Although there is no alternative on the market to stop the aging process, fractional laser treatment is by far the closest thing to it. More than 20 years ago, the CO2 laser made its appearance in the medical world. In its original version, the treatment completely vaporized the epidermis, requiring a convalescence period of at least two weeks. In addition, skin erythema was prolonged, and the skin appeared reddened for 8 to 12 months. Complications were proportional to the damage caused.
Today, fractional laser treatment has greatly evolved, giving way to new technologies which, after a series of 2 to 4 treatments, deliver remarkable results with little or no convalescence time. Used worldwide by top plastic surgeons and dermatologists, Erbium and CO2 lasers are available in fractional, ablative, non-ablative and even hybrid modes.
Impeccable skin is what we want and deserve. Laser resurfacing allows us to achieve this goal by treating the face and body quickly and easily. The CO2 laser is the solution for improving most of our skin imperfections without surgery and/or long recovery periods.
After a thorough assessment of each patient’s skin condition, a personalized treatment plan is developed by Dr. Mario F. Bernier. Patients can expect a series of 2 to 4 treatments at 4 weeks intervals, combining non-invasive and invasive procedures.
For a burst of radiance, the “Glow” mode provides superficial exfoliation of the skin, giving way to a radiant, glowing complexion. Ideal for patients in their thirties and forties. The treatment itself is very comfortable, and only slight redness and a sensation of heat may last for around 24 hours. Over the following week, the skin gradually exfoliates.
To treat wrinkles, fine lines and enlarged pores, treatments will be performed a little more deeply and will require a downtime most of the time for 2 or 3 days.
For wrinkles marked by years of age, acne scars and scars, the session will be performed at higher parameters and will require a convalescence period of 5 to 10 days.
Although laser treatments all have the common goal of improving skin quality, they don’t all work in the same way.
With the micro ablative fractional CO2 laser, laser energy is used to coagulate micro-columns in the dermis. This controlled damage generates new collagen production during the healing process. This treatment is ideal for skin firming, improving skin texture, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, thightening enlarged pores, and fading pigmentation spots. To treat stretch marks, scars and acne scars, the treatment parameters will act more deeply, enabling superior coagulative necrosis at dermal level.
Although this technique is less invasive than deep micro ablative laser treatments, the fact remains that they are not painless. For a more comfortable treatment, the application of a topical anaesthetic cream is required one hour prior to treatment.
Depending on the treatment parameters, patients may experience temporary redness, a sensation of warmth and slight swelling in the treated areas. However, patients can usually return to their regular activities 2 days after treatment.
Micro ablative fractional laser treatments can be performed mainly on very light, light and medium-light skin types (Skin type I, II, III). Skin types IV, V, and VI, have different treatment options. The expertise of the treating physician is essential to achieve the ideal goals without complications.
Deep micro-ablative CO2 laser treatment uses laser energy to create a partial ablation of the epidermis and dermis. Because the laser energy is delivered more deeply, the tissue is able to regenerate, increasing the production of collagen, elastin and fibroblasts.
This treatment is ideal for treating mature skin, as well as diminishing the appearance of deeper wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and face, as well as stretch marks, scars and acne scars.
Because the damage created is more aggressive, healing requires a 5-10 days convalescence. Patients can expect slight bleeding during the procedure, as well as redness, swelling and scabbing within 48 hours of treatment.
The benefits of this treatment include firmer, clearer skin and a considerable reduction in wrinkles. Usually, deep micro-ablative laser treatment is the last step following previous superficial micro-ablative fractional laser sessions. This series of treatments can eliminate even the most stubborn wrinkles. The skin is smoother and firmer without having changed the natural appearance of the face.
The CO2 laser in deep micro-ablative mode generally requires prolonged convalescence.
Because the laser beams are extremely thin, they penetrate the skin better than other laser treatments using the same energy level.
The eCO2 treatment features a patented innovation: CCT (Controlled Chaos Technology), which enables random tissue vaporization in static or dynamic mode, making treatment not only more comfortable for patients, but also delivering a much more natural clinical result. This technology, available on the device, makes it possible to achieve this “blurred”, uniform effect.
Depending on the surface to be treated, Dr. Bernier usually performs the treatment in less than 30 minutes.
As a general rule, the treatment is bearable with the application of a topical anesthetic cream. Compared to other laser treatments such as non-ablative laser treatments, eCO2 provides an intense sunburn sensation and is much more comfortable, since the vaporized tissue immediately expels the heat produced by the device.
When pinpoint bleeding occurs, they are in no way a sign of a complication or side effect, but are caused by one of 2 reasons:
- Deep penetration of the dermis
- Bursting of small blood vessels in the dermis.
In the majority of cases, older patients with thicker skin or oily skin types rarely experience bleeding spots. Younger patients are more prone to pinpoint bleeding, and this is explained by the abundant presence of capillaries in the dermis. It is also possible for bleeding spots to appear within 2 hours of treatment, or even the following day, until the re-epithelialization process has been completed. These bleeding spots can be removed with a dry, sterile compress, and the regenerative cream applied afterwards.
Unlike non-ablative laser treatment, micro-ablative treatment produces a light crust on the surface of the skin that will gradually fall off within 5 to 7 days after the session. Redness and swelling may occur during this same period. Make-up can be applied 2 days after treatment, while it takes at least 3 days before you can shave again.
Although a complete document of pre- and post-treatment recommendations will be given to you during your facial evaluation with Dr. Bernier, the important points to remember are as follows:
As the laser destroys micro-columns of skin, it creates small holes, and to prevent infection, it’s imperative to apply an occlusive cream (supplied during treatment) for the first few days.
- Physical training is not recommended for at least 48 hours.
- The skin must not be tanned (wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after prolonged exposure to the sun).
To maximize and prolong results, the use of medical-grade topical creams and sunscreen at all times is strongly recommended. In addition, patients may require one or two maintenance treatments per year. This treatment can be combined with injections, for an even more dramatic result.
(translated from French)
The goal of my approach to aesthetic medicine was to reduce the signs of aging, especially wrinkles and fine lines. Following these treatments (5), I noticed a firming of my skin and an improvement in the contour of my eyes. I was looking for and I got a beautiful glow all over my face in short “a rejuvenating success”. I am very satisfied with the results obtained.
T Laurin
12/11/2015
1 IPL treatment
and series of 5 fractional laser treatments
at Dr. Mario F Bernier’s Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine
1 IPL treatment, series of 5 fractional laser treatments, injection of Botox in the face (forehead, glabella and crow’s feet) and Restylane in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines
CO2 fractional laser in Glow mode
For a radiant and glowing complexion.
starting from $750
CO2 micro ablative treatment
Usually 2-3 treatments are required, 6 weeks apart, 2 days downtime
$850 and more
CO2 micro ablative deep treatment
5-10 days downtime
$1950
For more information on the fractional CO2 laser or to make an appointment at our clinic in Laval, contact our team!