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Fractional Co2
Fractional CO₂ Laser is an advanced, medical-grade ablative laser treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser beam (wavelength 10,600 nm) to create thousands of precisely controlled microscopic thermal columns — called Microscopic Treatment Zones (MTZs) — deep into the skin. The word “fractional” means only a fraction of the skin surface is treated per session, with surrounding healthy tissue left completely intact.
These microscopic channels vaporise damaged skin cells in the targeted zones, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing cascade. As healthy surrounding tissue accelerates repair, the skin produces new collagen, elastin, and healthy skin cells — filling acne scars, smoothing wrinkles, tightening loose skin, and replacing damaged tissue with fresh, structurally improved skin. Results continue to develop for up to 6 months as collagen remodelling progresses.
Traditional CO₂ vs Fractional CO₂
Traditional Ablative CO₂ Laser
- Removes the entire skin surface in the treated area
- Most dramatic single-session results
- Very long recovery — 2–4 weeks minimum
- Higher risk of side effects and infection
- Rarely used today for standard aesthetic indications
- Best for very severe, extensive sun damage
Fractional CO₂ Laser
- Treats only a fraction of skin — surrounding tissue intact
- Faster healing — healthy tissue accelerates repair
- Downtime 5–14 days (vs 2–4 weeks for ablative)
- Significantly lower risk profile
- Results build progressively over multiple sessions
- Gold standard for acne scars, wrinkles & rejuvenation
Step-by-step Procedure
Consultation, skin analysis & patch test
Your dermatologist performs a thorough skin assessment — evaluating scar type and depth, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. A pre-treatment patch test may be performed, and pre-treatment skin preparation (priming) is prescribed 2–4 weeks before the procedure.
Pre-treatment skin priming (2–4 weeks before)
To minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — especially important for Indian skin — your dermatologist will prescribe a priming regimen: typically hydroquinone, tretinoin, and SPF 50 for 2–4 weeks pre-treatment. Discontinue retinoids 5–7 days before. Avoid all sun exposure.
Topical anaesthesia application
On treatment day, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and a potent topical numbing cream (EMLA or LMX) is applied for 45–60 minutes. For more aggressive treatments, injectable local anaesthesia or nerve blocks may be used in addition to topical numbing to ensure full comfort throughout the procedure.
Laser parameter setting & test spots
Your dermatologist customises the laser settings — adjusting density (fraction of skin treated), energy per pulse, pulse duration, and depth — based on your skin type, concern severity, and Fitzpatrick classification. Test spots may be performed on a small area first to confirm optimal parameters.
Fractional CO₂ laser treatment
The laser handpiece is passed methodically across the treatment area delivering the fractional pattern of microscopic laser columns. You will feel warmth, heat, and a mild stinging sensation. The skin immediately takes on a reddish, slightly swollen appearance — a sign the thermal cascade has been activated. The procedure takes 20–60 minutes depending on the treatment area.
Immediate cooling & post-treatment care
Chilled saline compresses or a cryo-cooling device is applied immediately to reduce heat and discomfort. A medical-grade healing ointment (petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, or prescribed barrier cream) is applied. Detailed written aftercare instructions are given. For 7–14 days, the skin will appear red, swollen, and begin peeling — a normal and necessary part of the healing process.