Fractional CO2 laser can treat many skin issues with very good results. Among them, scar treatment is a necessary solution for many beauty salons, clinics and spas.
Scars are the product of the natural healing process of the skin after trauma. Although it is part of the body’s repair, it sometimes affects the appearance and even causes functional disorders. With the advancement of medical technology, laser treatment has become an effective scar repair method.
In this article, Liton Laser will analyze the cases of CO2 laser treatment of hypertrophic scars and depressed scars, so that more people can understand the treatment theory of fractional CO2 laser and the before and after photo comparison.
What is Fractional CO2 Laser?
CO2 fractional laser is a gas laser that uses CO2 gas as a working medium to generate laser light; fractional laser is the output mode of laser. After focusing the laser of a specific infrared wavelength, it forms small irradiation points with intervals through computer control and automated mechanical technology, and normal skin tissue is preserved between each irradiation point.
The target tissue of CO2 laser is water, and its wavelength is about 10600nm. CO2 laser can utilize the biostimulation effect and selective absorption of light. When it contacts the skin lesion, the laser is selectively absorbed by the tissue containing water, producing controllable deep tissue vaporization.
How does CO2 Laser Work?
The working principle of CO2 fractional laser is focal photothermolysis and stimulating regeneration effect. The wavelength is 10600nm, the target color base is water, and it belongs to the category of micro-peeling-peeling treatment. It has the functions of anti-aging and wrinkle removal, treatment of moderate to severe acne, large pores, auxiliary treatment of age spots, freckles, auxiliary treatment of depressed scars and hypertrophic scars, assisting treatment of alopecia areata, and enhancing product absorption.
CO2 laser realizes the arrangement of micro-light speed array, and can form multiple micro-treatment areas after contacting the skin. The depth of this area is about 500-1000um and the plane diameter is 50-150um. After acting on each micro-treatment area, the surrounding tissue can form a ring-shaped coagulation zone, and the micro-contraction caused by the ring-shaped collagen remodeling can tighten the skin.
Theory of CO2 Laser Scar Treatment
The principle of laser treatment for scars is to use a laser beam of a specific wavelength to selectively act on scar tissue, promote the regeneration and reorganization of collagen, and thus improve the appearance and texture of scars. CO2 laser treatment of hypertrophic scars or atrophic (depressed) scars is to vaporize scar tissue and stimulate the production of new collagen.
Case 1: Treatment of Facial Depressed Scars
Patient Skin Issue Introduction
Depressed scars are also called atrophic scars. Our first patient had a depressed scar on his face after a herpes infection 10 years ago. The area was about 4cm*5cm, with clear boundaries, dark color, and no tenderness. He was diagnosed with a superficial depressed old scar on the face.
Skin Improvement Solutions
CO2 fractional laser is an important method for treating superficial scars. Each treatment will have a certain effect. The recovery period is generally about 3 months, and it usually takes 3 to 5 sessions to achieve significant results.
Before and After Photos
The above pictures show the before and after photos of using CO2 laser to treat depressed facial scars. It can be clearly seen that before the treatment, the patient had obvious scars on his face, which were depressed and large in area. After 2 sessions of CO2 laser treatment, the patient’s scars were successfully removed, the depressed areas were refilled, and the skin was complete and smooth.
Case 2: Skin Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars
Patient Skin Analysis
The patient had a 3 cm long hypertrophic scar on his skin, and the scar area was reddish and slightly inflamed. According to the patient, the scar had been there for two years. It is judged that it may take 6 or 7 sessions of CO2 treatment to get the best results.
CO2 Laser 6 Sessions Treatment Course
The 6 photos above are photos of the patient’s scars after 6 sessions of CO2 laser treatment. It can be seen that each time the patient receives CO2 laser treatment, the patient’s scars are visibly improving. After the 6th session of treatment, the patient’s hypertrophic scars have been completely removed without recurrence, the skin is smooth and flat, and all hypertrophic substances have been removed.
At the same time, the photos taken after these 6 sessions of treatment also show the process of continuous repair and recovery of the patient’s skin scars during CO2 laser treatment.
Each CO2 laser treatment needs to be separated by 3 to 4 months, and the patient’s treatment took nearly 2 years in total.
Before and After CO2 Laser Treatment
The treatment of this patient with skin hypertrophic scars also achieved the best results after 6 sessions of treatment for a total of 2 years.
Before the treatment, the patient had obvious hypertrophic scars of 3 cm in length and severe skin issues. After CO2 laser treatment, the hypertrophic scars were completely removed and the skin returned to smoothness.
Concerns & Considerations
1. Consultation before treatment
Before laser treatment, you should consult a professional doctor to understand the type of scar and the appropriate treatment plan.
2. Number of treatments
Laser treatment usually requires multiple times, and the specific number depends on the severity and type of scar.
3. Postoperative care
After treatment, pay attention to sun protection, avoid infection, and keep the skin clean and moist.
4. Scabbing period
The scabbing period is an inevitable postoperative reaction of ablative laser. The presence of scabs can protect the damaged epidermis before the skin repairs. It usually falls off on its own in about 5-8 days.
Fractional CO2 Laser Prices
CO2 laser can solve many skin problems, scar removal is just one of them. If you need to know more about CO2 treatment cases and applications, or need to buy a high-quality fractional CO2 laser, then you can choose the high-quality CO2 laser manufacturer – Liton Laser. We will give you a professional quotation and introduction, and provide clinical cases and treatment guidelines for CO2 laser.
FAQs about CO2 Laser Therapy
How long should I wait between CO2 laser treatments?
The recovery period of CO2 laser treatment is 3 or 4 months, so after each CO2 laser treatment, you should actively repair it and wait for 3 months before the next treatment.
Is CO2 laser treatment painful?
CO2 fractional laser treatment is an ablative treatment and will cause obvious pain, so the beautician or doctor should apply anesthetic to the patient before treatment.
What skin issues are suitable for CO2 laser treatment?
- Acne scars (depressed acne scars)
- Atrophic scars
- Large pores
- Various wrinkles
- Nevus, warts, etc
