Fractional CO2 Laser

Non-Surgical Laser Treatments Fractional CO2 Laser

Are you noticing frustrating lines and wrinkles on your face and neck? As time goes on, these signs of aging are inevitable, and your daily skincare routine can only do so much to combat them. While some people eventually undergo a facelift to turn back the clock, you may be seeking a less intensive option to rejuvenate your appearance. One of our many effective anti-aging treatments is fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing.

What is a Fractional CO2 Laser?

Active FX CO2 laser skin resurfacing improves aging and sun-damaged skin and provides skin tightening with minimal downtime. This fractional CO2 laser is a gentler option than traditional resurfacing lasers, which has more dramatic results but longer downtime. Laser resurfacing helps rejuvenate the skin by clearing away the top layer of damaged cells, allowing a healthy new layer to emerge, and stimulating collagen production in the dermis.

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Fractional CO2 Laser Guilford

At the Langdon Center, we always seek the latest and most effective technology to achieve the best results for our patients. We offer several fractional CO2 laser treatment options to reduce fine lines, deep wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and more. These options include:

This controlled superficial fractional CO2 laser peel effectively reduces fine lines, uneven skin tone, and surface imperfections and requires minimal downtime. ActiveFX affects a larger percentage of surface area than most fractional laser treatments and does not penetrate as deep into the skin as conventional laser resurfacing.

For clients looking for a more powerful laser resurfacing treatment, there’s the Enhanced ActiveFX CO2 laser. In both regular and Enhanced ActiveFX treatments, a laser scanner distributes the laser energy evenly over the entire face. However, the main difference in the Enhanced ActiveFX treatment is that the energy is delivered faster, producing greater heat. As a result, the skin contracts even more than with standard fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatments, leading to greater skin tightening results.

The Enhanced ActiveFX treatment is typically done over the entire face except for the upper eyelids and the eyebrows. Because there is a significant contraction of the skin, the Enhanced ActiveFX treatment will smooth most facial wrinkles, fine lines, and creases.

This advanced fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment penetrates deeper into the skin to improve even deep wrinkles and severe acne scars. Results can be seen even after a single treatment, making this an ideal procedure for clients who want powerful results in less time. The final results from this procedure can be seen in three to four months.

Both ActiveFX and DeepFX are combined to provide superficial and deep fractional treatment, reducing acne scars, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing both fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fractional CO2 laser treatment is a fairly simple procedure. First, we’ll administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Langdon will then use the chosen device to treat your areas of concern. You may feel a zapping sensation like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Treatment of the entire face takes approximately 90 minutes, including the administration of local anesthesia.

Your experience and recovery after fractional CO2 laser resurfacing will depend on your unique treatment. Dr. Landon will personalize the intensity of the laser treatment to your needs and goals, and you may have a small area treated or your entire face. We offer multiple laser treatments and can create a customized plan for each patient.

Though a fractional CO2 laser is not fully ablative like the traditional CO2 laser, it is still ablative, and there may be pinpoint spots of bleeding a few hours after the procedure. You can expect mild swelling and redness after fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Swelling typically subsides within a few days, while redness fades over the next few weeks.

Dr. Langdon will give you aftercare instructions for your skin, and you’ll need to use a moisturizing ointment such as Aquaphor® during recovery. Patients should see a new layer of skin emerging in the days following their Enhanced ActiveFX treatment.

You won’t see immediate improvements from fractional CO2 laser treatments since your skill will be red and swollen. The benefits become apparent as a healthy new layer of skin emerges. Obvious results can be seen within a couple of weeks after just one treatment, with continued improvement over time. 

Dr. Langdon usually recommends two to three ActiveFX treatments a month or two apart to achieve optimal results. Enhanced ActiveFX usually requires only one treatment. You’ll likely enjoy the results of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for several months and can have maintenance treatments as needed.

Patients with common skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation will likely benefit from fractional CO2 laser treatments. While traditional CO2 laser treatments are typically best for lighter skin tones, the fractional CO2 laser can treat a wider range of skin types. During a detailed consultation, Dr. Langdon will help you determine if this treatment is right for you. He often recommends fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing for: 

  • Moderate to severe sun damage
  • Moderate to severe acne scars
  • Loose skin and wrinkles

*Individual results may vary.

Fractional CO2 Laser results.

Take the next step.

To learn more about fractional CO2 laser resurfacing or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.