For this post, I will be sharing my review of Fractional CO2 laser offered by the ASTIQUE Clinic, which is also my regular aesthetic clinic.
In recent years, Fractional CO2 lasers are getting increasingly popular as the mainstay treatment for Acne scarring, improving wrinkles, discolouration as well as pore tightening. The reason is simply because it has clinically proven to be effective when performed by an experienced, certified doctor!
The reason for me resorting to this treatment was because of my large pores concern & residual ice pick scars from my battle with acne during my adolescence. My skin type falls under combination but it tends to get excessively oily under the hot humid climate of Singapore. That set stage for my acne issues during adolescence.
The certified doctor who performed my Laser treatment was none other than Dr Celine Leong who also does my Botox injections.
The process started with a diagnosis of my skin condition. As usual, Dr Celine was very patient throughout the whole diagnosis process; intently listening to my concerns. She even took time to explain the benefits as well as the complications eg. downtime. All in all, she never fails to give that sense of assurance that you are in good hands; this is also the key reason why I am happy to follow up with her all these while!
Next, numbing cream was applied generously onto my skin approximately half an hour before the laser treatment.
Below is a visual proof that they were INDEED very generous with the numbing cream to ensure I do not undergo any form of discomfort during the actual laser treatment!
*See how white my face is with the numbing cream* ><
After approximately half an hour, the cream was removed.
You will start to appreciate the effect of the numbing cream upon the start of the laser treatment!
In short, Carbon Dioxide laser emits short burst of high-energy laser that vapourizes the scarred tissue layer by layer. Technically, your skin is being 'burnt'!
Thanks to the numbing cream, my experience with the procedure was almost painless!
At the end of the procedure, my skin appeared mildly red but it is absolutely normal for post procedure. The downtime ranged from 3-5 days subsequently with minute gritted scabs & slight redness. By end of Day 5, all the scabs have more or less fallen off, leaving behind a smoother skin with smaller pores!
As this is only my first laser treatment session with them, the effect is not significant enough to totally alleviate all my ice pick scars. It is common for patients to undergo at least 2-4 treatment to see good visual improvement.
To attain that significant improvement, I am definitely looking forward to my next laser CO2 treatment with Dr Celine!