Modern cosmetology offers an effective method of dealing with problem areas of the skin – CO2 rejuvenation. This procedure consists in the use of a fractional laser, which, acting on acne scars, mimic wrinkles, age spots, restores the damaged dermis.
The principle of operation of a fractional CO2 laser
The CO2 laser works by vibrating carbon dioxide molecules combined with helium, nitrogen, hydrogen and xenon. Penetrating into the dermis, the laser beam is absorbed by the water contained in the tissues and melanocytes – cells that produce melanin pigment. As a result of laser exposure, the top layer of the skin is destroyed, after which the process of its restoration starts.
A beam of carbon dioxide hits the skin layer with a column. The power and density of the laser exposure is adjusted depending on the age of the patient and the individual characteristics of his dermis. After the procedure, the treated area resembles a wound, which is characterized by slight bleeding, redness and swelling. Then scars form and the old skin is exfoliated. After 6-9 months, the affected areas of the skin are completely restored.
Classification of CO2 lasers
A CO2 laser is a high energy beam of light directed at a specific area of the skin. It can differ both in the type of effect on the dermis and in radiation.
According to the method of exposure to the skin
Today, lasers are used in cosmetology for CO2 rejuvenation:
- ablative;
- non-ablative;
- Combined.
The ablative laser beam creates short-term pulses that do not penetrate deep inside, but act exclusively on the upper layer of the epidermis. This method is effective for eliminating fine wrinkles, creating a lifting effect. A non-ablative fractional laser has a low level of light energy, and therefore, on the contrary, penetrates into the lower layers of the skin without affecting the upper dermis. This method is aimed at eliminating pronounced wrinkles. The combined laser involves a combination of two types of CO2 rejuvenation – ablative and non-ablative.
Type of infrared radiation
The difference between a fractional laser also lies in the method of radiation. He can be:
- continuous;
- Impulse.
The continuous laser beam acts on the skin continuously. It is used in surgery to cut tissue and remove unwanted growths on it. The disadvantage of this method is that due to continuous radiation, the dermis around the treated area is heated, which provokes its destruction.
The pulsed beam works like short flashes that affect the area of the skin where they are directed. Depending on the frequency, pulses are used for both skin resurfacing and tissue dissection. But unlike a continuous beam, such a laser saves the life of cells located around the treated area.
Requirements that the device must meet
When choosing a fractional CO2 laser, it is important to pay attention to the properties of the device:
- The laser pulse must be super-powerful and ultra-short in order to be able to distribute the beam energy between the destruction of the upper tissue layer and the heating of the dermis in depth. The maximum power of the device must reach a value of at least 30 W;
- The presence of special modes, including super-impulse, to improve skin texture and remove abnormal pigmentation;
- Ensuring the adjustment of the number of pulses to the point of impact, in order to exclude many “shots” for the beam to hit a certain layer of the dermis.
As advantages, many sellers focus the buyer’s attention on the duration of the scan, the size of the scanner. These parameters are also important, but not key. To carry out an effective CO2 rejuvenation procedure, choose a device based on its power, the presence of special modes and the number of pulses.
Fractional CO2 Laser Rating
The result of using a carbon dioxide laser depends not only on the professionalism of the doctor, but also on the quality of the device. Today, the market for medical products offers a huge number of CO2 units, and now we will look at the best of them.
TOP Laser CO2-1A
Among budget options, TOP Laser CO2-1A occupies a high position. The principle of operation of the laser is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis fraxel, which provides an impact on both the surface and deep layers of the dermis. The device effectively shows itself when leveling skin tone, smoothing wrinkles, removing scars and scars. In comparison with other units TOP Laser CO2-1A has the shortest rehabilitation period. However, in terms of time, the procedure takes 20-30 minutes, while on more expensive units, the session lasts 5-10 minutes.
Elena: “I ordered the TOP Laser CO2-1A device for my clinic, although I originally planned Deka. It is convenient to work with him, although longer than on top models. But the main thing is that the laser technology allows you to use it for both deep layers of the skin and superficial ones. And I’m also happy with the result.”