Combination treatments are all the rage in the medical cosmetic industry, mainly due to their combined effects that help achieve beauty and aesthetic goals more conveniently. One such treatment is a Fractional Laser with PRP therapy, a method that combines the rejuvenating effects of the fractional CO2 laser and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). This skin rejuvenation treatment mainly helps with tissue revitalization and collagen production.
Table of Contents
- 1 An Overview Of The Components Of Fractional Laser With PRP
- 2 Aim Of The Treatment
- 3 Who Is An Ideal Candidate For The Procedure?
- 4 Pre-Treatment Instructions
- 5 Procedure
- 6 Post Treatment Care
- 7 What are the benefits of fractional laser with PRP therapy?
- 8 Recovery and Results
- 9 Fractional Laser and PRP Therapy FAQs
- 10 Request an Appointment
An Overview Of The Components Of Fractional Laser With PRP
What is a Fractional CO2 Laser?
The fractional CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide-based laser that helps regenerate healthy skin tissues by removing the top layer. It is an effective technique to treat photodamage, moderately deep wrinkles, dark skin tone, uneven texture, scarring, and skin laxity. This treatment helps rejuvenate the skin by destroying damaged cells and assisting with healthy skin cell production.
What is PRP?
PRP is the plasma extracted from the blood and contains a dense concentration of platelets. This plasma has several applications in the medical cosmetic industry, such as skin rejuvenation and hair growth. PRP is generally used with other treatments to enhance their effects.
Aim Of The Treatment
The purpose of combining the fractional CO2 laser with PRP is to allow a patient to get the best of both worlds.
The fractional CO2 laser creates micro-channels in the skin, instigating a regenerative response in the cells and tissues unaffected by the laser beam. This response is characterized by increased collagen production, improving skin tone, texture, and elasticity.
The second part of this combo treatment involves the topical application of PRP, supplying growth factors deep into the outer skin layer through micro-channels. These growth factors augment the cellular response initiated by the Fractional CO2 laser.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For The Procedure?
An ideal candidate for fractional CO2 laser with PRP is a person who:
- Has mild skin laxity
- Has fine wrinkles on the skin
- Doesn’t need or expect results of a facelift
- Is willing to commit to every step of the treatment
You can speak to a dermatologist to get a better idea of the candidacy criteria you must meet before getting treated with a Fractional laser with PRP.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Fractional CO2 laser with PRP is a non-invasive procedure that gently treats the skin. While no extensive measures are required to prepare for this procedure, doctors still recommend following a few pre-treatment steps to ensure an ideal outcome.
- Avoid using makeup products 12 hours prior to the treatment.
- Be sure to discuss your current medications with your dermatologist.
- Using Retin-A is usually recommended until the week before the procedure. Stop using it seven days before the treatment.
Procedure
The procedure of fractional CO2 laser with PRP generally starts with the extraction of a small amount of blood from your veins. This blood is put into a centrifuge that spins fast to separate red blood cells from the platelets and plasma. The plasma and platelet concentrations are extracted using a syringe and put into another vial.
Meanwhile, the dermatologist treats the skin using a Fractional CO2 laser. The laser system consists of a central system and a handpiece that releases laser energy. The dermatologist adjusts energy settings according to the patient’s skin type and other requirements.
When directed to the treatment area, the laser beam creates micro-punctures or channels in the skin. These punctures induce controlled inflammation, prompting a tissue response characterized by increased collagen production.
Once the laser treatment is complete, the practitioner immediately applies PRP topically to the treatment region. This plasma solution gets absorbed through those micro-punctures and reaches deep into the dermis to support collagen production and other rejuvenation processes naturally initiated by the laser.
Post Treatment Care
Here are some aftercare steps you must follow within 24 hours after getting a fractional laser with PRP.
- Apply dilute vinegar-dipped swabs 2-3 times per hour.
- Apply ice to the treated region for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Apply Aquaphor ointment or a solution prescribed by your dermatologist.
Post-treatment care steps to follow after those 24 hours include the following:
- Continue applying dilute vinegar and Aquaphor ointment as recommended.
- Apply a gentle facial cleanser two times a day.
- Your skin will peel 72 hours after the treatment. You may need to apply a moisturizer at this stage.
- Be sure not to pick at scabs to avoid scarring.
- Use sunscreen when going out in the sun.
What are the benefits of fractional laser with PRP therapy?
Fractional laser with PRP therapy offers a myriad of benefits for your skin. Here is a brief overview of those benefits.
- Fractional CO2 laser therapy is a non-invasive method to initiate skin rejuvenation. This treatment is gentler than other invasive or surgical methods.
- This treatment involves administering PRP topically. Since PRP comes from your own blood, it doesn’t carry any risks for your body.
- CO2 fractional laser triggers cell regeneration through controlled wounds in the treated region, and PRP application afterward speeds up this process. This is because platelets naturally help with wound healing and the formation of new cells.
- Redness and scaling after fractional CO2 laser resurfacing might accompany the risk of hyperpigmentation. However, PRP reduces this risk for good.
- PRP therapy improves blood circulation in the body area where it is administered. This characteristic is helpful for individuals wanting to have a brighter and healthier skin surface.
- The newly produced collagen fibers help the treated region get a smoother and suppler skin surface, giving you a rejuvenated skin appearance.
Recovery and Results
There will be some redness and swelling in the treated region after fractional CO2 laser with PRP therapy. However, these side effects are not quite painful and usually subside in 2-3 days. Complete recovery after the procedure depends on every individual’s pace of healing.
Fractional CO2 laser with PRP is an amazing combo treatment that treats many skin problems. It mainly helps recover lost facial volume, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, reduces age and sun spots, improves skin texture, and removes pores.
Fractional Laser and PRP Therapy FAQs
What are the side effects of PRP treatment?
PRP has only a few side effects, such as infection, allergic reaction, or blood clotting. The risk of these side effects is generally too insignificant.
How often should you get a fractional laser?
You may need five fractional CO2 laser treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart to get the best results.
How long does it take for a fractional laser to heal?
Your skin will heal from fractional CO laser treatment 7-10 days after the procedure. Your skin may also develop scabs, which fall off a week after the treatment.
Is fractional laser painful?
The fractional laser treatment causes minimal pain that may resemble pricking. Your doctor may apply a numbing solution to the treatment area to make the therapy painless.
Can I wash my face after a fractional laser?
Your doctor may advise you to wait 72 hours before washing your face with soap.
Request an Appointment
When combined with PRP, fractional CO2 laser therapy delivers fantastic results for your skin. However, it is imperative to get this treatment from a skilled practitioner. EuroMed Clinic Dubai has board-certified dermatologists with expertise in all cosmetic treatments. Please fill out the form below to book a consultation.
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