Fractional CO2 laser ablation has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional plastic surgery. So, What do Cosmetic Dermatologists & Plastic Surgeons want to know about C02 fractional treatments?
Treating Specific Cosmetic Conditions:
1. Reliant Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars. The fractional laser treats deep and stimulates more collagen and ablates more tissue for more tightening.
2. ActiveFx is better for pigment and more superficial textural problems
3. Stria (Stretch Marks): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2 (use Density 2 for thicker Stria). Do NOT use the DeepFx for Stria.
4. Melasma: Experts are not sure it will work. They do not recommend at this time. They are doing test spots and experimenting with it. Melasma is a whole topic unto itself. Look for a specific article about this in the future.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos
Fractional C02 Laser Treatments: Pre-Post Treatment Tips;
1. Mild moisturizers 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 gets you one less day of Downtime! (From Dr. Weiss). What is Aveeno Water Gel? How do we get it?
5. Post TotalFx Care: Use "Soaks" every 3-4 hours. (What type of soaks? Saline Soaks (saline and gauze)? How long do you soak every 3-4 hours?)
6. Post Care: Use Cold ice packs or chilled air cooler for 30-45 min after treatment for patient comfort.
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 Lidocaine toxicity. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine usually costs only 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: Make sure they use everyday after skin is healed. Wear your hat and stay out of sun.
14. Use a good UVA blocker as further protection.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly, but like any cosmetic medical technology, it's not perfect. - 15438
Treating Specific Cosmetic Conditions:
1. Reliant Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars. The fractional laser treats deep and stimulates more collagen and ablates more tissue for more tightening.
2. ActiveFx is better for pigment and more superficial textural problems
3. Stria (Stretch Marks): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2 (use Density 2 for thicker Stria). Do NOT use the DeepFx for Stria.
4. Melasma: Experts are not sure it will work. They do not recommend at this time. They are doing test spots and experimenting with it. Melasma is a whole topic unto itself. Look for a specific article about this in the future.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos
Fractional C02 Laser Treatments: Pre-Post Treatment Tips;
1. Mild moisturizers 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 gets you one less day of Downtime! (From Dr. Weiss). What is Aveeno Water Gel? How do we get it?
5. Post TotalFx Care: Use "Soaks" every 3-4 hours. (What type of soaks? Saline Soaks (saline and gauze)? How long do you soak every 3-4 hours?)
6. Post Care: Use Cold ice packs or chilled air cooler for 30-45 min after treatment for patient comfort.
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 Lidocaine toxicity. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine usually costs only 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: Make sure they use everyday after skin is healed. Wear your hat and stay out of sun.
14. Use a good UVA blocker as further protection.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly, but like any cosmetic medical technology, it's not perfect. - 15438
About the Author:
Medical Spa MD offers current information about the newest advances in cosmetic IPL & Laser technology for medical providers and other cosmetic medical topics to a fast growing physician community of Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and Aesthetic Physicians with thousands of physician members.Medical Spa MD
