Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

As we start to age, the production of collagen in our body tends to slow down, which then leads to skin issues like wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars. The fractional CO2 laser treatment is technically intended to aid in the stimulation of your body’s natural repair process. Thereby, it helps in the rebuilding of the lost collagen in your skin. If you’re considering undergoing this treatment, here’s the ultimate guide to the fractional CO2 laser, including its benefits, downtime and a list of clinics in Singapore that offer the procedure.

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

What is Fractional CO2 Laser?

The fractional CO2 laser is a procedure used to treat your acne scars. This procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical. Also, with one of the longest wavelength of the laser, it is very effective in treated even the worse atrophic acne scars and even your uneven skin tone. Additionally, this laser procedure also helps in diminishing your wrinkles, visible pores and it also promotes new collagen production for the rejuvenation of your skin.

How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Work?

The fractional CO2 laser works by emitting a zone of tiny microthermal beams on your treated areas. There are thousands of beams with a diameter of your hair that will then penetrate into the deep layers of your skin, which then creates numerous microscopic thermal injury zones while sparing the surrounding tissue.

When the microscopic injury irritates your skin, the production of collagen will then commence, allowing the process for the skin to start repairing. The collagen production then forms new skin cells that help replace the older damaged skin. Hence, the skin will then experience more elasticity and suppleness, which would then result in you having a much younger-looking skin.

In a nutshell, this fractional CO2 laser will have both the injured targeted areas and the surrounding health tissue experience a collagen production. Hence, allowing an overall rejuvenation of your skin.

What are the Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser?

• Resurfaced skin for younger-looking skin
• Effective treatment of acne scars
• Targest uneven skintone, texture, size of pores, wrinkles and lines
• Helps with the pigmentation of the skin
• Encourages the production of collagen
• Treat acne scars, ice pick scars, boxcar, rolling and hypertrophic scars
• Non-abrasive, non-surgical, low downtime and no side effects

Who is it Suitable for?

The fractional CO2 laser procedure is suitable for those who have:

• Acne scars
• Wrinkled skin
• Fine lines
• Enlarged pores
• Hyperpigmentation
• Anyone who wants to improve your skin rejuvenation without an invasive surgery
• Those wanting to maintain collagen production on your skin

How Long Does Each Treatment Take?

Usually, the fractional CO2 laser takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition of your treatment area.

Is it Painful?

Before you can experience any sort of pain, a numbing cream will be applied onto the area before the procedure for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will then make the procedure a smooth sailing on as the level of discomfort will be minimal. However, you may feel a little pricking sensation, but it isn’t anything intolerable.

Is There a Downtime?

Yes, there is. After each treatment, your skin will be feeling slightly red and warm, which will subside within two to five days. There will also be redness and scabs on your skin for a couple of days. Other than that, there will be no other side effects.

How Soon Can the Results Be Seen?

After your fractional CO2 laser, you will experience some slight redness on your skin for about five to seven days. When your skin has completely healed, you will notice visible changes. Over the course of the next few months, your skin will continually produce collagen to target the appearance of scars and wrinkles. 

How Many Sessions are Needed?

This actually depends on the individual and how severe their scars are. However, normally, you will need a minimum of three to five sessions. Also, each treatment should be scheduled three to four weeks apart. 

Can I Pay with Medisave?

Unfortunately, you are unable to pay for acne scar treatment using Medisave. Both private and government clinics do not offer these benefits. However, you can claim it through your insurance.

What are Some Aftercare Tips?

• You should cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser for the first week after the treatment
• Do not use exfoliators on your face
• Apply the antibiotic cream provided for the first three days after the treatment
• After washing your face, use a regenerating moisturising cream two times a day to aid with faster healing
• Always apply sunblock from the second day after the treatment
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun for the first week
• If there are scabs, avoid picking them as it can lead to the injury of your new skin

Where Can I Get a Fractional CO2 Laser Done?

1. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic

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When you’re researching about getting yourself a fractional CO2 laser treatment, Sozo Aesthetic Clinic might pop into your search. Helmed by Dr. Justin Boey,  Sozo Clinic offers the Edge One Fractional CO2 Laser device which reduces the downtime that is often associated with the procedure. They will also design a treatment plan that will give optimal results with minimal downtime. The price of the treatment starts at $450. 

2. Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic

Founded in 2012, Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic prides itself on maintaining their standards to serve their clients with only quality treatments. Their range of aesthetic treatments includes the fractional CO2 laser. Prior to the treatment, their experienced doctor will consult you with the suitable treatment plan options. The fractional CO2 laser treatment starts at $398 onwards. 

3. Radium Medical Aesthetics

At Radium Medical Aesthetics, their team of experienced doctors and nurses are known to go the extra mile for the comfort of their clients. They offer an extensive range of aesthetic and medispa treatments. Particularly for fractional CO2 laser, the clinic is equipped with two types of devices namely eCO2 Plus Laser and SmartXide Punto. 

4. Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic

Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic has two branches which are conveniently located in Changi City Point and Lucky Plaza at Orchard. They offer various aesthetic treatments all under one roof including fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing for acne scars. With its experienced doctors and comfortable ambiance, you will be in good hands. 

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

5. The Clifford Clinic

With over 18 years of medical experience under its belt, The Clifford Clinic offers a variety of treatments that cater to different concerns. It is also equipped with technology such as Edge Fractional CO2 Laser which reduces the downtime and minimises skin redness. The session usually takes up to 30 minutes. 

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