The Fractional CO2 Laser is an advanced medical device that uses laser radiation with a wavelength in the near-infrared range (in the region of 10,600 nm) for dermatological and surgical procedures. This system works on the principle of concentrated and controlled laser radiation that is delivered to the skin in a fractional manner, meaning that it is delivered in the form of microscopic columns of laser energy, with untouched areas of skin in between.
Only laser treatments can achieve revitalization and rejuvenation effects. Laser treatments are applied both to obtain specific results (such as improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, enhancing complexion, increasing skin tension, etc.) and also to decelerate the aging process. Laser skin rejuvenation treatments stimulate the skin’s natural regenerative processes, yielding natural outcomes.
Patient preparation: Before the procedure begins, the patient is typically given a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the treatment. Some devices may also use a cool air stream to cool the area of the skin being treated.
Ablation: The fractional CO2 laser generates highly concentrated beams of radiation that penetrate the skin. These microscopic laser columns remove a thin layer of skin (a process called ablation) on the areas where they are applied. Ablation causes controlled damage to the skin tissue, which stimulates the healing process.
Collagen enhancement: The damage caused by fractional CO2 lasers stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. Collagen is a structural protein present in the skin that is responsible for its firmness and elasticity. This process leads to an improved skin texture and overall smoothness, as well as a reduction in wrinkles.
Limited treatment area: The fractional CO2 laser enables precise targeting of the treatment area, facilitating controlled removal of damaged skin and fostering healing in designated areas. The remaining parts of the skin stay unaffected, expediting the healing process.
Healing: Post-procedure, patients are advised to use special-purpose creams and care for their skin to aid the healing process. The skin may be red and swollen for a few days after the procedure, but should gradually return to its normal appearance within several weeks.
The fractional CO2 laser is employed in addressing a variety of skin issues such as post-surgical scars, acne scars, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and more. It’s an effective technique to enhance skin quality, though achieving the desired outcomes might require multiple treatment sessions. Before undertaking the treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a seasoned dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine its appropriateness for the particular situation.
Virtually every patient is eligible for this type of treatment. At Tooting and Clapham Clinics, treatments are individually tailored to patient’s needs. Laser treatments can perform a variety of treatments – from preventing skin aging in younger individuals to laser removal of wrinkles, scars, and facelift procedures.
The fractional CO2 laser treatment is employed for a variety of dermatological and aesthetic indications. Here are a few primary indications for which this type of treatment may be considered:
Wrinkles: The fractional CO2 laser is frequently used to reduce wrinkles and expression lines on the face, neck, and décolletage. It enhances the skin’s elasticity and stimulates collagen production, leading to skin smoothing and firming.
Scars: This type of laser is effective in reducing various types of scars, including post-surgical scars, acne scars, stretch marks and more. The fractional C02 laser helps soften and smooth out scars, improving their appearance.
Hyperpigmentation: This treatment can assist in reducing skin discolouration issues, such as age spots, lentigines and other pigmentation irregularities.
Acne and rosacea: The fractional CO2 laser can be used to treat acne and rosacea by reducing skin inflammation and improving skin texture.
Wart and mole removal: The fractional C02 laser can be utilized for precise removal of certain types of warts, moles, spots, and other skin changes
Skin rejuvenation: For general skin rejuvenation, a treatment with the fractional CO2 laser can be performed, which improves skin texture, firmness, and tone.
Stretch marks: This laser can be used to reduce stretch marks, which often appear on the skin as a result of rapid weight gain, such as during pregnancy.
Seborroic keratoses: The fractional CO2 laser can be used to remove certain skin lesions, such as seborroic keratoses.
Skin resurfacing: In some cases, this treatment is used for overall skin rejuvenation and enhancement of skin quality, especially in areas of the face, neck, décolletage, and hands.
The ablative laser has an effect on both the quality of the skin (stimulating renewal processes) and its appearance (producing a strong refreshing effect through exfoliation), whereas the non-ablative laser merely heats the tissue, and does so much more gently than the ablative laser, without causing exfoliation. The only advantage of the non-ablative laser is the short recovery period.
Dr. Krzysztof Korpikiewicz is a family medicine practitioner with expertise in ultrasonography and minor surgery. He graduated from the Medical Academy in Gdańsk in 1999 and obtained his specialization in family medicine in 2005. In the same year, he defended his doctoral thesis in the field of rheumatology and densitometry at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Since 2001, he has been performing ultrasonographic examinations in a family doctor’s office.
Since 2007, Dr. Korpikiewicz has been working in London, where he gained experience in several clinics, practicing both for the NHS and the private sector. Since 2015, he has also been performing minor surgical procedures.
In his clinic, Dr. Korpikiewicz offers ultrasonographic diagnostics for the abdominal cavity, thyroid, lymph nodes, and testicles.
020 7223 5114
online booking
