Treatments
Fractional CO2 laser treatments by skin concern
For practices considering a fractional CO2 laser, this is an overview of the skin concerns physicians commonly treat with this kind of system. It is general information, not a statement of what any specific device is cleared or indicated for. Treatment decisions belong to the treating physician.
Concerns at a glance
| Skin concern | Fractional CO2 is commonly used for | What varies |
|---|---|---|
| Fine lines and wrinkles | Resurfacing aimed at the look of fine lines and photoaging. | Depth, density and the number of sessions depend on the patient and the physician's plan. |
| Sun damage and uneven tone | Treating sun-related surface changes and the look of uneven tone. | Skin type, sun exposure history and aftercare affect planning. |
| Acne scarring and texture | Improving the look of textured skin and certain acne scars. | Scar type and depth differ. Several sessions are often planned. Results vary. |
| Enlarged pores and dullness | Lighter, maintenance-style peels at low settings. | Intervals between sessions are set by the physician. |
| Skin texture in general | Smoothing the look of rough or uneven surface texture. | Patient goals and tolerance for downtime guide the settings. |
Per manufacturer labeling: whether each concern is an indicated use for a particular system depends on that system's documentation. Do not assume that a concern listed here applies to every laser, or that it is cleared for the device on your quote.
Light versus deeper treatment
Fractional treatment ablates microscopic columns of tissue in a scanned pattern and leaves tissue between them intact. Physicians choose how deep and how dense the pattern is, and that choice shapes both the treatment and the healing time.
- Lighter settings. Generally less downtime and often used for maintenance between fuller treatments.
- Deeper or denser settings. Generally more downtime and a more involved aftercare routine, chosen when the physician judges it appropriate.
Bella Donna lists three scan modes, Light, Deep and Fusion, so a practice can set the depth and density to the plan its physician chooses. Specifications are manufacturer figures; confirm them on your quote.
In-office procedures
CO2 lasers with a cutting probe are also used by physicians for certain in-office procedures, such as the removal of some benign skin lesions, at the physician's discretion. Bella Donna lists a cutting probe along with its fractional scanning probe. Check the labeling for the specific procedures you plan to perform.
What the physician decides
- Whether a patient is a suitable candidate, taking skin type, medical history, medications and healing history into account.
- Which settings and how many sessions are appropriate.
- The aftercare plan and how the patient is followed.
- How treatments are described to patients. Outcomes vary and are never guaranteed.
Planning to add these services? See the buying guide, the training checklist, financing options and the ROI calculator. Or call 1.800.890.9470 or email Info@SaratogaTec.com.
Treatment questions
What skin concerns is fractional CO2 commonly used for?+–
Fractional CO2 is commonly used by physicians for concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture, sun-related changes and acne scarring. Which indications apply to a particular system depends on the manufacturer's labeling, so consult the clearance documentation for your model.
How much downtime is there after a fractional CO2 treatment?+–
It varies with settings, depth, density, the patient and aftercare. Lighter treatments generally involve less downtime than full resurfacing. Your physician's protocol sets the expectation for each patient.
How many sessions does a patient need?+–
It depends on the concern, the settings and the patient. The treating physician decides the plan. No number of sessions or result is guaranteed.
Can the same laser do light peels and deeper resurfacing?+–
Systems with adjustable depth, density and scan patterns let a physician choose lighter or deeper treatment. Bella Donna lists Light, Deep and Fusion scan modes. Settings and protocols are set by the treating physician.
Where can I confirm what Bella Donna is indicated for?+–
Ask a Saratoga specialist for the current written documentation and the manufacturer's labeling for your configuration, and review it with your healthcare attorney before you advertise any treatment.