Rejuvenate Skin with Fractional CO2 Laser and Carbon Laser Peel

Let us talk briefly about Fractional Laser and Carbon Laser treatment, and take a look at the similarities and differences both treatments have.

What Are The Differences Between The Two Treatments?

Fractional CO2 Laser and Carbon Laser are not the same.

While they are both carbon-based, Lasers utilise carbon dioxide gas while a layer of carbon lotion is applied onto the skin for Carbon Laser.

Fractional CO2 lasers can be subdivided into two categories – the gentle non-ablative laser, and the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The non-ablative laser is generally recommended for those with mild skin conditions, while the latter is recommended for those with moderate to severe conditions, such as sagging skin and deeper scars, wrinkles, or lines. Fractional CO2 Laser is suitable for treating deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, acne and scars (whether acne, traumatic or surgical scars).

The Carbon LaserTreatment, on the other hand, is more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin (mild to moderate skin issues), as well as uneven skin tones and enlarged pores. Carbon lotion is applied thinly onto the skin. The laser then gently sweeps across, removing dead skin cells that are embedded in the pores.

The treatments are similar in terms of treatment time and treatment invasiveness. Treatment time takes around 30 minutes and are both non-surgical procedures.

How is Each Treatment Carried Out?

Let’s start with Fractional CO2 Laser. Technically, it takes a CO2 laser beam and splits it into thousands of tiny beams, which then penetrates into the skin layers and stimulate new cells production. For the patient, this simply takes the form of a standard laser across the face. The intensity of it means that most patients will require an application of numbing cream.

As for Carbon Peel Treatment, the aim is to create a peeling effect to remove dirt and debris from the skin. A carbon-based lotion (black) is applied to the face, and then a warming laser is applied on top of it to stimulate the lotion itself rather than the skin directly. The lotion will be prompted to withdraw impurities from the skin. Finally, a pulsed laser will be applied to the skin over the lotion, which then destroys the carbon particles in the lotion and, indirectly, any impurities or debris on your face. The final pulses also use heat to help stimulate collagen production in the face, which starts to work at closing up any open pores. This is less intense than the fractional CO2 laser, and usually do not require numbing cream.

What Happens Afterwards?

Fractional CO2 Laser causes some slight redness and even swelling for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Some clinics may use ice packs (or recommend them) to address the redness and peeling for the first five to six hours of care after the process. You will see peeling for up to a week, and your skin will likely have a pink tinge for up to six weeks afterwards; deeply penetrating treatments may see these effects for longer. Patients who intend to undergo the Fractional CO2 Laser to prepare for an event are recommended to have it 2-4 weeks prior to the event, to prevent side effects from lasting through the event itself.

On the other hand, the Carbon Peels Treatment have almost no downtime, some may experience slight redness which can be further prevented if you avoid sun exposure after treatment.

3-4 Fractional CO2 treatments may be needed to see the desired effects. On the other hand, Carbon Laser Treatment will require a package of at least 5-6 treatments.

In Summary:

 Fractional CO2 lasers and carbon laser peel are both effective treatments to be used to treat a number of skin issues. However, just because they both utilise carbon does not mean that they are the same.

We can see that Carbon Laser treatments are gentle, mild and may require more treatments over longer periods of time. On the other hand, Fractional CO2 Lasers are minimally invasive, but the results tend to take fewer sessions to address. Fractional CO2 lasers also tackles severe skin troubles.

For an idea of which treatment is best for your skin, we recommend speaking to a doctor, preferably from an aesthetics clinic.