Fractional CO2 Laser Singapore
What is Fractional CO2 Laser?
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure widely used in Singapore to address various skin concerns, notably acne scars. This laser technology creates microthermal zones in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells. The treatment is particularly effective for depressed atrophic acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
What Can Fractional CO2 Laser Treat?
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Acne scars
Fractional CO2 laser can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, including rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars.
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Skin resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser offers a non-surgical option for overall skin resurfacing, leading to a smoother, more even-toned complexion.
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Enlarged pores
By stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin, Fractional CO2 laser helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother texture.
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Wrinkles and fine lines
The laser’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and other areas.
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Sun damage
This treatment effectively addresses sun damage, such as age spots, brown spots, and uneven skin tone.
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Stretch marks
The laser can improve the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen formation and skin remodelling.
It uses fractional technology to reduce downtime while impacting the skin sufficiently to produce noticeable results after 1 or 2 treatments. It stimulates the body’s natural repair process to rebuild the lost collagen and to restore the depressions in skin.
Which area can be treated with Fractional CO2 Laser?
Fractional CO2 Laser is a laser treatment for acne scars in Singapore and lightens discolouration including pigmentation and blemishes. It is also a treatment to help to lighten and improve the condition of unsightly stretch marks.
What is the experience like?
The procedure is highly tolerable with most patients describing the sensation during and after treatment as “hot”. The heat and soreness last for between 1 to 3 hours after the procedure during which the skin appears pink. The patient may appear “sunburnt” for about 2 days after which tiny brown crusts are seen on the treated areas. These crusts eventually detach, and the skin is crust-free after about 5-7 days. Post-operative care is simple. The use of an emollient is encouraged and avoidance of sun-exposure during the healing phase is essential.
Benefits of Fractional Co2 Laser Treatment
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Effective Acne Scar Removal
Fractional CO2 laser delivers precise beams of laser energy to target areas of the skin, stimulating collagen to help fill in acne scars. It also penetrates into the deeper skin layers to prompt the replacement of damaged tissue with new, healthier skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars.
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Reduce Appearance of Enlarged Pores
Collagen production is triggered by the laser energy of fractional CO2 laser treatments, providing structural support to increase elasticity and firm up the skin. This tightens and constricts the surrounding tissue, reducing pore size. It also prevents pores from becoming clogged with sebum and debris, contributing to a smoother appearance.
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Improve Skin Tone and Vitality
The laser energy penetrates deep into the skin to promote exfoliation and stimulate collagen synthesis. Dead skin cells are then replaced with new ones, strengthening the skin and increasing its overall firmness. This contributes to a smoother and more youthful appearance.
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Long-Lasting Results
The benefits of Fractional CO2 laser treatment tend to be long-lasting. As the skin continues to produce collagen over time, improvements become more pronounced, providing enduring results that can be maintained with proper skincare and sun protection.
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Improved Skin Texture
Fractional CO2 laser treatment not only reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but also enhances overall skin texture and tone. It can help to address pigmentation issues, such as sun damage and age spots, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.
Any side effect or downtime?
The potential adverse effects are uncommon and include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (often mild and transient), redness of the skin, reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, secondary bacterial infection and scarring.
How often shall I repeat this treatment? What result will I expect to see?
Results are noticed after about 2-3 treatments, with patients first noticing that the skin gets smooth and refined, and later scars get shallower and lighter, recommended by clients for its laser skin resurfacing for wrinkles; laser skin resurfacing for scars and laser treatment for sagging skin.
FAQs about Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is known for its effectiveness in skin rejuvenation, but it can be associated with some discomfort during the procedure. In Singapore, where the treatment is widely available, most clinics offer a local anaesthetic cream applied to the skin before the procedure to minimise pain. Some patients describe the sensation as a series of quick, warm pricks or a mild burning feeling. The use of anaesthetic cream significantly reduces discomfort, making the treatment manageable for most people. For those with lower pain tolerance, some clinics might also offer additional pain relief options to ensure a comfortable experience.
The number of sessions required for noticeable results with Fractional CO2 laser treatment in Singapore can vary depending on individual skin concerns and the goals of the treatment. Generally, most people start to see significant improvements in their skin after just one session. However, for optimal results, especially for more severe skin issues like deep wrinkles, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation, a series of 2 to 3 sessions spaced several weeks apart is often recommended. Your skincare specialist will assess your skin and create a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
One of the considerations for those undergoing Fractional CO2 laser treatment in Singapore is the downtime associated with the procedure. After the treatment, patients typically experience redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to a mild sunburn. These effects usually last for about 5 to 7 days. During this time, your skin may also feel tight, and there will be some peeling as the skin heals and renews. It’s essential to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by your clinic, including avoiding sun exposure and using recommended skincare products to support the healing process. While the downtime is temporary, the long-term results, including smoother and more youthful-looking skin, make it well worth the brief recovery period.
As with any cosmetic procedure, Fractional CO2 laser treatment does carry some potential side effects and risks, though they are generally minimal when performed by qualified professionals. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and peeling, which are part of the normal healing process. At Healthsprings Laser & Aesthetic Clinic, where this treatment is popular, we take great care to minimise risks by conducting thorough consultations and using advanced technology. However, there is a small risk of hyperpigmentation, especially for individuals with darker skin tones, or scarring if post-treatment care is not properly followed. It’s important to book an online consultation with our experienced practitioners to reduce these risks and ensure a safe and effective treatment.