History of the CO2 Laser

CO2 Laser has been used in dermatology for the treatment of acne scars and skin cancer for many years. Laser skin resurfacing is a rapid and precise procedure that removes surface imperfections and dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles. The devices of the first generation could cause scarring due to thermal damage of the underlying tissues. This problem does not exist with Ultra Pulse Laser as its light penetrates to a controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable, reducing the risk of scarring.

Wrinkle Treatment

Wrinkles and acne scars have been treated for decades with mechanical peel or dermabrasion. Dermabrasion can't be performed too deeply and can't be used on the eyelids or around the eyes. This sufficiently limits the treatment possibilities as most wrinkles tend to appear around the eyes. Mechanical dermabrasion does not tighten the skin the same way as laser skin resurfacing.

Chemical peel uses various agents, e.g., phenol, to remove wrinkles and smooth irregularities. Phenol is generally the strongest peeling agent and can be toxic to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Once phenol is applied to the skin, the depth of its exfoliation can't be adjusted which may cause serious complications such as hypertrophic scarring and skin loss. Phenol peeling can also result in uneven skin pigmentation.

What Is the Difference Between CO2 Laser and Ultra Pulse CO2 Laser?

Lasers of the first generation developed for wrinkle treatment allowed resurfacing of just small areas of skin that made the treatment slow and unpredictable. With Ultra Pulse Laser larger skin areas can be treated in one procedure. Laser energy is delivered in short pulses which vaporizes only the top skin layers eliminating underlying thermal damage. The controlled wavelength of the Ultra Pulse Laser does not penetrate the skin too deeply. The Computerized Pattern Generator of the Ultra Pulse Laser is so precise that the normal surrounding tissue is not effected. Ultra Pulse Laser safely and effectively removes wrinkles and acne scars. The effect is visible immediately after the treatment and the skin heals completely within a few months. Facial skin can be tightened through this procedure and in some cases laser resurfacing can replace a surgical facelift or an eyelid operation. Unlike traditional surgery, laser skin resurfacing is a bloodless procedure that reduces wrinkles without scalpels or stitches leaving no scars. It effectively removes acne scars, wrinkles, blotchiness or age spots, tightens the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen.

What areas can be treated with laser?

Laser can be used on the entire face or specific areas, e.g., around the eyes, on the vertical wrinkles around the mouth, or in the forehead area.

How will I look after the treatment?

Immediately after the procedure the skin is red and swollen. All the important information on postoperative treatment you receive during the consultation at our hospital.

Possible Complications

Some pigmentary changes may follow laser skin resurfacing. Pigmentation disturbance can be of two kinds: hypopigmentation or skin whitening or hyperpigmentation or skin darkening. Pigmentary changes can be sufficiently improved by the application of a solution you receive at our hospital.

The risk of pigmentation problems is much less following laser skin resurfacing than after chemical peel with phenol or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Pigmentation problems are rare in Finnish patients as they have a fair skin. The probability of pigmentary changes is sufficiently higher with darker skin tones. Pigmentation disturbance can be treated by the application of a solution you receive at our hospital for the aftercare.

Skin redness following laser resurfacing is a normal sign of a good blood circulation, skin healing and new collagen growth. Redness can be easily covered with cosmetics until it completely disappears 1-3 months following the treatment.

Inflammation is very rare and generally, recovery time with laser skin resurfacing is rapid and gentle.

Before	After

Fraxel, KTP, Ruby and diod laser treatments

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