Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Tips For Dermatologists & Plastic Surgeons
Posted by: Laser Treatments MD In: Cosmetic Laser| Laser Skin Resurfacing ()
Fractional C02 Laser Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser ablation has grown in popularity as an alternative for some to traditional plastic surgery. What do Cosmetic Dermatologists want to know about C02 fractional treatments?
Treating Specific Conditions:
1. Reliants Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for deep vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep and moderate wrinkles, and acne scars. Ultrapulse DeepFx treats deep and stimulates more collagen and ablates more tissue for more tightening.
2. Reliants ActiveFx is better for more superficial pigment and more surface textural problems since it does not penetrate as deeply as the Ultrapulse DeepFx.
3. Stretch Marks (Stria): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2 (use Density 2 for thicker Stria). Do NOT use DeepFx for Stria.
4. For Melasma: Medical experts don’t recommend treating Malasma at this time. (See below for current thoughts or changes.) This may change. Melasma is a whole topic an issue by itself.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos that have resisted other treatments.
Fractional C02 Laser Treatments: Pre-Post Treatment Tips;
1. Use mild moisturizers to avoid acne flare-ups.
2. You don’t need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline for this. Mild moisturizers are enough.
3. Be aware of the Lanolin in the Aquaphor.
4. Using Aveeno Water Gel can get you one less day of downtime!
5. Post TotalFx Treatment: Use “Soaks” every 3-4 hours for comfort.
6. Post Care: Cold packs or Zimmer Cooler for 30-45 min after treatment.
7. Use Valtrex for all patients. (One case of disseminated herpes on the face won’t make your patients happy.) Might use Acyclovir since it costs much less (Four Dollars at Walmart!).
8. Check all patients by phone the next day, this makes you both feel better.
9. Don’t give pain meds after treatment. If they have pain, you want to know about it and see them. They should not have pain for more than a few hours after treatment. Prolonged pain suggests infection: bacterial, viral, fungal.
10. Pliaglis can be mixed with cetaphil cleanser or cetaphil moisturizer. 90% Pliaglis and 10% cleanser or moisturizer.
11. Experts worry about possible Lidocaine toxicity. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine costs about $6 per treatment.
12. Experts do NOT routinely prescribe oral antibiotics unless indicated for an acne outbreak. Keflex 500 mg TID, Doxycycline 100 mg BID, Erythromycin to prevent outbreaks.
13. Sunscreens: Use everyday after skin is healed up. Wear hat and stay out of sun until healed.
14. Use a good UVA blocker as further protection.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly like any technology, it’s not perfect.
