Frequently asked questions about the treatment of acne scars with the fractional CO2 laser

FAQ

• How does the treatment with the CO2 laser work?

  The fractional laser treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. The treatment is carried out under local anesthesia. Anesthesia is not necessary. Before the treatment, an anesthetic cream is applied to the area to be treated, which acts for up to 60 minutes. After the application time the cream is removed from the skin, the sensitivity to pain of the skin area to be treated is significantly reduced. For safety reasons, the doctor and patient wear protective goggles during the entire treatment with the laser.

  The treatment takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Patients are treated lying down. The fractional, selective laser treatment can cause a slight burning of the skin. The laser is repeatedly stopped during the treatment, and the treating doctor pays close attention to the reaction to the stimulus emitted by the laser.

  If you would like to tell us something during the treatment, this is possible at any time. However, we ask you to keep your protective goggles on during the entire treatment. During the laser treatment, an odour may develop that is reminiscent of burnt hair. This is normal and harmless.

  After the treatment the skin may feel like sunburn for a few hours. The redness will subside after one to 5 days, possibly a slight swelling will appear for one to two days. As soon as new skin replaces the dead tissue, scaling occurs, indicating that the healing process is beginning and new skin substances are being formed. Depending on the strength setting of the laser, the regeneration time of the skin and thus also the healing process varies. During this time we recommend treating the treated area with an ointment that supports the healing process and has a calming effect at the same time.

  Depending on the strength of the treatment and the individual prerequisites of the patient, the above mentioned reactions are individual. Depending on the intensity of treatment, the downtime is 3 to 7 days.

  However, the formation of new collagens and elastic fibres takes several weeks, so that the improvement of the skin appearance achieved can only be assessed after approx. 4-8 weeks. An optimal result, which lasts several years, is achieved with at least three treatments at four to six-week intervals, whereby the individual lifestyle (sun, smoking, etc.) always plays a decisive role.

• What should be considered after a treatment with the CO2 laser?

  After treatment with the CO2 laser, the skin may be reddened and feel like a sunburn. However, cooling the treated area is not recommended in order not to interrupt the desired healing process. Wound ointments and moisturisers alleviate possible discomfort and accelerate healing in the days following treatment. As long as there is still scaling, it should not be covered with make-up (danger of tattooing). The crusts should not be scraped off or rubbed away after showering.

  During the first 10 days, hot environments (sauna, hot shower…) should be avoided. As the newly formed skin is very sensitive, direct sunlight should be avoided for at least 4 weeks after the treatment. After the crusts have fallen off, we recommend using sun protection factor 50 plus and higher several times a day. If you have a tendency to herpes, it is recommended to take a herpes prophylaxis for about one week after the treatment. After about four weeks, a follow-up check is carried out.

• What are the advantages of treatment with the CO2 laser?

  The procedure with a CO2 laser is almost painless and is performed on an outpatient basis. Compared to other methods of skin renewal such as peelings, creams and ointments, treatment with the CO2 laser is very successful for the removal of pigmentation spots and also very quickly. Results are already visible after one treatment or 3-7 days after treatment. The treatment promotes the regeneration of the skin and activates the body’s own collagen production. Wrinkles, scars and irregularities disappear and the skin feels smooth, firm and fresh.

• Can I go into the sun after a treatment with the CO2 laser?

  Since sunlight promotes skin aging, we generally recommend regular application of a suitable sunscreen. After the laser treatment, direct sunlight should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. We recommend using sun protection factor 50 plus and higher several times a day.

• Can a treatment be performed during the lunch break?

  The reaction of the skin to the laser treatment, such as redness and incrustation, and also the healing time varies from person to person. We recommend that, depending on the area of skin to be treated, the treatment with the CO2 laser should be placed in such a way that you allow yourself three to five days off, depending on your needs.

• How long does the treatment with the CO2 laser take?

  The laser treatment takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the skin area to be treated. The skin is anesthetized with an anesthetic cream before the laser treatment, which must be absorbed for up to 60 minutes.

• Is the treatment with the CO2 laser painful?

  The treatment with the CO2 laser is almost painless. A feeling of warmth up to a burning sensation of the skin is possible during the treatment with the laser. Even several hours after the treatment a burning or sore sensation, like a sunburn, can be felt. During the healing process itching often occurs, anti-inflammatory creams and ointments provide relief.

• Is the addition of medication necessary during treatment with the CO2 laser?

  In general, an analgesic cream applied before the treatment is sufficient. In order to promote the healing process and to alleviate possible complaints such as itching, we recommend suitable ointments and creams.

• What side effects can occur during treatment with the CO2 laser?

  The CO2 laser treatment is one of the minimally invasive treatments and provides a particularly gentle yet effective way of renewing the skin and smoothing wrinkles. Possible risks and side effects are comparatively low when the laser is used correctly by trained doctors. Allergic reactions or risks as in surgical procedures can be excluded at a laser treatment.

  After the treatment, redness and slight swelling as well as the formation of a crust on the treated skin area are normal and are part of the healing process of the skin like a possible itching. Even superficial, small injuries of the skin that can bleed are harmless. Rarely pigmentary changes of the skin occur, which only disappear again after a few weeks. In rare cases, lip herpes occurs, which is why we recommend taking prophylaxis if you have a tendency to herpes.

• When is treatment with the CO2 laser recommended?

  The treatment with the CO2 laser is a gentle and effective way of correcting the skin. Acne scars, pigment spots, stretch marks, also known as stretch marks, are often perceived as disturbing and can be effectively removed by using the fractional laser therapy.

  The effect of the CO2 laser is based on the activation of the skin’s natural regeneration mechanisms. In the first few days after the treatment, the uppermost layer of skin detaches and is replaced by a new one, the entire skin texture is refined and smoothed. At the same time, the stimulated collagen production provides new strength and elasticity, small wrinkles and scars disappear or are significantly reduced.

• When can the first positive results be expected?

  The treatment with the CO2 laser leads to a smoothing of the facial skin and reduces small, age-related wrinkles, unsightly scars, pigment disorders and spots. The results are often already visible after one treatment. The skin becomes altogether finer and smoother.

  Depending on the skin condition, three to five treatments at intervals of four to six weeks are recommended for optimal results. The process of collagen regeneration can take several months. Therefore the success of the treatment can only be fully assessed after 6 months and varies from individual to individual.

  In order to guarantee the achieved result in the long term, annual refreshment is recommended.

• How many treatments with the CO2 laser are necessary?

  Noticeable successes can already be seen after the first treatment. Experience shows that three to five treatments are necessary before the desired treatment success is achieved. The treatments are carried out at intervals of four to six weeks.

  After the laser treatment, the skin is tightened and refined, an even complexion provides a fresh overall impression.

  Pigmentation disorders and spots, which occur with the natural aging process of the skin, can often be successfully removed after just one single treatment with the CO2 laser. Even smaller wrinkles and scars are visibly reduced after just one treatment. In order to smooth wrinkles permanently, several sessions are usually necessary. The surface of deeper scars can be smoothed with the CO2 laser so that they are less visible.

  Depending on the skin condition, three to five treatments at intervals of four to six weeks are recommended for optimal results.

  In a personal consultation we can give you a more precise assessment of the expected individual treatment success.

• Which contraindications contradict the treatment with the CO2 laser?

  Since the CO2 laser should be used on untanned skin, we recommend that you avoid extensive sunbathing and visits to a solarium about 4 weeks before treatment with the CO2 laser at the Dermacare institute in Vienna. If the tendency to herpes is known, it may be advisable to take a herpes prophylaxis after treatment.

• How are acne scars treated with the CO2 laser?

  Treatment with fractional laser, based on the natural regenerative capacity of the skin, is considered one of the most modern methods for skin renewal and skin tightening. Unpleasant acne scars are gently removed or smoothed with the laser procedure.

  The laser beam works the skin pointwise. The energy of the laser is refracted into a thousand tiny points that penetrate deeper skin layers. Due to the punctual thermal effect of the laser beam, skin renewal is stimulated and the formation of new collagen fibres is promoted. This refines the skin structure, pigmentation spots disappear, scars and wrinkles are visibly reduced, depending on their severity, already after the first application.

  zur Hauterneuerung und Hautstraffung. Unschöne Aknenarben werden mit dem Laserverfahren sanft entfernt bzw. geglättet.

  Der Laserstrahl bearbeitet die Haut punktuell. Dabei wird die Energie des Lasers in tausend kleine Punkte gebrochen, die in tiefer liegende Hautschichten eindringen. Aufgrund der punktuellen thermischen Wirkung des Laserstrahls wird die Hauterneuerung angeregt und die Bildung neuer Kollagenfasern gefördert. So wird die Hautstruktur verfeinert, Pigmentflecken verschwinden, Narben und Fältchen werden, je nach Ausprägung, bereits nach der ersten Anwendung sichtbar reduziert.

• For which scars is the CO2 laser suitable?

  During treatment with the CO2 laser, scars on the face, neck and hands are gently smoothed. The thermal force of the laser ablates the upper layer of skin, while at the same time stimulating new skin formation and the production of collagen fibres. Because the skin is hit by the laser at specific points, parts of the tissue remain intact, which has a positive effect on the duration of the healing process and only takes a few days (usually 3-5 days).

  In the case of deeper scars, the treatment may have to be repeated to achieve the desired result. The success of the treatment and the duration of healing depend on individual conditions. The medical specialists will be happy to give you comprehensive advice on the treatment options with the CO2 laser for scars and acne scars at the Dermacare institute.