What is the wavelength of the fractional CO2 laser and how does it target the skin?
The fractional CO2 laser operates at a 10600nm wavelength, which is selectively absorbed by water in the skin tissue to create precise thermal effects and microscopic treatment channels.
What are Microthermal Zones (MTZs)?
Microthermal Zones (MTZs) are hundreds of tiny laser-treated areas measuring 100-200μm in diameter. They cover only 15%-30% of the skin surface, leaving the surrounding skin intact to accelerate healing.
How long is the recovery time after a fractional CO2 laser treatment?
Thanks to the fractional technology that preserves intact skin as healing reservoirs, the recovery time is significantly reduced, typically taking only 3 to 7 days.
What is the dual-action mechanism of the CO2 laser?
It consists of an Ablative Effect, which vaporizes the epidermal stratum corneum and partial dermis to remove surface imperfections, and Thermal Stimulation, which heats subsurface layers to activate collagen production.
How does the treatment optimize collagen levels?
The laser's subsurface heating activates fibroblasts, inducing 3-6 months of neocollagenesis and optimizing the type I/III collagen ratio to a healthy 4:1 level.
Which skin conditions can be customized and treated with this laser?
By adjusting energy density, pulse duration, and treatment density, protocols can be tailored to successfully treat acne scars, photoaging, and dyschromia.