Laser Skin Resurfacing: Fractional c02 Laser Video

In this video, Dr. Gavin Chan talks about fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing to treat skin wrinkles, pigmentation and to tighten the skin.

Traditional (non-fractional) carbon dioxide lasers were first used about twenty years ago. They were hailed as a replacement for most cosmetic surgery, including face-lifts as this laser could tighten and lift the skin without requiring the patient to go under the knife. Traditional carbon dioxide laser treatment also improved skin tone, reduced wrinkles, smoothed the skin, and improved pigmentation. However, since the entire skin surface was exposed to the laser recovery from this treatments recovery could take months, which increased the risk of scarring and pigmentation problems.

This has since been replaced by fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment. A fractional laser only treats part of the skin allowing the healthy parts of the skin help with healing of laser damaged parts, decreasing recovery time. This reduces the risks associated with traditional carbon dioxide laser therapy while achieving similar results.

Dr. Chan demonstrates the fractional carbon dioxide laser by firing it at a paddle pop-stick. A red laser aim beam moves across the stick in a square pattern to denote where the carbon dioxide laser will fire. When the doctor turns the laser on it randomly shoots within this square leaving the stick covered in a series of small burn marks.

Dr. Chan then moves on to using the laser in a procedure. The patient has been lightly sedated and has received nerve blocks so she is not able to feel the treatment. The procedure begins on the forehead. When Dr. Chan fires the laser the skin contracts immediately. He explains that the skin continues to tighten and improve for about one year.

He then moves onto the eyelids. This effect is very noticeable: As soon as the laser is fired the lid visibly moves upwards. In some cases laser treatment can replace blepharoplasty, (surgical eyelid reduction). Dr. Chan then demonstrated the effect on the upper lip. Laser treatments also works well at reducing vertical upper lip lines. The process removes the uppermost layer of skin and allows for regeneration of the skin with fewer or no wrinkles.