From the Guidelines
Fractional CO2 lasers are the preferred choice for skin longevity due to their ability to provide more dramatic improvement for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and acne scars with less downtime and fewer complications compared to traditional CO2 lasers and microneedling with PRP or exosomes. The key difference between CO2 lasers and CO2 fractional lasers lies in their approach to skin resurfacing, with traditional CO2 lasers treating the entire skin surface and fractional CO2 lasers creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones, leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing 1.
Comparison with Microneedling
When comparing fractional CO2 lasers to microneedling with PRP or exosomes, the former provides more immediate tissue remodeling through controlled thermal damage, resulting in better outcomes for skin longevity 1. Microneedling with PRP or exosomes, on the other hand, is gentler with minimal downtime but may require more sessions for comparable results. The choice between these treatments depends on specific concerns, downtime tolerance, and budget.
Evidence for Fractional CO2 Lasers
Studies have shown that fractional CO2 lasers combined with PRP can lead to significant improvements in skin texture, reduction of width of striae lesions, and more homogenization and regular orientation of dermal collagen fibers 1. Additionally, the combination of fractional CO2 laser and PRP has been found to be safe and effective for the treatment of striae distensae, with more significant improvements compared to other treatments 1.
Considerations for Treatment Choice
In terms of cost, fractional CO2 lasers typically range from $1,500-3,000 per session with 1-2 sessions needed, while microneedling with PRP runs $300-700 per session with 3-6 sessions recommended. Both treatments work by triggering the skin's natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. However, the most recent and highest quality study suggests that fractional CO2 lasers provide better outcomes for skin longevity, making them the preferred choice for patients seeking more dramatic improvements 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Fractional CO2 lasers provide more dramatic improvement for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and acne scars
- Microneedling with PRP or exosomes is gentler with minimal downtime but may require more sessions for comparable results
- The choice between treatments depends on specific concerns, downtime tolerance, and budget
- Fractional CO2 lasers are the preferred choice for skin longevity due to their ability to provide more dramatic improvement with less downtime and fewer complications 1.
From the Research
CO2 Laser vs CO2 Fractional Laser
- The main difference between CO2 laser and CO2 fractional laser is the way they deliver energy to the skin. CO2 laser delivers a continuous beam of energy, whereas CO2 fractional laser delivers energy in a fractional pattern, leaving some areas of skin untreated 2.
- This fractional pattern allows for faster healing and less downtime compared to traditional CO2 laser 2.
Comparison to Micro Needling with PRP or Exosomes
- Micro needling with PRP has been shown to be effective in improving skin texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles 3.
- Studies have compared micro needling to CO2 fractional laser, with some showing similar efficacy in improving skin appearance [(2,4,5)].
- However, CO2 fractional laser may be more effective in stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity 2.
- There is limited research on the use of exosomes in skin rejuvenation, but micro needling and CO2 fractional laser have been shown to be safe and effective treatments [(2,4,5)].
Evidence for Skin Longevity
- Topical skin care regimes, including retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants, can help improve skin longevity 6.
- Laser and device-based treatments, such as CO2 fractional laser, can also improve skin appearance and stimulate collagen production [(2,4,5)].
- Micro needling with PRP or other treatments may also be effective in improving skin texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles [(3,2,4,5)].