CO2 & Fraxel Laser

What are CO2 & Fraxel Laser Treatments?

CO2 laser treatments involve the use of a carbon dioxide laser to resurface the skin of the face or body. These lasers emit a concentrated beam of light that vaporizes and removes the outer layers of damaged or aged skin. The procedure is commonly used to:

1. Skin Resurfacing: Reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and scars.
2. Treat Skin Conditions: Such as uneven pigmentation, sun damage, or age spots,
3. Improve Skin Tone and Texture: By stimulating collagen production, promoting firmer and smoother skin.

There are two types of CO2 lasers:

Fractional CO2 Lasers: These target small areas of the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched, which aids in faster healing and recovery.

6 Benefits of CO2/Fraxel Laser Treatments

CO2 laser treatments offer several benefits for various skin concerns:

1. Wrinkle Reduction: The treatment can effectively diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of the face and body.
2. Skin Tightening: CO2 lasers stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter skin, reducing sagging and improving overall elasticity.
3. Scar Reduction: Whether from acne, surgery, or injury, CO2 laser treatments can minimize the appearance of scars by resurfacing the skin and encouraging new skin growth.
4. Even Skin Tone: The procedure can help address uneven pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, and other discolorations, leading to a more even skin tone.
5. Improved Texture: CO2 lasers can enhance skin texture by smoothing rough patches and reducing the visibility of pores, resulting in a smoother complexion.
6. Stimulated Collagen Production: By causing controlled damage to the skin, these lasers trigger the body's natural collagen production, leading to long-term improvements in skin quality.

What to Expect With Treatment

There can be discomfort with these treatments but it is significantly reduced by using the topical numbing agent. The intensity of CO2 laser treatments can be adjusted based on the specific skin concerns and desired outcomes, making it versatile for various individuals.  Treatments take about 45-60 minutes depending on areas treated.  Most common areas treated are face, neck, decolletage, and hands.  Your skin will be red and warm post treatment and your service provider will review important post care steps to ensure proper healing.

Both CO2 and Fraxel laser treatments are effective for skin rejuvenation, but they have different intensities and downtime.

CO2 Laser Treatment:

• Procedure: CO2 treatments involve the removal of layers of skin using a high-intensity carbon dioxide laser. It's more aggressive than Fraxel, targeting deeper skin layers.
• Sensation: During the procedure, you might feel some discomfort, although topical anesthesia or local anesthesia is often used to minimize pain.
• Downtime: Recovery can take around 1-2 weeks. Initially, there might be swelling, redness, and peeling. The skin will gradually heal, revealing smoother, rejuvenated skin.
• Results: Significant improvement in wrinkles, scars, and skin texture can be observed, but it might require longer recovery time.

Fraxel Laser Treatment:

• Procedure: Fraxel is a fractional laser treatment that targets only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding areas intact. It's less invasive than CO2.
• Sensation: Discomfort during the procedure is minimal, often manageable with topical numbing cream or local anesthesia.
• Downtime: Recovery is typically shorter, ranging from a few days to a week. Redness and mild swelling may occur, and the skin might flake or peel as it heals.
• Results: Improvement in skin texture, pigmentation, and fine lines can be observed. Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results compared to CO2.

In general, both treatments can yield significant improvements in skin quality, but CO2 is more aggressive and might require more downtime. Fraxel treatments are milder and might need multiple sessions for desired outcomes. The specifics of what to expect can vary based on the individual's skin condition, the intensity of the treatment, and the expertise of the practitioner. Always consult a dermatologist or skincare professional to discuss which treatment suits your skin concerns and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Cautions About CO2/Fraxel Skin Resurfacing

If you are interested in the CO2/Fraxel Skin Resurfacing treatment, our experienced professionals at JAG Medical Spa will prioritize a thorough and individualized approach to your skincare journey with a consultation about the treatment and if you are a good candidate.

CO2 laser treatments can offer remarkable results but also require caution and consideration due to their intensity. Here are some important cautions to keep in mind:

• Skin Type: CO2 lasers might not be suitable for all skin types, especially darker skin tones. Higher levels of pigment can pose a risk of pigmentation changes or scarring. Your JAG Medical Spa experts areexperienced in treating diverse skin types to assess the suitability of the treatment for your skin.
• Downtime: Expect downtime after CO2 treatment. The skin will likely appear red, swollen, and may peel or crust during the healing process. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, this downtime can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Plan accordingly and follow post-treatment care instructions diligently.
• Risk of Complications: The intense nature of CO2 treatments poses a risk of side effects, such as infection, scarring, or changes in pigmentation. This risk is higher if the treatment is performed by an inexperienced or unqualified practitioner, by relying on the medical professionals at  JAG Medical Spa, you can reduce the risk of complications significantly
• Preparation and Aftercare: Proper preparation and aftercare are crucial. Preparing the skin adequately before treatment and following the recommended skincare routine post-treatment can optimize results and reduce the risk of complications.
• Expectation Management: Understand realistic expectations. While CO2 treatments can yield significant improvements, they might not completely eliminate all imperfections or scars in one session. Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results.
• Medical History and Consultation: Please be sure to provide us with your complete medical history before undergoing CO2 treatment. Certain medical conditions or medications might not be compatible with this procedure.
• Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from the sun before and after the treatment is vital. Sun exposure can increase the risk of complications and interfere with the healing process. Your JAG Medical team will recommend a highly effective, broad-spectrum solution.

How Much Does it Cost?

On average, the cost of CO2/Fraxel Skin Resurfacing is between $500-1000, however this is a variable figure influenced by several key factors. These factors encompass the specific treatment area being addressed and the number of sessions necessary to attain your desired skincare objectives.

To ensure transparency and cater to your unique needs, JAG Medical Spa prioritizes a comprehensive consultation as the starting point of your journey. During this consultation, our medical professionals will work closely with you to understand your goals and assess the extent of correction required. As a result, we provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your CO2/Fraxel Laser procedure, along with a customized treatment plan that perfectly aligns with your individual requirements. This personalized and transparent approach allows you to make informed decisions, ensuring that you embark on your path to rejuvenation with a clear understanding of all the factors involved.