Fractional CO2 laser ablation has grown in popularity as an alternative for some to traditional plastic surgery. What do Cosmetic Dermatologists want to know about C02 fractional treatments?
Treating Specific Cosmetic Conditions:
1. Reliants Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for deep vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep and moderate wrinkles, and acne scars. Ultrapulse DeepFx 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. For Stria (Stretch Marks): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2. Use Density 2 for thicker Stria. (Note: Do NOT use the DeepFx for Stria.)
4. Melasma: Medical experts are not sure it will work and do not recommend treating Malasma at this time. This may change however since they're experimenting with it. Melasma is a whole topic by itself.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos
Pre and Post Treatment Tips:
1. Mild moisturizers avoid acne flare-ups
2. No need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline. Mild moisturizers are usually enough.
3. Be aware of the Lanolin in the Aquaphor.
4. Using Aveeno Water Gel can lessen downtime up to a day!
5. Post TotalFx Treatment: Use "Soaks" every 3-4 hours for comfort.
6. Post Care: Use Cold ice packs or chilled air cooler for 30-45 min after treatment for patient comfort.
7. Valtrex for everyone. One case of disseminated herpes on the face is not good. Can we use Acyclovir? It costs less, much less (Four Dollars at Walmart!).
8. Call all patients by phone the next day, this makes you both feel better and lessens complaints.
9. Don't give pain medications 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. Prolonged pain suggests infection: bacterial, viral, or 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: 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 like any technology, it's not perfect. - 15437
Treating Specific Cosmetic Conditions:
1. Reliants Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for deep vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep and moderate wrinkles, and acne scars. Ultrapulse DeepFx 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. For Stria (Stretch Marks): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2. Use Density 2 for thicker Stria. (Note: Do NOT use the DeepFx for Stria.)
4. Melasma: Medical experts are not sure it will work and do not recommend treating Malasma at this time. This may change however since they're experimenting with it. Melasma is a whole topic by itself.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos
Pre and Post Treatment Tips:
1. Mild moisturizers avoid acne flare-ups
2. No need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline. Mild moisturizers are usually enough.
3. Be aware of the Lanolin in the Aquaphor.
4. Using Aveeno Water Gel can lessen downtime up to a day!
5. Post TotalFx Treatment: Use "Soaks" every 3-4 hours for comfort.
6. Post Care: Use Cold ice packs or chilled air cooler for 30-45 min after treatment for patient comfort.
7. Valtrex for everyone. One case of disseminated herpes on the face is not good. Can we use Acyclovir? It costs less, much less (Four Dollars at Walmart!).
8. Call all patients by phone the next day, this makes you both feel better and lessens complaints.
9. Don't give pain medications 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. Prolonged pain suggests infection: bacterial, viral, or 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: 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 like any technology, it's not perfect. - 15437
About the Author:
Medical Spa MD offers physician forums, discussions, and current information about the newest Fractional C02 Laser technologies for medical providers and other non-surgical cosmetic medical topics to a fast growing physician community of Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and Aesthetic Physicians with over 2,000 Members.Medical Spa MD
