Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular treatments at Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin. It is used for patients wanting to enhance the texture of their skin. With traditional chemical or non fractional laser peels, effective results are associated with long periods of downtime. Fractional CO2 laser technology offers a short-downtime solution for treating wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and texture.
Fractional laser skin resurfacing devices use 10400nm wavelength. They are referred to as carbon dioxide lasers. CO2 Lasers are considered the gold standard for skin resurfacing. Treatment outcomes are predictable and the results are considered dramatic. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and twilight sedation if desired.
The Technology behind Fractional CO2
Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing beams are delivered using light energy. The laser creates micro-tunnels in the skin. A microprocessor enable us to control the width, spacing and depth of these beams. They cover a fraction of the total surface area, leaving surrounding skin intact. This selective sparing of the skin facilitates faster healing and increased comfort. Skin injury caused by the laser beam is controlled and the skin responds by predictable repair process. The wound-healing process produce fibroblasts that generate new collagen, plumping the skin and dramatically correcting skin imperfections.
The fractional CO2 can remedy damaged tissue in just 1 to 2 treatments. The downtime from the procedure is short, and patients can typically resume their normal activities and get back to normal daily activities in as little as 3 to 4 days after the treatment.
Penetration Depth
Fractional skin resurfacing laser allows us to select from a wide spectrum of treatment depths and densities. Light, moderate or deep peels can be selected. Laser peel intensity is chosen according to the indications treated, the desired outcome and the patient’s tolerance of downtime. We use light laser peels to erase pigmentation. Medium depth for fine lines and wrinkles.
Coverage Density
We choose low-density spacing for more conservative, shorter-downtime treatments. On the other hand, more compact-density area coverage is useful for more immediate treatment results or to reduce the number of treatment sessions. Furthermore the actual size of the beam can be as small as 0.2 mm thanks to a powerful micro-scanner.
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Indications
Rejuvenation
Identifying suitable candidates for carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is of paramount importance. Patient suitability and preparation for a successful laser peel avoids undesired outcomes. To reinvigorate the skin for patients aged 40-65 years with fair skin and fine-to-moderate static (always visible) wrinkles we ideally select medium peels. Patients with realistic expectations, such as those who seek improvement rather than complete eradication of wrinkles or scars are ideal candidates.
Lines & Wrinkles
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing – as a standalone treatment – can achieve excellent results in patients with mild-to-moderate surface texture changes. These include fine superficial or moderate static wrinkles but not in those with deep furrows or severe loss of elasticity.
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing combined with muscle relaxing injections to treat dynamic lines and wrinkles. When used at the time of performing MiniLift for advanced skin laxity it can produce excellent clinical improvement.
Aged Skin
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is proven to be a valuable method for facial rejuvenation for photo-damaged skin. The laser yields detectable improvement of fine lines and wrinkles as well as rejuvenation of mottled pigmentation, rough skin texture, and UV damage. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can eradicate precancerous growths such as actinic keratosis, although prevention of future development of actinic keratosis has not been substantiated.
Other indications for carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing include the following:
Under-eye loose skin
Upper lip deep lines
Pigmented Lesions
Aktinic & Solar Keratosis
Coarse Skin Texture
Skin Laxity
Skin Rejuvenation
Ageing Prevention
Light to Deep Laser Peels
At Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin we offer patients wanting immediate lasting results with minimal down-time and discomfort the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Peel. Fractional CO2 Peels remove 20% of the surface area. The laser’s 21st century computer guided precision is a German technology. It enables us to select exact level of skin surface ablation necessary for light, medium or deep peels. This is fine tuning is not possible with other lasers.
Our patients can choose the result they desire according to their down-time flexibility. Whether they want deep resurfacing with dramatic results associated with longer recovery or light exfoliating peels that heal in a few days. If you can only take a few days off, you may want to proceed with 2 sessions of the light peel six weeks apart. However, if you want immediate results and can take a week of downtime, then we recommend one session of fractional laser skin resurfacing medium peel. Deep peels have long recovery in the region of three weeks. They are reserved specific conditions like skin laxity.
Light Peel
Fractional CO2 Laser “Light Peel” treat unwanted skin conditions typical of aging with the consideration of active lifestyle. It is ideal for those patients that desire improved skin with immediate lasting results, little time off, minimal discomfort and easy post treatment care. Downtime is 2 to 3 days.
Medium Peel
Treating with Fractional CO2 Laser Peel achieve substantial results. By increasing the dwell time and spot size, the Fractional CO2 Laser can treat deep into the dermis for better tone and texture improvements. Resulting in silky smooth finishing touches to the skin. The downtime of a medium peel is 7 to 10 days
Deep Peel
Although yields the most of dramatic results, this deep laser resurfacing treatment is not so popular due to the extended downtime. We expect recovery after about of 3-4 weeks. We tend to reserve deep peel laser resurfacing for severe skin ageing.
