Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-28 Origin: Site
When it comes to Fractional CO₂ Laser, many people are excited about its potential to improve skin problems, but they also worry about whether it will hurt, how long the recovery period will be, and how long the results will last. As a procedure in the medical aesthetics field that balances both efficacy and safety, its treatment plan must be tailored to individual skin conditions and needs.
This comprehensive guide will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of this treatment from three key perspectives: suitable patients, recovery care, and long-lasting results, helping you avoid blindly following trends.
Not everyone is suitable for this treatment, and blindly trying it may result in poor results or even skin damage. The following groups of people are suitable for Fractional CO₂ Laser:
Whether it's the roller-shaped acne scars left by puberty or the van-shaped acne scars caused by recurrent inflammation, as long as the skin is in the "non-inflammatory phase" (no redness, swelling, or breakouts), this treatment can improve the appearance.
This treatment is particularly suitable for those whose acne scars have been present for 1-5 years and whose skin has good elasticity and collagen regeneration capacity, resulting in more pronounced scar filling after treatment. Deeper acne scars (such as ice pick-shaped acne scars) may require combined microneedling or filler treatments, but Fractional CO₂ Laser can still be used as a foundational treatment to improve the contours of the acne scar edges.
People aged 25-55 who experience static wrinkles such as crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and nasolabial folds, as well as sagging skin and a blurred jawline, are suitable candidates for this treatment, which stimulates collagen regeneration and achieves skin firming.
It is important to note that if wrinkles are primarily dynamic (such as forehead wrinkles caused by facial expressions), it is recommended to first use Botox to correct these dynamic wrinkles, followed by Fractional CO₂ Laser treatment to improve skin elasticity and prevent the recurrence of these dynamic wrinkles.
Suitable for those with sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, stable melasma (no noticeable redness, swelling, or itching), and those with dull, rough skin due to accumulation of stratum corneum.
However, those with active melasma (where the spots continue to expand and are accompanied by stinging) or acute sensitive skin (where there is frequent redness and burning) should be excluded, as treatment may worsen skin irritation.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Laser energy may affect the fetus or infant.
People with diabetes or coagulation disorders: wound healing may be difficult and infection may occur.
People with acute skin inflammation (such as severe acne breakouts or eczema flare-ups) or viral infections (such as herpes) may experience spread of inflammation.
People with laser allergies or dark skin (Fitzpatrick skin type IV or above) should be carefully evaluated to avoid the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Many people worry that the recovery period after a Fractional CO₂ Laser treatment is too long, affecting their normal life. In reality, the recovery period is related to the intensity of the treatment (energy and density). Fractional CO₂ Laser treatments are divided into "minimally invasive" and "standard" modes, with different care priorities.
Immediately after treatment, your skin may experience slight redness, swelling, and a burning sensation, similar to a sunburn. Some people may also experience a slight stinging sensation. Immediately apply ice to relieve the redness, swelling, and burning sensation. Also, apply a medical repair cream to keep your skin moisturized and avoid dryness. Keep the treated area away from water and avoid using facial cleansers, skincare products, or makeup to prevent infection.
Redness and swelling gradually subside, and small scabs begin to form on the treated area. You may experience a tight feeling or slight itching. Continue to apply medical repair cream during this period, and avoid picking at the scabs. Forcibly peeling them can cause hyperpigmentation and even new scars.
Medical sprays can be used to relieve tightness, but avoid the edges of the scabs.
When going out, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat or use a parasol to avoid UV exposure. Your skin is extremely sensitive to UV rays during this period, and improper sun protection can easily lead to darkening of the skin.
The scabs gradually fall off naturally, and the new skin that grows is light pink and thin.
At this point, you can gradually resume a gentle skincare routine: cleanse your skin with water, then use a gentle moisturizer (alcohol-free and fragrance-free). Avoid using functional products (such as whitening or anti-aging serums). Maintain strict sun protection and reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise and saunas to prevent excessive sweating and irritation of the new skin.
Skin color gradually returns to normal, and any tightness and sensitivity disappear. Normal skincare and makeup can be resumed, but sun protection (SPF 30+) is still recommended.
If slight hyperpigmentation (light brown spots) occurs after treatment, there's no need for concern. It typically fades within 1-3 months. During this time, you can use a gentle whitening product containing vitamin C and niacinamide under your doctor's guidance to accelerate pigment metabolism.
The longevity of fractional CO₂ Laser treatment results is influenced by three key factors: the number of treatments, the type of skin concern, and post-operative care.
A single treatment can improve skin firmness and translucency. However, for deeper issues like acne scars and wrinkles, a course of treatment is necessary:
Acne scars typically require 3-5 treatments, separated by 1-2 months to allow collagen to regenerate.
Wrinkles and skin tone issues typically require 2-3 treatments, separated by 1.5-2 months, for more consistent results.
After a course of treatment, the effects last longer than a single treatment, and for most people, they can last 2-3 years.
The longevity of the effects varies depending on the problem:
Acne scars are treated as "structural repair." After collagen regeneration, the effects are long-lasting unless there is new inflammatory damage.
Wrinkles are treated as "anti-aging repair." As collagen slowly depletes with age, the effects will last for 2-3 years, and "consolidation treatment" can be performed based on the skin's condition.
For uneven skin tone and dark spots, recurring pigmentation may occur if post-surgery sun protection is not followed by proper lifestyle habits (such as staying up late or frequent sun exposure). Regular care is required to maintain the results.
Many people focus solely on short-term recovery after treatment, neglecting long-term care:
UV rays accelerate collagen loss and stimulate melanin production, the number one factor that can affect results.
Daily use of skincare products containing collagen and hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture and nutrients.
Avoid frequent exfoliation and the use of irritating skincare products for one year after treatment to reduce the risk of skin inflammation and prevent the formation of new blemishes.
In general, the longevity of Fractional CO₂ Laser's effects is determined by both the treatment plan and post-surgery care. Choosing a treatment plan that's right for you and maintaining consistent skin care can help you maintain healthy skin.
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