Monalisa Fractional CO2 Laser

About Monalisa Fractional CO2 Laser

The CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser with a wavelength of 10,600 nanometres. Its strength is precision: it can destroy only the tissue that needs treating, with little or no bleeding.

How fractional CO2 differs from standard CO2

CO2 lasers are used in two broad ways.

• Ablative use — for moles, birthmarks, seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags on the neck and body, fatty lumps, sweat gland growths, severe and cystic acne, and warts.
• Fractional use for resurfacing — the energy is delivered as tiny separate columns with healthy skin left in between, so the skin repairs itself faster. This is used for acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, stretch marks and scar tissue.

At Zinya Clinic we use the Monalisa Fractional CO2 Laser. The doctor assesses your skin and sets the energy level to suit each area and each individual before every session.

Preparing for treatment

• Avoid strong sun exposure for at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• Stop any medication or supplement that affects blood clotting, as advised by the doctor.
• Always tell the doctor about existing conditions, current medication and any drug allergies.
• Patients under 20 need consent and a guardian present.

Aftercare

• Keep the treated area dry for the first 24-48 hours.
• Apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly exactly as prescribed.
• Do not pick, scratch or pull off the scabs — let them come away naturally.
• Once the scabs have gone, use sunscreen consistently and avoid strong sun for at least another 2 weeks.

Recovery and possible side effects

Scabs generally clear within about 7-14 days. Swelling and any weeping usually settle within 5-7 days. Redness fades gradually to pink and returns to normal within roughly 3-4 months.

Possible side effects include stinging or burning during and after treatment, and post-inflammatory darkening which usually fades within 2-6 months and is more common in darker skin tones. Pale patches and scarring are rare and are largely preventable with correct aftercare.