07 Mar, 2009
Fractional C02 Laser Clinic Tips
Posted by: Laser Clinic MD In: Fraxel| Laser Resurfacing ()
19 Fractional CO2 Laser Tips From Cosmetic Dermatologists
Fractional CO2 laser ablation has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional plastic surgery. So, What do Cosmetic Dermatologists & Plastic Surgeons want to know about C02 fractional treatments?
Treating Specific Cosmetic Medical Conditions:
1. Reliants Ultrapulse DeepFx is best for deep vertical lip (smokers) lines, deep and moderate wrinkles, and acne scars. Ultrapulse DeepFx treats deep and stimulates more collagen and ablates more tissue for more tightening.
2. Reliants ActiveFx is better for more superficial pigment and more surface textural problems
3. Stria (Stretch Marks): Use ActiveFx: 80-100 mj, density 1-2 (use Density 2 for thicker Stria). Do NOT use the DeepFx for Stria.
4. Melasma: Medical experts are not sure it will work and do not recommend treating Malasma at this time. This may change however since they’re experimenting with it. Melasma is a whole topic by itself.
5. Tattoos: DeepFx might be good for resistant Tattoos
Pre / Post Treatment Tips for Fractional C02 Laser Treatments:
1. Use mild moisturizers to avoid acne flare-ups from heavier moisturizers.
2. You don’t need to use Aquaphor or Vasoline for this. Mild moisturizers are enough.
3. Be aware of the Lanolin in the Aquaphor.
4. Using Aveeno Water Gel can get you one less day of downtime!
5. Post TotalFx Care: Use “Soaks” every 3-4 hours. (What type of soaks? Saline Soaks (saline and gauze)? How long do you soak every 3-4 hours?)
6. Post Care: Cold packs or Zimmer Cooler for 30-45 min after treatment.
7. Valtrex for all patients. (One case of disseminated herpes on the face is not good.) Might use Acyclovir since it costs much less (Four Dollars at Walmart!).
8. Call all patients by phone the next day, this makes you both feel better and lessens complaints.
9. Don’t give pain medications after treatment. If they have pain, you want to know about it and see them. They should not have pain for more than a few hours. Prolonged pain suggests infection: bacterial, viral, or fungal.
10. Pliaglis can be mixed with cetaphil cleanser or cetaphil moisturizer. 90% Pliaglis and 10% cleanser or moisturizer.
11. Experts worry about possible Lidocaine toxicity so excercise care. Compounded Lidocaine works as well or better than Pliaglis. Pliaglis costs $60 per treatment. Compounded Lidocaine costs about $6 per treatment.
12. Experts do NOT routinely prescribe oral antibiotics unless indicated for an acne outbreak. Keflex 500 mg TID, Doxycycline 100 mg BID, Erythromycin to prevent outbreaks.
13. Sunscreens: Make sure they use everyday after skin is healed. Wear your hat and stay out of sun.
14. Use a good UVA blockers.
Fractional C02 lasers can produce great results if used correctly like any medical technology, it’s not perfect.
