommend avoiding natural sunlight and the solarium for up to 3 months after treatment. It is also important to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 every day.
Which areas can be treated with the fractional CO2 laser?
Laser treatments are widely used. Common treatment areas are the face, neck, décolleté and back of the hands.
How can I prepare for a fractional CO2 laser treatment?
The skin therapist treating you will give you advice on how to prepare for the treatment. You should not expose your skin to sunlight and/or a sunbed in the month before the CO2 laser treatment. UV radiation can lead to so-called pigment differences after the treatment. These appear as dark spots on the skin.
Is the fractional CO2 laser a suitable treatment for acne?
The fractionated CO2 laser works in the skin and can treat both scars and colour differences. Depending on the degree of acne and the existing scars, a personalised treatment plan is drawn up. In a consultation, the skin therapist decides which treatment is most suitable. Various fractional CO2 lasers can be combined to achieve the best possible result.
Can I go back to work after the CO2 laser treatment?
You should rest for about three days after the treatment. Make sure you protect your skin adequately from the sun when working outdoors.
At what age can I undergo fractional CO2 laser treatment?
Minors and adolescents are eligible for fractional laser treatment, but a parent or guardian must give permission. It is a safe cosmetic treatment with a relatively low risk and excellent results.
Can I also have my acne treated with the CO2 laser at an older age?
Acne can still occur after the age of 40. Even if you did not suffer from it during puberty, acne can develop later. The skin symptoms do not differ, regardless of when the acne occurs. Treatment with the CO2 laser is also suitable if you are confronted with acne at an older age.
When can I start skin rejuvenation with the fractional CO2 laser?
The fractional CO2 laser for skin rejuvenation has no real age limit. Some people see the first signs of natural skin ageing from the age of 25. This occurs earlier in some people than others. You can reduce the signs of skin ageing with the help of the fractional CO2 laser. The fractional CO2 laser stimulates the body's own collagen production and ensures supple, elastic skin that looks younger and fresher. Ask your skin therapist for advice on the possibilities of the CO2 laser. After the treatment, both the colour and texture of your skin should improve.
Which laser treatment is suitable for skin rejuvenation?
Based on your wishes, expectations and the condition of your skin, the skin therapist treating you will give you personalised advice.
How much time should be allowed between two fractional CO2 laser treatments?
The treated skin needs some time to relax and recover from the treatment. You should allow an average of 4 to 8 weeks.
When should fractional CO2 laser treatment not be carried out?
CO2 laser treatment is not recommended if you have a fever and/or an infection on the day of the procedure. Alternative treatment is also recommended if you are using anti-inflammatory and certain other medications. The presence of piercings, implants and tattoos in the area to be treated may also be a reason not to undergo the treatment. People with pacemakers and epilepsy are also generally not treated. Are you pregnant? Discuss this with your family doctor and/or gynaecologist.
Do I get a guarantee on the fractional CO2 laser treatment?
The fractional CO2 laser works differently for all patients. Various factors influence the final number of treatments. In exceptional cases, the laser may not have the desired effect. However, both doctors and skin therapists cannot predict this in advance. Unfortunately, no guarantees can be given for the treatment.
Can I massage the treated area after the treatment?
Follow the instructions of the skin therapist. It is recommended not to rub the treated areas for 24 hours and not to exert any localised pressure on them. Massage is therefore not recommended. This also applies to the application of make-up.
Further questions about CO2 fractional laser treatment?
Do you have any questions that are not listed here? You are welcome to contact us Contact us.