Fractional CO2 Laser

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the hottest cosmetic trends in the nation. In a time when skin rejuvenation and youthfulness is of the utmost importance, Fractional CO2 lasers can give people the skin they want and do much good without the need for surgical procedures. Other forms of treatment like Smartxide DOT CO2 treatments are also beneficial, but there are drawbacks to both types.

Overview

The process of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is simple on the surface but slightly more complicated underneath. The fractional CO2 laser used breaks up a beam into several smaller beams with space in the middle. The space has a function as well as the beams themselves. The beams cause skin damage to an extent that the skin "orders" the production of more collagen and consequently leads to facial rejuvenation. The spaces between the beams promote the healing process because if the entire area is damaged by the beams proper healing will be slower and more frustratingly painful.

Smartxide Dot CO2

DOT therapy, or Dermal Optical Thermolysis, is a form of skin treatment that is said to be outshining fractional CO2 lasers in effectiveness. The downtime and recovery / healing time of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is much more than one could get from a Smartxide DOT CO2 treatment. The process is basically the same, only a pre-set laser setting decides where to perform it and does it. DOT may be a fit name, because Smartxide DOT CO2 treatments create thousands of tiny microscopic holes in the skin, immediately urging the skin to tighten up and produce collagen, leaving the skin looking firmer and more beautiful than ever.

Fraxel Repair

Fraxel repair is a form of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in which the dermatologist and patient together decide on a portion of the skin to be damaged by the fractional CO2 laser. During the process, the laser damages the determined portion of skin and leaves a good area of ​​skin around each part to help healing come more quickly and with less pain. Fraxel repair is relatively new (first debuted in 2008) and it is still being determined how effective and safe it is, but it is estimated that women from their 30s to their 50s with mild to moderate lines and wrinkles, as well as acne scars and unwanted discolorations can have these problems solved with Fraxel repair without having to have surgical facial procedures like face lifting.

Downside

There are a couple of concerns with these types of facial rejuvenation, however. The long recovery or downtime that is required after a procedure like this is often slightly painful and unseemly. For up to three weeks after the procedure is done it is likely that the patient will not be fully healed. On top of that, it is possible for extreme redness to last for up to three months afterward, and the threat of infection from a procedure like this is not small and should be taken very seriously when considering this type of procedure.