Fractional CO2 Laser in Singapore: What to Expect

Some people tend to guess people’s age by looking at their faces. You are lucky if you were born with flawless skin as people may perceive you to be younger than your actual age. But as we grow old, our skin changes and problems occur like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and many more. So, when it comes to skincare, it is always important to maintain smooth and youthful glowing skin.

More products and treatments in the market today promise effective solutions to skin issues. A lot of clinics in Singapore offer commercial skincare products and different medical procedures. One of the advanced treatments presently used for skin care is the fractional CO2 laser.

What is Fractional CO2 Laser?

The fractional CO2 laser is a quick, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that treats acne scars and lightens skin blemishes and pigmentation. It uses resurfacing laser technologies to treat skin issues. It also helps rejuvenate the skin to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fractional CO2 lasers have been proven to be very effective and safe.

Is fractional co2 laser suitable for everybody?

Dr Edwin Lim, a medical practitioner and aesthetician at Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic located at #02-12/13 Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038, comments that fractional CO2 laser treatment is not suitable for everybody. Consulting your doctor is highly recommended before going through the procedure. Here is the list of reasons why the procedure may not be suitable for you:

• You are pregnant
• You are taking regular medications that can complicate with the treatment
• Your skin is very sensitive
• You are undergoing chemotherapy

Your doctor can help you determine if you are suitable for the treatment. He or she can give recommendations too if what type of treatment is best for your skin problem.

Fractional CO2 Laser in Singapore can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Skin pigmentation
• Acne scars
• Sun-damaged skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stretchmarks
• Age spots

How is the treatment with fractional CO2 laser done?

First, your skin will be evaluated by the doctor and you will be given recommendations on what is the best treatment to address your skin ageing symptoms. Expectations about the treatment will also be given. A picture of you will be taken to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

Prior to your procedure, your face will be cleaned thoroughly before the treatment. Then, a numbing cream will be applied and left for 30 mins to take effect. This is done to lessen discomfort during the treatment and to protect areas that are more sensitive, such as the skin around the mouth.

Next, a laser device will be used in the treatment areas of your face. You may feel a tingling or prickling sensation as the laser beams touch your skin during the procedure.

Is the treatment painful?

A prickling sensation will be felt when the laser beams hit the surface of the skin. But it can be more painful on the delicate skin areas like the chin or around the mouth. That depends though on the patient’s tolerance for pain.

What should you expect after the treatment?

Expect to see swelling and redness on the treated area. The skin may feel as though it is sunburned during and after the procedure. A cold compress can help ease the discomfort. You may apply this on your skin and leave it for 3 to 5 minutes every hour. Your skin will start to peel 3 to 7 days after the treatment. Then, your skin’s outer layer will begin to shed and will become pinkish for 2 to 6 weeks. Do not pick the peeled skin, leave them to fall off on their own. The healing process will depend on how laser energy has penetrated the skin intensively. The deeper it reaches, the longer the downtime and healing process needed.

Things to remember after the Fractional CO2 treatment

You have to clean your face with cool tap water 24 hours after the treatment. To avoid irritation, skin products with acidic content is not allowed to be used within 2 weeks or until the skin is completely healed. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers and a cold compress after the procedure to ease the pain. If possible, stay out from direct sunlight. It may cause infections and irritate the treated skin. The usage of sunblock is required for your skin’s protection.

To prevent your skin from drying, moisturizers can be a big help. You can ask your doctor for an effective moisturizer that he or she can recommend. Most importantly, do not pick the peeled skin. Let them fall off naturally to avoid possible bruising or scarring.

When can you see results?

After the treatment, results can be seen right away. Improvement of your skin problems like wrinkles and scars can be observed. However, it takes time to produce new collagen. Improvements in the skin will be gradual, taking about 3 to 6 months for the complete results to emerge following the treatment. Patients can also expect longterm improvements in their skin.

How much is the cost of Fractional CO2 Laser treatment in Singapore?

The price ranges from $400 to $600, but that varies and can be more or less due to these factors:

• Size and part of the treatment area
• Consultation fee
• Number of sessions
• Medications after the treatment

Take note also that Fractional CO2 laser is a cosmetic procedure. If you undergo this treatment, it will not be covered by your insurance. You can ask your doctor a quote upon consultation so you can already have an idea of how much amount to prepare.

And lastly, a good choice of doctor needs to be considered. Check your doctor’s credentials first if he or she has experience or training with Fractional CO2 Laser treatment. The effectiveness and best result of your treatment lie in your doctor’s hand.