CO2 LASER Resurfacing Treatment #23604
FRACTIONATED CO2 LASER
Lisbon and Porto
Treatment summary
- Objective: global facial rejuvenation
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Number of sessions: 1 to 3
- Recovery: 1 week
What is the Fractional CO2 Laser?
The Fractional CO2 Laser is a minimally invasive treatment for global skin rejuvenation. By stimulating collagen production in the dermis, it improves skin elasticity and texture, reduces sagging and smoothes creases, scars and brown spots.
The CO2 laser removes the superficial layer of skin, giving way to newer, smoother and brighter skin. As well as treating, this laser has a strong preventive action, delaying the appearance of marks associated with skin ageing.
What can the Fractional CO2 Laser treat?
- Fine wrinkles ("crow's feet", "lip lines" and "smile wrinkles")
- Blemishes caused by sun exposure
- Sagging
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Dry and ageing skin
In which areas can the Fractional CO2 Laser be used?
Although it can be done in any area, the most common are:
- Face
- Neck
- Neckline
Number of sessions required
Depending on the severity of the problems, 1 to 3 CO2 laser sessions are recommended for the best results. When it comes to improving skin texture, one session may be enough. In the case of treating blemishes, enlarged pores, sagging skin, wrinkles and scars, you may need at least 3 sessions. The evolution and progression of the results will also define the number of sessions you will need.
Procedure
How long does the Fractional CO2 Laser treatment last?
There is no set time for the results to last, as the improvements are due to the stimulation of collagen production in the skin during the healing process. The skin continues in its natural aging process, starting from a better level. Several sessions can be carried out for progressive improvement and maintenance of results.
CO2 LASER Recovery
It’s normal to have more sensitive, pink and swollen skin after the treatment. Two to three days later, the skin will be covered in small scabs, which will fall off as the new skin grows. The skin returns to normal 10 to 15 days after treatment.
Care after treatment
- Use cold compresses to relieve burning and reduce swelling
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for the first 15 days
- Apply a specific moisturizer according to the doctor's instructions
- Use sun protection with a high factor
- Do not wear make-up for the first few days
A tailor-made treatment plan
The first step to starting your facial treatment with Fractional CO2 Laser is to have a consultation with our Dermatology specialist.
At the first appointment, a diagnosis will be made of the problems to be treated and a personal, individualized treatment plan will be drawn up, indicating the number of sessions required for younger, firmer and brighter skin.
Medical Specialists
Dr. Nélia Cunha / Dermatology
Cédula nr. 52765
Dr. Nélia completed her Master’s Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and her Medical Internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central.
She complemented her specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASERs at the Dermalas Clinic of the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona, in Hair and Nail Diseases at the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital Center in Brussels, and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO in Lisbon. He has attended courses in various areas including Dermoscopy, Cosmetic Dermatology, Peelings and LASERs.
Her activity encompasses General Dermatology (acne, rosacea, eczema, screening/evaluation of “signs”, pigmented and non-pigmented skin spots and lesions, among others), Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Therapy, including skin rejuvenation procedures such as Fractional CO2 LASER.
He is a regular participant in national and international courses and congresses in the specialty and areas of differentiation. She collaborates in the training of doctors in the field of Dermatology. She is also a lecturer in Dermatology at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Universidade Nova de Lisboa and a researcher in Multicenter Clinical Trials. She has authored and co-authored articles in scientific journals and book chapters in the field of Dermatology.
She is a member of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology (SPDV) and the Portuguese Trichology and Onychology Group.
Dr. Catarina Correia / Dermatology
ORDER OF MEDICIANS: registration no. 63759
Dr. Catarina Correia believes in a Dermatology that goes beyond the visible skin, seeing the skin as a reflection of the balance of the organism as a whole. Her approach is based on a global and personalized assessment, always taking into account the close interaction between the skin and the rest of the body, the individual needs of each patient and the specific characteristics of each skin. His clinical practice is based on the latest scientific evidence, with the aim of providing rigorous, safe and adapted medical care, promoting natural and sustainable results.
He completed his Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto and his Medical Internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte.
He complemented his specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASER, as well as in Trichology (Hair Diseases), at the Dermatology Service of the Ramón y Cajal Hospital in Madrid, and in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Pedro Hispano Hospital.
Her clinical activity encompasses General Dermatology – including acne, rosacea, eczema, screening and assessment of pigmented and non-pigmented skin signs, spots and lesions – Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Therapy. It is also dedicated to skin rejuvenation procedures, including LASER CO₂, LASER Fotona, microneedling radiofrequency and Ultraformer, among others.
He regularly participates in national and international courses and congresses in the specialty and areas of differentiation, including Trichology, LASER, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Dermatoscopy, General and Pediatric Dermatology.
She is the author and co-author of 35 articles published in international scientific journals and has given more than 100 presentations at congresses, conferences and scientific meetings.
He is a member of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology (SPDV) and the European Society of Dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fractional CO2 Laser
The Fractionated CO2 Laser is a minimally invasive and safe dermatological treatment with a very low complication rate, as long as it is carried out by a doctor with solid experience in carrying out this type of treatment. You should strictly follow all medical instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
About 30 to 60 minutes before the treatment begins, an anesthetic cream is applied, making this a well-tolerated procedure. After the procedure, you may feel a burning sensation.
The results of the CO2 laser begin to be visible when the scabs start to fall off and the skin becomes thinner and smoother. After 10 to 15 days, it will already be possible to see a significant improvement in the appearance of the skin.
As the CO2 laser is a treatment that stimulates collagen production during healing and improves skin firmness, there is no time limit for the results. The skin continues the natural aging process, starting from a better level. After the initial treatment plan has been completed, sessions are recommended for maintenance and progressive improvement of the results.
As a rule, the treatment is based on a protocol of 1 to 3 sessions, varying according to the initial state of the skin and the patient’s goals. On average, when it comes to improving the texture and luminosity of the skin, one session may be enough. In the case of treating deeper changes such as wrinkles, sagging, blemishes and scars, you may need around 3 sessions for the best results.
Depending on the areas to be treated and the number of sessions required, the price of a treatment varies. At your first dermatology appointment, you will be presented with a treatment plan that is completely tailored to your needs and costs.
There is no minimum age for a Fractional CO2 Laser treatment. It should be started the moment problems arise, such as blemishes, enlarged pores, stretch marks, scars, wrinkles or sagging skin. It can be done both to treat and prevent the signs of time.
The main thing to remember after a CO2 laser session is not to expose yourself to the sun. For this reason, the treatment is usually carried out in the fall and winter months, as it is difficult to avoid sun exposure during the summer. The areas treated by the CO2 laser are weakened for some time and are subject to complications caused by exposure to the sun.
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as patients with acne and active herpes, autoimmune diseases and suspicious pigmented lesions. Specific health conditions should be assessed by our medical team.
This is a safe, generally well-tolerated treatment with a rare complication rate. However, in the first few days after treatment, swelling and redness may occur in the most sensitive areas of the face.
