Laser resurfacing is the process of using a laser to treat textural abnormalities of the skin such as acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores and wrinkles. Full field ablation involves removing the entire layer of the skin- this is rarely performed in Asian skin types due to the high risk of infection, scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Fractional ablation involves removing only a “fraction” or “percentage” of the skin in the treatment area, leaving healthy skin behind to regenerate. Fractional laser resurfacing involves much less downtime and a much lower risk of complications compared to full-field laser resurfacing. Fractional non-ablative laser involves using a fractional laser at a lower power to generate bulk heating of the skin without ablation. This approach comes with minimal downtime but also gives minimal results.
Fractional CO2 Laser is a fractional ablative laser, it works by using laser energy to ablate tiny columns of skin in the treatment area. With thousands of microscopic laser beams penetrating deep into the skin, the fractional CO2 laser creates numerous microscopic areas of laser ablation surrounded by thermal injury zones. Fractional CO2 laser treatment of abnormal scar tissue triggers an intense wound healing process, with the skin cells laying down fresh collagen and regenerating.
Laser resurfacing – full field ablation, fractional nonablative laser and fractional ablative laser.
CO2 laser targets water in the skin
Mechanism of action for Fractional CO2 Laser
Microscopic view of the skin after Fractional CO2 laser treatment
Benefits of fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is an effective treatment for textural skin abnormalities such as:
Acne scars (atrophic, rolling and boxcar scars)
Chicken pox scars
Traumatic and post-surgical scars
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Deep wrinkles and lines
What to expect from a fractional CO2 laser treatment
Doctor’s consultation and photo taking
Numbing cream 20-30 minutes
Fractional CO2 laser treatment 10-15 minutes
Post laser care- Calecim stem cell serum, mask, Dermalux LED 10-15 minutes
How Fractional CO2 Laser works
VIDEO SHOWING A TYPICAL PROCEDURE OF FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER
Recovery time after Fractional CO2 laser treatment
Fractional CO2 Laser treatment comes with a recovery time of 5-7 days, with redness and swelling for 2-3 days, followed by dryness and skin flaking for 3-5 days. Recovery time may be longer for cases treated with high power settings.
Aftercare for Fractional CO2 laser treatment
Given the intense nature of fractional CO2 laser treatment, aftercare is important.Patients are strongly advised to apply Calecim professional stem cell serum to speed up the healing process and optimise results. Rejuran soothing masksare helpful at night. Patients will need to avoid direct sunlight, moisturise and apply sunblock diligently for 1-2 weeks after Fractional CO2 laser treatment.
How many treatments of fractional CO2 laser are required?
Depending on the skin condition, 5-10 Fractional CO2 Laser treatments will be required for significant results. Most patients can see improvement as early as after 2-3 treatments. Treatments are generally performed 4-6 weeks apart.
Mild acne scars / fine lines: 5-6 treatments
Severe acne scars / surgical scars / hypertrophic or keloid scars: 10-12 treatmentsFractional CO2 laser treatments may be performed as part of a laser treatment plan involving other laser treatments such as PicoSure Laseror Sciton BBL HERO.
Doctors' consultation before Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 Laser before and after photos
Due to Healthcare advertising regulations, Fractional CO2 Laser before and after photos cannot be displayed on the clinic website. During the doctor's consultation, we will show you before and after photos of actual clinic patients so you can get an indication of the results that can be achieved. Contact us to view our patient portfolio of results
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment at Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, we use the Lutronic ECO2 Plus device to perform fractional CO2 Laser treatments. Key features of this laser include adjustable handpiece tips and scan types for versatile treatments, adjustable high peak power, skin sensor technology for improved safety, Controlled Chaos Technology for adequate beam spacing and dual operation static and dynamic modes. Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min have over 20 years of combined experience, with over 100,000 completed treatments and a loyal following of satisfied patients.
Lutronic ECO2 Plus is used to perform Fractional CO2 Laser treatment at Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa
Key features of Lutronic eCO2 Plus Fractional CO2 Laser
Lutronic eCO2 Plus features 3 tips with different spot sizes (120um, 300 um and 500 um)
Lutronic eCO2 features adjustable scan types to address different areas of skin
Controlled Chaos Technology- CO2 laser beams are delivered using a proprietary algorithm to be spaced apart, yet cover the treatment area evenly
Static and dynamic mode for Lutronic eCO2 Fractional Laser
Adjustable high peak power- another feature of Lutronic eCO2 Laser
Skin sensor technology- this safety feature only allows the laser to fire when in contact with skin
Fractional CO2 Laser price
First time treatment: $300 (Prices are subject to GST 9%) Contact us for updated laser package pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is used for the treatment of acne scars, chicken pox scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, deep wrinkles and sun damage
Who is not suitable for fractional CO2 laser?
Darker skin types (Fitzpatrick type 5-6), patients currently taking oral isotretinoin, patients with active skin disease or inflammation
Is fractional CO2 laser painful?
No, topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) is applied, so most patients do not find the treatment painful
Are there any side effects and risks of fractional CO2 laser?
Yes, there is a risk of skin infections, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring and persistent erythema (redness), which is why good aftercare is important
Any skincare to avoid before and after fractional CO2 laser?
Stop Vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and retinol for 3 days before and 7 days after fractional CO2 laser treatment
With over 10 years of experience in aesthetic treatments, Dr Hoe Ying Min serves as the Medical Director at Bay Aesthetics Clinic. She has extensive hands-on experience in lasers, injectables, body-shaping and skin-rejuvenation procedures, and is known for her careful, personalised approach that aims for natural-looking outcomes.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa is a doctor-led clinic located in the Marina Bay Financial Centre that delivers medical aesthetics and medispa treatments in a calm, professional setting. With a focus on safety, visible results and accessibility, the team uses only US FDA and HSA-approved technology, applies a holistic view to beauty and wellness, and avoids hard-selling or pressure tactics.
Open from 11 am daily (until 8 pm Mon-Fri; 6 pm Sat/Sun) and conveniently situated within walking distance of two MRT stations
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Contact Us
B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
