Time can be considered one of the few invincible forces of the universe. It makes everyone age, which is something that applies even when you want to stay young. The good news is that advances in science and dermatology have created new techniques that can help rejuvenate the skin. The Fractional CO2 Laser is one such technique that can significantly reduce wrinkles, lines and other blemishes on the face without the need for even one incision.
Fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing can give the patient numerous advantages over traditional treatments while offering a comparable result. Some benefits may be otherwise unobtainable.
Understanding the Skin
The first thing you must understand is that your skin has more than one layer. Three layers can contribute towards lines, wrinkles and other blemishes that may present themselves upon your face. The skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin. This is where most of the skin derives its coloring, as melanocytes are located on this layer. Some visible blemishes may also reside on this layer.
The dermis is the middle layer. This layer has elastin and collagen, which are the two components that give your skin most of its durability. As these components break down with aging, the skin becomes loose and gives the appearance of sagging.
The subcutis is the layer where your body’s fat resides. This layer is responsible for the “shape” of your body but not necessarily your skin. Imagine that it is more like a foundation.
Most blemishes, lines, and other problems are located in the epidermis and dermis layers. Treating these layers can fix loose skin.
How Laser Skin Tightening Works
Laser skin tightening with a CO2 Fractional Laser works differently from other laser treatments. It affects both the epidermis and dermis layers rather than just one or the other layer. Fractional lasers affect both layers at the same time by utilizing tiny dots of high-intensity lasers. The laser destroys certain cells within these layers of the skin. These cells are often the components responsible for blemishes, as with the epidermis, or sagging skin, as with the dermis.
The body then takes the destroyed cells and disposes of them as waste. This allows the body to begin repairing and replacing the destroyed cells with brand new ones. This results in the epidermis looking cleaner and clearer while the dermis looks fuller and tighter. This can reverse some of the damage that aging has caused without requiring any incisions.
One thing to understand about laser skin tightening is that it is not a replacement for a facelift. This procedure only affects the top two layers of the skin, which means that it is limited in the way it can treat your skin.
For best results, you should always consult a licensed dermatologist or healthcare provider. Their experience and expertise can help you decide what treatment is best for rejuvenating your skin.
At Metro Dermatology, our team of doctors are licensed dermatologists that can perform C02 Fractional Resurfacing. If you have any questions or concerns, we will be able to assist you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.