Melasma is a condition that affects many adults, especially those who have exposed their facial skin to the sun quite a bit over the years. These small, dark regions of facial skin cannot be removed surgically, but they can be treated using laser therapy. Laser energy helps to kick-start a regenerative process whereby the body replaces damaged tissues with healthier cells. A CO2 laser is often used for this type of treatment because the energy can be directed deep down below the skin. Melasma is often treated with fractional CO2 laser treatments because the darkened areas penetrate far below the epidermis. A fractional laser treatment is a specialized form of laser therapy that uses thousands of tiny shafts of light to affect the skin and subdermal tissues.
How a Fractional CO2 Laser Works
This laser instrument has a pixilation effect. In other words, the light beam is fractioned into tiny light columns, each of which delivers strong energy that is highly concentrated. These shafts of light penetrate the skin in much the same way that a micro-needling instrument affects the skin surface.
The laser energy is focused to create tiny channels through the skin. The heat is then absorbed by the underlying support tissues. This energy causes constriction of collagen, which stimulates the body to produce more of this substance. At the same time, the body responds to the tiny channels by producing healthier skin cells.
Additional Considerations
Before deciding to have this procedure performed as a treatment for melasma, it’s important to schedule a consultation with us. We will outline the procedure and possibly suggest other treatment alternatives as well. Remember that melasma has no known cure, and even a fractional CO2 laser treatment doesn’t make the melasma go away. However, depending on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the skin tissue, the appearance of dark spots can be significantly diminished using this type of laser treatment.
The treatment is performed in the comfort of our office. We calibrate the frequency and duration of each energy burst specifically for each patient, as different individuals have different skin tones and skin thicknesses.
After the procedure, the skin will be a bit reddened. The pinkish hue slowly fades away, and the client will gradually see their dark spots fade. The real magic of a fractional CO2 laser treatment takes place in the months following the procedure. The increase in collagen production and the creation of new skin cells in the channels significantly reduces the appearance of dark spots caused by melasma.
Get All the Facts About Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments
The team at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery is here to answer your questions. Fractional laser treatments can help reduce the visual signs of melasma and other dark spots, and it is the perfect procedure for anyone wanting to improve their overall appearance. It can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne scars and much more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Waltham.
