Fraxel Laser KL - QRay Fractional CO2 Laser

It took about 1 hour for the whole procedure. I went in earlier, the staff helped to apply a generous amount of anaesthetic gel on my face and the gel took 45 minutes to take effects. Qray laser equipment was used, another 20 minutes needed for this procedure. Then, the staff help to cold off my face with repeating iced-towel. The following pictures show my face after the laser treatment:

 Day 1

 Day 2

 

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 8

Day 9

Day 14

Day 15

Will keep updating...

Fractional CO2 Laser

Facts:

The term "fractional" refers to treating a portion or fraction of the skin. It is an ideal treatment for acne scars, large pores, stretch marks, fine lines around lips and eyes, skin tightening and melasma. Fractional lasers create multiple minute punctures on the skin and causing injuries therefore stimulating our skin to produce more collagen during healing process. These collagen will improve the texture and firmness of our skin. Also we notice the general lightening of our skin after the treatment.

Background:

Fractional devices come in two varieties: ablative and non-ablative. The first fractional non-ablative device, Fraxel (Reliant) was introduced in 2004. It is termed non-ablative as it does not result in ablation, but rather coagulation of the epidermis. Microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) can be placed in a random or stamped pattern. Higher energies translate to deeper penetration by the laser. Penetration well into the dermis results in better collagen production.

Ablative laser resurfacing taregts and vaporizes water-containing tissue, thereby allowing epidermal renewal as well as the reorientation and regenration of collagen fibres in the superficial dermis.

The gold standard for ablative resurfacing was once the CO2 laser, but its use has plunged because of the high associated risks seen with full face resurfacing. The reintroduction of the CO2 with a fractional delivery system (Reliant) is sure to change the recent conventional thought about the CO2 laser. This laser uses a scanning delivery of millimeter spots at an ablative 10,600-nm wavelength. This random placement of lesions results in better cooling of surrounding tissues and less chance of bulk tissue heating. Healing times average several days. This laser delivers energy to the skin in a small spot stamp pattern. Several treatments are recommended. With the high absorption of light by water at this wavelength, penetration is approximately 50micrometer per pass. As minimal thermal injury occurred, resulting in faster re-epithelialization  (occurs  in 7 to 10 days) and an improved side-effect profile, but less coagulation as well as reduced collagen contraction and remodelling.

My experience:

I have mine done in a derma clinic in Kuchai, result is good but need to take leave for the long recovery ~1 week. I don't put on make up during the recovery period, but sun block is a must if you have to expose under the sun (also, I wear mask when I go out, cause don't wanna scare people with all the scabs on my face). One time treatment is not enough for my acne scars problem, I will do another round to get more apparent results =) Also, combination with dermabrasion is recommended as this is an option for patients with a combination of shallow atrophic scars and deeper boxcar scars like me. Dermabrasion used to plane down the skin that is elevated relative to any remaining atrophic areas and smooth out the contours of the entire skin surface.

 Before

Day 2

 

  Day 3

Day 5

Day 8

Microdermabrasion

Facts:

Dermabrasion attempts to level down normal skin so that it is brought close to the depth of the scar; this method is very effective in creating a new cotour plane. However, the depth of the plane that can be achieved with dermarasion is limited as extensively deep abrading can cause additionals scarring.

Noninvasive skin renewing procedure. Can be done during lunch time and head back to work immediately. First time willnotice skin "glowing and smooth" after procedure. Good for maintaining a vibrant skin and also for superficial skin unevenness such as shallow acne scar and fine lines. Also to prevent acne occurrence as it will unclog pores to prevent white and black heads hence no more acne.

My experience:

Have done this many times in beauty salon. When I first did it in derma clinic, it is much cheaper  (RM150 per session) compared to beauty salon, at least half of it. Body perfect is over charging!!! After the removal of dead skin, white and black head can be easily removed, so, it is a good time to go for your facial and extraction. But do forget about HYDRATION, your skin is now dehydrated. I put on mask everyday after microdermabrasion. Also, you are photosensitive now, sunblock please.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

Facts:

First of all, it is a NON-LASER SYSTEM. IPL devices are light instruments that look and act like lasers, but do not qualify as true lasers because of their lack of coherent, monochromatic light. They are many IPLs on the market today, with new ones introduced every year.

IPL is delivered as short flashes, which are precisely timed to heat up the target to the correct temperature without damaging surrounding tissue. It can customize to reach the melanin or hemoglobin hence eliminating pigmented lesion, hair removal and fine blood vessel. During a full face 15 minutes procedure, a thin layer of cool ultrasound gel is placed on the skin surface and the laser is placed directly against the gel. Patient can generally return to work immediately following the procedure, which makes it very popular with patients. Sun block is essential after the procedure.

My experience:

This is done after my fractional laser to get the even tone my skin. It helps to subside the redness but the results won't last LONG...the marks will back in a week of time but it did help to lighten it. Sun block is a must. Also, hydration, try to use moisturising mask or  least moisturizer everyday. This treatment is more expensive than microdermabrasion. It cost RM250 per session.

CO2 Laser

Facts:

CO2 laser emits lights in the infra red region. It is highly specific for water. Our living tissues comprise about 80% water. When it is defocused, it becomes less powerful and it can enable the laser to vaporise superficial payers of the skin like warts, skin tags or small growth. It can also be used to coagulate unwanted vessels. Surgeons also use it like a scalpel for cutting or making incisions. It has the advantage over the scalpel because it can cut without bleeding. It reduces post-operative infections, bleeding, and pain. Wound heals faster and better.

My experience:

Please don't do this. Not sure it's because my age problem =p the recovery is SLOOOOOWWW, the scars still apparent on my forehead. Doctor advised it suppose to heal my scars, but it left me a light scar on my forehead, luckily I insisted to try on a small area.