The 3dvijuve is a class 4 medical CO2 fractional laser. Co2 laser is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses targeted beams of light to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate collagen production to reveal smoother, more youthful skin. The CO2 laser may be used on both the face and body.
Co2 laser is the gold standard treatment for skin resurfacing and is more powerful than any other lasers or microneedling treatments. This type of laser therapy is commonly used to address various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, open pores, acne scars, sun damage, loose skin, stretch marks, surgical and trauma scars, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities. This laser is also excellent for loose skin around the eye area and is also known as a non-surgical blepharoplasty treatment.
During a CO2 fractional laser treatment, the laser is delivered in a grid-like pattern to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. These channels trigger the body's natural healing process, leading to the production of new, healthy skin cells and collagen fibres. As the damaged outer layers of skin are removed, the skin appears smoother, firmer, and more rejuvenated.
The procedure may involve some discomfort at the higher settings, so a topical anaesthetic or numbing cream is sometimes applied to the skin before treatment to alleviate any discomfort. The recovery period can vary depending on the intensity of the laser treatment, but downtime is typically required to allow the skin to heal and regenerate.
Some benefits of CO2 fractional laser treatment include:
1. Improved skin texture and tone
2. Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
3. Softening of acne scars
4. Correction of sun damage and age spots
5. Tightening of loose or sagging skin
6. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
It is important to consult with a qualified skincare professional at elite nurse-led aesthetics to determine if CO2 fractional laser treatment is suitable for your skin type and concerns. We can assess your skin condition, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve optimal results. Additionally, we will provide guidance on post-treatment care and skincare to maintain the benefits of the laser treatment.
A course of CO2 laser is usually recommended between 4-6 weeks apart.
Post-treatment the skin can appear red and feel warm, you may also experience some dryness, itching and flaking of the skin in the days following the procedure. It is important to attend a consultation with our nurses so that a bespoke treatment plan can be put in place to suit your exact needs.
FAQ'S
Who is not suitable for Co2 Laser?
CO2 fractional laser may not be suitable for everyone, and certain individuals should avoid or be cautious with this treatment. Those who should not have CO2 laser include:
• Pregnant or Nursing Women: The effects of laser treatment on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not well-documented, so it's typically avoided during these periods.
• Active Skin Infections or Cold Sores: If you have an active skin infection or cold sores in the treatment area, it's best to wait until they've healed.
• Recent Use of Accutane (Isotretinoin): Patients who have taken Accutane for acne within the past 6-12 months are usually advised to wait before having CO2 laser treatment due to increased skin sensitivity.
• Dark Skin Tones: CO2 lasers can sometimes cause pigmentation changes, so individuals with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk for adverse effects. Alternative treatments may be recommended.
• Certain Medical Conditions: People with specific medical conditions or those taking medications that affect skin healing and blood clotting should consult with us before considering CO2 laser treatment.
• History of Keloids or Hypertrophic Scarring: Those with a history of excessive scarring may be at a higher risk for poor wound healing and should be cautious.
• Sunburned Skin: It's crucial to have unburned, healthy skin before the procedure, so avoid sunburn or tanning before treatment.
Ultimately, the suitability for CO2 laser treatment depends on an individual's unique medical history and skin characteristics.
What will I look like after treatment?
After CO2 laser treatment, your face may go through several stages of appearance as it heals. The severity would depend on if we are treating scarring or just general rejuvenation and how sensitive your skin responds to the laser. The downtime can be very minimal or moderate depending on multiple factors as this is a very bespoke treatment.
Here's a general timeline of what to expect:
• Immediately After Treatment: Your skin will likely be red, and tight, and may have a sunburned appearance. You might experience some oozing or crusting in the treated areas if you have had scar reduction.
• 1-2 Days After Treatment: Swelling and redness often peak within the first 1-2 days. You may need to apply recommended ointments and keep the skin moisturized.
• 3-5 Days After Treatment: Your skin may start to peel or flake. This is a sign of the damaged outer layers of skin sloughing off to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin underneath.
• 1-2 Weeks After Treatment: Redness and peeling typically subside, and your skin should gradually return to a more normal appearance. Some pinkness may persist for up to 6 weeks with scar reduction but can be easily concealed with makeup.
• Longer-Term: Over several weeks and months, you should notice improvements in skin tone and texture as collagen production continues, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues.
It's essential to follow our post-treatment care instructions diligently, including protecting your skin from the sun and using recommended skincare products. The recovery process and the final results can vary depending on the depth and intensity of the CO2 laser treatment, as well as individual skin characteristics.Is the treatment painful?
Is the treatment painful?
CO2 laser treatment can be sometimes uncomfortable however most people describe the feeling as being warm only. The intensity of the discomfort can vary based on factors such as the depth and area of treatment, individual pain tolerance, and the use of topical anaesthetics or cooling devices. Rejuvenation settings are milder and painless, but scar reduction is usually more invasive and requires downtime post-treatment.
In some cases, we may apply a topical numbing cream or administer local anaesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure. Some people may experience a sensation like a sunburn in the treated area for a few days following the treatment. Pain or discomfort can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers, and it usually subsides as the skin heals.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of CO2 laser sessions you'll need can vary depending on your specific skin concerns, the severity of those concerns, and the depth of treatment required. In some cases, a single treatment can provide noticeable results, while others may require multiple sessions for optimal outcomes. Here are some general guidelines:
• Mild Concerns (e.g., Fine Lines and Mild Pigmentation): One session may be sufficient for milder issues.
• Moderate Concerns (e.g., Moderate Wrinkles or Scarring): You might benefit from 2-3 sessions spaced several months apart for more significant improvement.
• Severe Concerns (e.g., Deep Wrinkles or Acne Scarring): Multiple sessions (3 or more) over an extended period may be necessary for substantial improvement.
Results become apparent around ¾ weeks after the first session and continue to improve in the coming months. Each session the laser intensity can be increased to get the best results from your treatment.
Do I need a consultation?
It's crucial to have a consultation with us to carry out a patch test and discuss your concerns. At the consultation, our practitioner will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including the number of sessions required. Your skin's response to the treatment will also influence the decision on additional sessions. Patience is key, as results may continue to improve over several months following the last treatment.
Where can Co2 laser be used?
CO2 laser treatment can be performed on various areas of the body, not just limited to the face. Some common areas where CO2 laser treatment is used include:
• Face: This is the most common area for CO2 laser skin resurfacing, addressing concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation issues.
• Neck: The neck area can be treated to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles or sagging.
• Chest: Known as décolletage treatment, it can address sun damage, wrinkles, and age spots on the chest area.
• Hands: CO2 laser can be used to rejuvenate the skin on the hands, reducing age spots and improving texture.
• Arms: It can be used to treat sagging skin and signs of ageing on the arms.
• Legs: CO2 laser can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks on the legs.
• Back: It can be used to address skin concerns on the back, such as acne scars.
Abdomen - Reduction of stretch marks and loose skin on the abdomen area.
How long does the treatment take?
A typical treatment can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour and includes our dermalux flex LED for post-procedure healing.
All treatments require a patch test and consultation at least 48 hours before treatment. This can be booked online on our booking system. Once the patch test has been carried out we can then book your treatment session after.
