#ablative co2 laser

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CO2 Fractional Laser: An Overview

Ablative lasers are used to evaporate, or ablate, targeted tissue. These lasers are beams of coherent light, which are absorbed by the targeted tissue. For example, ablative laser resurfacing is used for removing thin layers of the skin. The layers of damaged skin are replaced by new and healthy tissue with the help of the body's natural healing processes.  

There are different types of ablative lasers available on the market today. Lumenis' UltraPulse and AcuPulse products are innovative ablative CO2 laser technologies, which were designed for treating damaged or aging skin. These devices employ unique pulse technologies with tailored treatment modes to improve the texture, laxity and tone of the aging skin.  

Ablative CO2 lasers also known as CO2 Fractional Lasers generate light at a 10,600nm wavelength that is absorbed by water in the tissue. Consequently, the water in the tissue reaches a boiling point and causes the targeted tissue to evaporate. Tissue adjacent to the ablated tissue is coagulated by the heat it absorbs from the fractional laser beam and as a result induces hemostasis (the cessation of bleeding) as well as thermal stimulation of skin layers deep down. In turn, the thermal stimulation of the deep skin layers brings about fibroblast stimulation and neocollagenesis (the formation of new collagen).

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The difference between a non-ablative laser and an ablative laser

Laser beauty treatments are showing high growth momentum, with more and more cosmetic clinics now offering some version of laser therapy in their treatment rooms. There are two main varieties of laser which may be offered to the customers: non-ablative lasers, are used to target skin cells in a non-invasive manner, without injuring the skin, and ablative lasers, such as the CO2 fractional laser, that are used to remove layers of surface skin, and are considered invasive. The differences between these two types of laser can be significant when you are considering the best option for your treatment.

The non-ablative fractional laser

These are a more modern form of laser, and have become more popular in recent years due to their non-invasive nature and reduced downtime. These lasers are the most effective for sun spots, texture problems and fine lines, as well as other signs of aging. The non-ablative laser heats the skin, creating small narrow columns, which stimulate collagen regeneration. This treatment is considered to be non-invasive, since it creates no open wounds in the skin. The results with non-ablative fractional lasers are achieved over a series of 3-5 treatments and patients can resume activities quickly since downtime is limited.

The ablativefractional laser

The other alternative offered by most clinics is the ablative laser, including the co2 fractional laser. This is a treatment which involves creating microscopic holes in the skin, leaving healthy tissue in between. This stimulates collagen and elastic fiber production as well as a certain degree of tightening. Results with ablative lasers are visible even after 1 or 2 treatments, but the downtime is longer. Customers may feel a little bit sore and red for a couple of days, and they typically can resume normal activities within 3-4 days.

 Which should I choose?

The questions of choice between these two types of laser may depend upon your circumstances, and how much time you are prepared to give to laser treatment. Ablative lasers will need more than 1 week to recover, while non-ablative requires virtually none. On the other hand, the non-ablative laser will require more than one treatment, perhaps as much as 5, which can be exceptionally costly and may be prohibitive to some , while the co2 fractional laser may be able to complete your skin rejuvenation in just a single session, making it more convenient, less expensive, and better able to handle any skin blemishes that you may require.  The fractional laser may also be able to help you get better long-term results from your treatments.