"Face and neck"
CO2 laser

Skin resurfacing has traditionally been performed with a CO2 laser or an erbium-YAG laser. These lasers "burn" the entire epidermis away resulting in a clear improvement  in the skin texture and smoothing of superficial and deep wrinkles. Downside was an increased risk of 'residual thermal damage' (with thermal burn injury), often accompanied by a lengthy recovery period and sometimes persistent erythema (redness), hypopigmentation (white pigment-free skin) and even scarring. Moreover, the treatment is very painful and there was an intensive postoperative care required.

The fractional photothermolyse introduced in 2003 with the aim to perform a resurfacing without the side effects listed above. The fractional CO2 laser combines the "gold standard" of conventional CO2 laser wavelength with a unique so-called "fractional” modality. Fractional  means that there are tiny holes or columns burned away  with intact skin in between these tiny puncture holes : the laser has a computerized high-speed scanner that causes columns of micro-ablation, but according to a certain algorithm. This algorithm provides a maximum time interval between two adjacent micro-spots. This results in less thermal damage to surrounding tissues. There is also a relatively short recovery period (minimal down time) of 5 to 8 days.

Using the CO2 laser system technology offers an additional advantage. Besides the ablative effects (burning skin) is also a coagulating effect with a thermal cascade effect into the depth of the microcolumn. This results in a relatively rapid contraction of the skin and collagen production in the long term (up to 12 weeks after).

Besides the classical indications such as wrinkles, acne scars and dyschromia there  are also positive experiences with striae (stretch marks) and increased laxity of the skin of the eyelids (due to retraction and collagen-building). The fractional CO2 laser is suitable for all skin types and can be used in the neck, décolleté and hands.

The number of sessions varies according to the indication. For superficial wrinkles and a general refresher of the complexion 1 or 2 sessions are sufficient. By contrast, acne scars sometimes required four sessions. The fractional CO2 laser meets the current needs of the patient: best results with minimal downtime.

Striking effects:

• Immediate contraction of collagen fibers promotes the tightness of the skin.
• Improving the structure of the skin: improving the size of the pores, removing pigmentation problems, fine wrinkles, acne scars and other structural irregularities.
• Effective for skin damage: dyschromia and actinic keratoses.
• Creation of new collagen, the heat deep into the dermis (dermis) provides a stimulating collagen production. This collagen production creates a secondary tightening of the skin, but from within.
• Clearly visible results after treatment of scars and stretch marks (eg due to pregnancy).

Why choose a CO2 laser treatment treatment?

• Fast recovery.
• Short-term procedure.
• No anesthesia required.
• Safe and effective.
• Clearly visible results.
• Also sensitive areas can be treated.

Length of the period of "healing"
Face: 5 days
The neck: 7 days
Décolleté and hands: up to 10 days.

Superficial wrinkles and minor irregularities of the skin disappear  after 1 treatment. Deeper wrinkles and acne scars and require multiple treatments with an interval of 1 month.