Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars in Bangkok, Thailand

• At Mingkwan Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, we offer fractional CO2 laser for facial rejuvenation and acne scar treatment.
• This laser treatment regenerates new skin by removing problematic skin using a highly precise laser beam that exfoliates the skin and stimulates new cell and collagen production.
• It focuses on treating the upper layers of the skin, resulting in smoother, tighter, and more refined skin texture with reduced pores.

What does Fractional CO2 Laser treat?

1. Acne scars and other types of scars
2. Stretch marks
3. Enlarged pores
4. Uneven skin texture that needs exfoliation
5. Fine lines and wrinkles (Static wrinkles) such as those around the eyes, mouth, forehead, neck, and back of hands
6. Ingrown pores from chronic acne

What are the results of Fractional CO2 Laser?

1. Acne scars and other scars appear shallower
2. Stretch marks appear shallower
3. Pores are tightened
4. Skin appears smoother, more refined, and brighter
5. Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced, giving a more youthful and healthy skin appearance
6. Acne is less likely to recur in the same spot

How does Fractional CO2 Laser work?

• It uses the principle of Fractional Photothermolysis (FP) by delivering laser beams to the treatment area, causing superficial micro-injuries to 10-20% of the treated skin area. The untreated skin helps repair and regenerate new skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, resulting in tightened pores and smoother, more refined skin.
• The principle of Fractional Photothermolysis creates only 10-20% of micro-injuries in the treated area, unlike Conventional Laser which affects 100% of the skin. This leads to faster healing, fewer side effects, and no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring.

How is the Fractional CO2 Laser treatment performed?

1. Clean the skin thoroughly
2. Apply a high-concentration anesthetic cream for 45 minutes to 1 hour
3. Wipe off the anesthetic cream and dry the skin
4. The doctor performs the laser treatment in the targeted area, which takes about 15-20 minutes
5. Apply a soothing mask to reduce irritation
6. Apply anti-irritation cream and sunscreen

How long does each treatment session take?

  Each session takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes (including anesthetic application).

Is the treatment painful?

  Before the treatment, a high-concentration anesthetic cream is applied for 45 minutes to 1 hour, making the procedure minimally painful.

How many sessions are needed to see results?

• Typically, Fractional CO2 Laser is an ablative laser with a downtime. After the scabs peel off, results can be seen from the first session within 4 weeks, around 10-20%.
• The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the skin condition and the patient’s desired outcome.
• Generally, the best results are seen after 3-6 months of treatment.

How often should the treatments be done?

  Treatments should be spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Does the laser make the skin thinner?

• Fractional CO2 Laser exfoliates the old skin cells and regenerates new skin.
• For the first month after treatment, the skin may be thinner, but it will regenerate stronger and thicker skin, with improved collagen and elastin production and better blood supply within 3-6 months.

Fractional CO2 Laser Reviews

***Results vary for each individual*** ***No Photoshop used to enhance acne scar images***

Treatment Costs

• Full face: 5000 THB
• Both cheeks: 3500 THB
• Currently, the clinic offers a combination of two types of lasers and two-layer subcision, which can be viewed in the Double Lasers and Double Subcisions section.

Post-Treatment Care

• If experiencing burning sensation, apply a cool pack.
• You can wash your face as usual, but gently pat dry, do not rub.
• Apply SS cream for 7 days to reduce redness and irritation.
• Apply hydrating cream to moisturize the skin.
• Apply SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen every day, even if not going out.
• Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks.
• Do not pick or rub the scabs; let them fall off naturally.
• Avoid acne medications PZ, Sel, VAS, and skin whitening medications White1-3, AB 1-2 for 1 week after laser treatment.

What to expect after the treatment?

• First 6 hours: Redness and burning sensation, with small white dots visible in the treated area.
• 6 to 48 hours: Redness persists, the burning sensation subsides but will occur when exposed to water or cream.
• After 48 hours: Redness fades, no burning sensation, scabs start to form as small, flesh-colored or brown dots, skin feels rough.
• 5-7 days: Scabs will start to fall off.
• After 14 days: Skin appears plumper, brighter, more refined, pores appear tighter, scars and wrinkles appear reduced.

What are the side effects?

• Redness for about 2 days
  • This is expected
  • Will resolve on its own
• Small, flesh-colored or light brown scabs, rough skin for about 5-7 days
  • This is expected
  • Scabs will fall off on their own
• Skin darkening
  • Normally does not occur unless exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or insufficient sunscreen application after treatment.
  • Will resolve on its own within 2-3 months.
  • Can be treated faster with skin whitening medications and anti-dark spot creams.

Recommendations

1. Fractional CO2 Laser has a downtime of 5-7 days.
2. Suitable for treating acne scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, rough skin, and chronic acne that needs root cause treatment.
3. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks after treatment.