CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser emits light at 10,600 nm — a wavelength strongly absorbed by water. Every cell in the skin's epidermis and dermis contains water, so when the laser beam contacts skin tissue, it heats and vaporises the targeted cells in microseconds. In fractional delivery, a scanning array or stamping pattern creates columns of ablation (called microscopic treatment zones or MTZs) roughly 100–300 µm in diameter, separated by untreated skin…

At DermaEsthetic MUDr. Hana Šulcová applies a topical anaesthetic cream approximately one hour before the session to ensure patient comfort throughout the 45–90 minute procedure (the upper range for large areas such as full face plus neck). During treatment the laser handpiece is passed methodically across the skin in a grid pattern; patients experience a sensation of heat and mild stinging. Immediately after, the skin appears red and may have a grid-like…

The post-treatment period involves one week of redness and mild swelling; a healing cream is applied and strict sun avoidance with SPF 50+ for a full month is mandatory — freshly resurfaced skin is highly susceptible to UV-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in Fitzpatrick types III–IV. Social downtime is approximately five to seven days. MUDr. Šulcová recommends scheduling treatment in winter months to minimise unavoidable…