The fractional CO2 laser is used to reverse the effects of facial skin aging and sun damage to the skin. The laser will have the effect of skin tightening, filling in lines and wrinkles, improving discoloration of the skin (brown spots), and improving the tone/texture of the skin itself. It also improves the appearnce of large pores.

Since all parts of the face age together, most fractional laser treatments are aimed at the entire face. Specifically, the laser can target the loose skin around the eyes, including the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The laser is also used to treat the peri-oral rhytids which are the fine lines of the upper lip and lower lip. Overall, the laser will treat the entire face in order to improve the appearance of your fine lines, wrinkles, the skin tone, skin color, and skin texture.

You will see gradual improvement in the appearance of your skin immediately after the initial healing phase is complete at about 5 days. The CO2 laser stimulates collagen production in the dermis (deep skin layer) that helps fill in the fine lines of your face. Collagen build up takes up to 6 months to complete.

There is no question that the CO2 laser is the gold standard laser for facial skin resurfacing. However, despite unparalleled results, the traditional CO2 laser treated 100% of the skin and resulted in a long recovery process. It took up to 3 months for the skin to heal and this often resulted in a permanent skin lightening.

Fractional CO2 technology applies the same principles as the traditional laser, however modern computer technology has made it possible for the beam to be fractionated. What this means is that rather then treating the entire surface area of the skin, only a fraction of the skin is treated (for example 30% of the skin instead of 100%). In doing so, the laser leaves behind healthy and intact skin bridges, in between the treated areas. This allows for rapid healing of the skin while still maintaing the excellent results of CO2 laser technology.

The final results of the fractional CO2 laser are permanent.

Only one treatment is necessary for the vast majority of patients. This is one of the many reasons that the fractional CO2 laser is better then the older Fraxel treatments (erbium technology), which requires multiple treatments.

Fractional CO2 laser is performed in the comfort of our office laser room or in our procedure / operating room.

The CO2 laser is extremely effective because it is an ablative laser that targets the deepest layers of the skin. Since the laser penetrates the deep skin to stimulate collagen production, Dr. Steiger will administer both a topical (on the skin) anesthetic as well as a local anesthetic (similar to when you go to the dentist). This will assure that you are very comfortable during the procedure. Some of our patients elect to have the fractional laser performed under twilight anesthesia / IV sedation.

No. Most patients say that the laser feel like a sun burn for about two hours after the procedure is completed. Once this goes away, you will have no pain.

While there is no substitute for a facelift to improve the appearance of the neck and jowels, the fractional CO2 laser does produce skin tightening that will elevate the jowel and soften its appearance. In many patients this may be all that is necessary to give you the results that you desire. We will help you determine this during your consultation.

Yes. Our fractional CO2 laser can produce substantial tightening of the upper and lower eyelids and may be a substitute as a laser blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). During your consultation, we will determine if the laser will be able to give you the results that you desire.

The brows can be elevated with the laser. Immediately during the procedure, skin tightening that results in brow elevation is seen as the laser is applied to the skin. This can effectively raise the eyebrow. However, it is important to understand that there is a limit to how much of a brow lift you can achieve with the laser. We will help you determine if this is the right procedure for you.

Yes. The fractional CO2 is an excellent tool to treat acne scarring. Dr. Steiger can help you with your acne scars and will direct your treatment depending on what kind of acne scars you have. View one of our acne scar treatment patients.

Yes. One of the advantages of the fractional CO2 laser is that it is safe on almost all skin types.

There are many laser manufacturers that make fractional co2 lasers. Each of these lasers have properties that make them different and thus they produce different results. It is very important to understand that the laser is a very sophisticated tool that can be used in different ways. Different kinds of laser energy profiles are delievered in different methods in order to produce results. This makes all the difference in terms of fractional CO2 laser results.

In simple terms this can be likened to a scalpel. In one surgeon’s hands a scalpel can be used to perform an appendectomy (remove the appendix), but in another surgeon’s hand is can be used to perform a facelift. The laser is similar and will produce different results depending on the user. For this reason, it is just as important to choose a laser surgeon that has a vast experience with a laser and has a proven results track record.

There are multiple fractional CO2 lasers on the market today. Since the technology is catching on (because it works well) more companies are manufacturing this laser. Some examples of this are: Lutronic eCO2 laser, Lumenis Active FX / Deep FX fractional CO2 laser, Pixel CO2, Candela Quadralase, Cynosure Affirm CO2, SmartXide DOT laser, Mixto CO2 laser, Sandstone Matrix, and Fraxel repair.

We have owned the eCO2 premium fractional CO2 laser made by Lutronic since it first came out. The laser profile and capabilities of this laser makes it, in our opinion, one of the best fractional CO2 lasers on the market.

Dr. Steiger wants to assure that you obtain the absolute best possible results, and for this reason performs all of the laser treatments himself.

Redness of the skin is often cause by small blood vessels on the surface of the skin called telangiectasia. This can also be a sign of Rosacea. The laser wavelength of the CO2 laser (approximately 10,600nm) is not the ideal wavelength to treat redness. There are other lasers which are much more effective to treat this. Out goal is to provide you with the latest, most up to date and best available treatment for your condition. We will direct your treatment accordingly.

Yes. Patients fly in routinely to have surgery and laser procedures performed by Dr. Steiger. Our office will help you coordinate your visit and stay in beautiful South Florida.

Yes. The CO2 laser can be combined with other surgical procedures such as a facelift, fat grafting, rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, etc.