Find Out More About Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing!

There are many alternatives to the traditional facelift nowadays. One of these alternatives is the laser resurfacing procedure, which can be executed by carbon dioxide laser and erbium laser. Even though the carbon dioxide laser was previously inferior to the erbium laser, improvements made to the carbon dioxide laser has brought the fractional carbon dioxide laser, which could more beneficial in some cases. To find out more about this alternative to the traditional facelift, read the information provided by the Dr Lanzer Clinic below.

How Does the Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Work?

The fractional carbon dioxide laser uses short pulsed light energy (ultrapulse) or a continuous light beam to perform laser resurfacing. During the procedure, the light forms a scanning pattern on the treatment area. The light energy then removes thin layers from the skin, which may show some abnormalities or irregularities the patient wants to get rid of.

Which Patients Could Benefit from Treatment with Carbon Dioxide Laser?

Patients looking for an alternative to the traditional facelift may be good candidates for a laser resurfacing treatment. Instead of obtaining a facelift to tackle the signs of ageing on the hands, face or chest, laser resurfacing provides the patient with a different type of anti-ageing benefits as compared to the normal facelift would. Essentially the laser rejuvenates the skin texture whilst the face lift lifts the sagging skin.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT WITH FRACTIONAL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER?

Before you decide to take advantage of a laser resurfacing treatment, it is essential to book a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. At the Dr Lanzer Clinic, you can take advantage of both at the same time. Dr Lanzer has experience with dermatology as well as cosmetic surgery, so he will be the person to consult for any questions you may have surrounding laser resurfacing procedures.

Once you are deemed eligible for a laser resurfacing treatment with a fractional carbon dioxide laser, there are some things to take into account before you have your procedure. To find out what these are, please refer to our detailed overview below.

Reporting Outbreaks

Patients who are prone to acne, fever blisters and cold sores, should report this to Dr Lanzer during one of the consultations before the procedure takes place. Skin problems such as acne, fever blisters and cold sores could break out after a laser resurfacing procedure, especially in patients who are prone to such problems.

To avoid outbreaks after a laser resurfacing procedure, Dr Lanzer may prescribe some antibiotics or antiviral medication. These medications will prevent outbreaks before and after the procedure, so the patient in question can enjoy an uninterrupted recovery process and excellent results.

Stop Smoking

Smokers considering a laser resurfacing treatment should stop smoking immediately. Ideally, the patient needs to stop smoking at least two weeks after the procedure. If a patient still smokes when the procedure takes place, it could lead to complications during the procedure, but also a longer recovery time and even infection!

Patients cannot smoke until the recovery period has passed. Even when you have not smoked before your procedure, smoking immediately after the procedure can also have a negative impact on your recovery time and chance of infections.

Stop the Use of Certain Medications

There are a number of medications and supplements that could affect clotting of the blood, which is why patients should stop taking them at least ten days before their procedure takes place.

Common medications that could have an impact on the procedure and recovery are aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E, but there are more medications that should be avoided. If you are uncertain about medications you are currently taking, please contact the Dr Lanzer clinic for more information on the subject.

What Can I Expect During and After the Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing Procedure?

Most patients have a lot of questions when they come to the Dr Lanzer Clinic for a laser resurfacing treatment. Even though many people are very familiar with the traditional facelift, not everyone is as familiar with a resurfacing treatment. To find out what you can expect during and after your procedure, please read our overview below.

Anaesthetics

A laser resurfacing procedure can be executed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic, depending on the size of the area that needs to be treated and the preferences of the patient in question. Even though local anaesthetic is less risky for patients, there are a number of people who prefer general anaesthetic because of nerves or anxiety.

Treatment Duration

The duration of a laser resurfacing procedure depends on the size of the treatment areas. For example, if the patient only requires treatment on small areas of the face, the treatment usually takes no longer than an half an hour. However, if a full-face treatment is required, laser resurfacing could take up to a full hour.

Side-Effects

Shortly after a procedure, it is normal for patients to have some minor swelling; this swelling tends to dissipate quite quickly and can be reduced by sleeping on an extra pillow at night or applying an ice pack on the treated area. However, for swelling around the eyes, Dr Lanzer may prescribe some steroids to speed up the recovery process.

Some patients may experience some itching in the first 12-72 hours, which is a sign that your skin is healing. Once the skin starts to heal completely, it will become a little dry and start to peel.

Aftercare

One of the most important things after a laser resurfacing procedure is keeping the skin moisturised. As we mentioned earlier, during the healing process, the skin will feel dry and start to peel. By keeping the skin moisturised, the patient can promote the healing process.

Patients are advised to stay away from beauty products containing Retin A or glycolic acid, given the fact that the skin will be a bit sensitive for a while. Products containing Retin A or glycolic acid can be used again six weeks after the procedure.

All patients who obtained a laser resurfacing treatment at the Dr Lanzer Clinic can also get some product recommendations at our clinic. Dr Lanzer may recommend specific ointments or creams to promote the healing process, so be sure to inform about them before your procedure.