Fractional C02, a skin resurfacing treatment, is considered by many dermatologists and skin specialists to be the anti-aging breakthrough of the decade.  Fractional CO2 combines the effectiveness of traditional carbon dioxide lasers, long thought to be the gold standard in wrinkle removal, with a new application technique and delivers powerful results without the traditionally harsh side effects and downtime.

“Essentially, you are getting all the benefits of laser resurfacing, still the best way to remove wrinkles, but you’re getting it without the downtime and without the horrendous complication rate,” says David Goldberg, MD, Director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

The goal of fractional laser treatment is simple: replace damaged skin with new, fresh skin. The primary targets of fractional CO2 include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead

• Crow’s feet around the eyes

• Pucker marks (smoker’s lines) and frown lines

• Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone

• Scars, especially acne scars

• Stretch marks

How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The natural aging process, combined with exposure to sun and pollution, destroys collagen, the main protein of connective tissue that keeps skin plump and line-free. Laser resurfacing uses small beams of energy light to bore tiny holes in the skin, which works to put the body’s natural collagen production on fast forward.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does this in a way that prevents damage to the top layer of skin, offering maximum results with minimal recovery.

The results of the treatments can be dramatic and with proper sun protection, effects are thought to last eight to ten years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, and some, such as new collagen formation, build up gradually.  The result is continued smoothing over time. Most people will continue to show improvement up to six months after the procedure.