Scar treatment with the fractional CO2 laser
A targeted and effective treatment method
Everything at a glance
- Treatment duration: 5 to 20 minutes
- Anesthesia: local anesthetic cream 20 minutes before treatment
- Follow-up treatment: use of wound ointment 1 to 2 times a day in the 1st week
- Social effects: slight redness and swelling 3 to 7 days after the treatment | additional: feeling of warmth and tension, reminiscent of sunburn | Small crusts form over the lasered skin spots over the following days, which are gradually shed. However, these can be easily covered with make-up.
- Visibility of the results: Within a few days, new, softer skin will form with a more even complexion than before. Over the next 6 to 9 months, your skin will continue to improve as the old collagen is replaced by new collagen.
- Durability of the results: 1 to 2 years
- Exception: We do not treat scars caused by self-harm ("scratching")!
In my practice, I specialize in the latest methods for all types of scars thanks to my long-standing and current collaboration with the scar outpatient clinic of the Charité in Berlin.
Targeted skin correction - scars that are still "active" require individual therapy
Early treatment supports success
In the case of hypertrophic scars (bulging) or keloids (extending beyond the original wound edges; often red, thick, inflammatory, sometimes itchy because nerve fibers are involved in the inflammation), scar treatment should be carried out as early as possible.
Advantages of the CO2 laser
- Innovative laser treatment that makes it possible to vaporize the skin in the form of microscopically small heat columns or to tighten the skin over a large area.
- Formation of new collagen
- Shrinking effect: Existing collagen bundles contract strongly.
- The result is soft, smooth and radiant skin.
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BEFORE-AFTER results - treatment with the CO2 laser
Recommended treatment duration: 3-4 laser sessions
BEFORE
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After the 1st treatment
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After the 2nd treatment*
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Below a patient with so-called “spontaneous keloids” (tendency to form heavily thickened scars without previous injury)
BEFORE
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AFTER
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BEFORE
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AFTER
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(5 sessions with the CO2 laser)
BEFORE
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During the treatment
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Afterwards
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Application areas of the CO2 laser
- Scars (after acne, surgery or burns)
- Pigmentation disorders of any kind on the back of the hands, arms and face
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles on the face and around the sensitive eye area
- Large-pored skin
- Milia (annoying sebaceous inclusions under the skin)
Important FAQs about laser skin tightening
At what age can skin rejuvenation by laser lifting be considered?
A laser lift can be used with the onset of elastosis (initial ageing of the skin due to the formation of tiny wrinkles).
What is the difference between laser treatment with CO2 and other wrinkle treatments?
The fractional CO2 laser also leads to a restructuring and firming of the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in overall thicker, youthful and firmer skin.
Laser tightening: How does laser facial surgery feel?
Immediately after the laser lift there is redness, comparable to sunburn, but this is significantly reduced by applying the post-laser cream. There may also be slight swelling in the eye area, as the skin here is particularly delicate.
What risks and side effects can occur with a laser lift?
Improper treatment can lead to scarring. It is therefore important to have the treatment carried out at a laser-certified practice.
Can all scars be treated with the CO2 laser?
The CO2 laser is a very effective and efficient way to treat scars. A variety of different types of scars can be treated, with the exception of scars caused by self-harm (“scoring”). Dr. Barbara Franz did NOT recommend treatment with the CO2 laser.