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 Medical Conditions:
1. DeepFx is best for vertical lip lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars. It goes 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. For Melasma: Medical experts don't recommend treating Malasma at this time. (See below for current thoughts or changes.) This may change. Melasma is a whole topic an issue by itself.
5. For Tattoo Removal: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos.
Fractional C02 Laser Treatments: Pre-Post Treatment Tips;
1. Use mild moisturizers to avoid acne flare-ups from heavier moisturizers.
2. No need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline. Mild moisturizers are usually enough.
3. Be circumspect 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 for comfort.
6. Post Care: Cold packs or Zimmer Cooler for 30-45 min after treatment.
7. Valtrex for all patients. (One case of disseminated herpes on the face is not good.) 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 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 possible Lidocaine toxicity so excercise care. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine costs about $6 per treatment.
12. Experts do NOT routinely prescribe oral antibiotics unless indicated for acne outbreak: Keflex 500 mg TID, Doxycycline 100 mg BID, Erythromycin can be used to prevent most acne outbreaks.
13. Sunscreens: Use everyday after skin is healed up. Wear hat and stay out of sun until healed.
14. Good UVA blocker as further protection.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly like any medical technology, it's not perfect. - 16083
Treating Specific Cosmetic Medical Conditions:
1. DeepFx is best for vertical lip lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars. It goes 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. For Melasma: Medical experts don't recommend treating Malasma at this time. (See below for current thoughts or changes.) This may change. Melasma is a whole topic an issue by itself.
5. For Tattoo Removal: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos.
Fractional C02 Laser Treatments: Pre-Post Treatment Tips;
1. Use mild moisturizers to avoid acne flare-ups from heavier moisturizers.
2. No need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline. Mild moisturizers are usually enough.
3. Be circumspect 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 for comfort.
6. Post Care: Cold packs or Zimmer Cooler for 30-45 min after treatment.
7. Valtrex for all patients. (One case of disseminated herpes on the face is not good.) 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 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 possible Lidocaine toxicity so excercise care. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine costs about $6 per treatment.
12. Experts do NOT routinely prescribe oral antibiotics unless indicated for acne outbreak: Keflex 500 mg TID, Doxycycline 100 mg BID, Erythromycin can be used to prevent most acne outbreaks.
13. Sunscreens: Use everyday after skin is healed up. Wear hat and stay out of sun until healed.
14. Good UVA blocker as further protection.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly like any medical technology, it's not perfect. - 16083
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 physician community of Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and Aesthetic Physicians with over 2,000 Members.Medical Spa MD
