Fractional carbon diode (CO2) laser treatment for skin lesions

How does fractional CO2 laser treatment work? 

The CO2 laser beam vaporises water molecules in the skin. This heats up the skin so that the top-most layer is peeled off. As a result, production of new skin is stimulated and the skin defects caused by the laser are healed over, creating a smoother skin surface. “Fractional” CO2 laser means that only a part of the treated area is hit by the laser beam, while areas of skin between are left untouched. For this reason, fractional CO2 laser treatment is less sore and will heal quicker than “traditional” CO2 laser treatment.

What is the treatment used for? 

Fractional CO2 laser treatment can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as reducing unevenness of the skin caused by scars or to remove certain superficial skin changes such as, for example, warts.

What are the risks and benefits? 

Fractional CO2 laser treatment can help to make scarring less noticeable.

For treatment of other skin conditions, such as recalcitrant warts, it can provide an alternative to surgical removal. As with any medical treatment, every patient reacts differently and there is no guarantee just how well it will work for you.

For this reason, unless only a small area is to be treated, you will first receive a “test” treatment to a small area, to see how your skin reacts to it.

As the treatment works by damaging the top-most layer of the skin, it is painful, requiring prior numbing of the skin with a local anaesthetic. After treatment, the treated skin will look raw and a scab or crusting will form and remain for a few days. The opening of the skin also causes a risk of infection or cold sores. To minimise that risk, you may be asked to take prophylactic antibiotic treatment before the treatment, depending on what region of the body is treated. In addition, some patients will develop tiny white spots (called “milia”) or acne-type spots that usually go away spontaneously after a few days.

Rarely, CO2 laser treatment can trigger colour changes or even scarring of the treated skin. To minimise the risk of this happening, strong sunlight exposure before or after the treatment should be avoided. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment for skin lesions Information for patients Page 2 of 3 If sun-exposed skin such as the face is to be treated, sun exposure must be minimised by applying sun cream for up to four weeks before and after the treatment. Your operator may also prescribe a combination of creams for you to apply before the treatment, to reduce the risk of skin colour change even more.