CO2 Laser Brisbane
RF Microneedling vs Fractional CO2 Laser
At Pearl, we use the Fraxis Duo, which combines the power of a fractional Co2 laser with radiofrequency microneedling (RF microneedling). The two modalities can be used on their own or combined as alternating treatments. Treatments combining Co2 laser with RF microneedling provide a better therapeutic outcome. You can expect improvement in skin aging, sun damage, stretch marks, acne scar and many other skin concerns.
- skin tightening and firming
- reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- smoother skin texture
- reduction in enlarged pores
- improved appearance of acne scarring 1.
Full face CO2 Laser and RF microneedling cost $790. Four treatments are recommended, and if you buy a package of 4, there is a 20% discount.
Our Laser Therapist Offer a Free Assessment. So Call Us on 33505447 or Book Online.
RF Microneedling vs Fractional CO2 Laser
So how do these two treatments stack up, and what are the key differences and similarities? To understand the difference in how the fractional CO2 laser works compared to RF microneedling, you must understand how the different technologies work. Both CO2 and RF microneedling work on the premise of creating a controlled injury to your skin – breaking down scar collagen and damaged areas.
Fractional CO2 laser vs RF Microneedling Collagen Stimulation
In making this injury, they activate your skin’s healing function, releasing factors in the skin which result in healthy new collagen being laid down. However, while CO2 Lasers works on the total thickness of the skin (epidermis and dermis), RF microneedling works primarily in the dermis. So you would think that CO2 lasers are superior? Not necessarily, and let us explain why.
RF Microneedling vs CO2 Laser Depth of Treatment
CO2 lasers affect epidermis and dermis: When applied to the skin, the CO2 laser creates controlled injury in a thin column through the full thickness of the skin. This is beneficial because it establishes collagen contraction and skin tightening. But it is the effect on the dermis stimulates your skin to mount the repair response and lay down healthy collagen.
RF Microneedling creates a more selective dermal response: With RF microneedling treatments, on the other hand, needles are inserted into the skin before radiofrequency energy is discharged. Consequently, the surface of the skin (epidermis) only receives microneedle pricks. The injury to break down scars or damaged tissue occurs at the needle tip in the dermis. Thus, the radiofrequency creates a cone of injury, with the broadest part deeper in the dermis required.
However, it is often more beneficial to use combinations of fractional CO2 and RF microneedling except in people with darker skin types. Though the RF microneedling is safe to use in all skin types (fair to dark), CO2 laser should not be used in dark skin types because of the risk of hypo or hyperpigmentation after treatment.
Radiofrequency microneedling discharges deep in the dermis vs CO2.
RF Microneedling vs CO2 Laser Therapeutic Action
Though both create their therapeutic effects through heat, the heat is created in different ways. CO2 laser works by converting light into heat energy, whereas RF microneedling works by inserting small pins into the skin and discharging radiofrequency energy. Both are fractionated treatments. So what is meant by this, and where does the Fraxel laser fit in?
Fractional CO2 vs Ablative CO2 Laser
The CO2 laser was the first laser developed for cosmetic resurfacing. All CO2 laser treatments were fully ablative when first introduced, meaning the entire surface skin was treated. Full laser skin resurfacing potentially has impressive outcomes. However, the incidence of side effects was the impetus for developing fractional lasers about 15 years ago. With fractional lasers, a column of injury is created, surrounded by untouched areas of skin. This dramatically reduced the risks because the healthy skin surrounding the injured column could move in quickly and heal the surface faster, vastly reducing risks of scarring and infection. Although fractional CO2 laser does not give the same dramatic results initially and requires repeated treatments, the results are more natural without the risks.
The first fractional technology was the Fraxel laser. Fraxel has continued to create new machines, including a Fraxel CO2 laser. They were the first with the most prominent brand penetration, so much so that people have come to use Fraxel as synonymous with fractional lasers. However, there is now a broad range of fractional CO2 lasers. We chose to go with the Fraxis Duo because it is a powerful laser and has added treatment benefits of RF microneedling.
*Acne scar treatment
CO2 lasers are not suitable for the treatment of pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries or tattoo removal. For pigmentation, redness and broken capillaries, we recommend BBL Hero, and tattoo removal requires Q switched lasers or a picosecond laser such as Picosure.
Chandrashekar BS, Sriram R, Mysore R, Bhaskar S, Shetty A. Evaluation of microneedling fractional radiofrequency device for treatment of acne scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014;7(2):93-97. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.138328