Here at Amity Alice, we have carefully chosen the best medical grade devices with proven results and safety. The eCO2 is the most advanced modern technology Carbon Dioxide fractionated ablative technology. This is the most advanced laser on the market, with the highest ability for ablation in the skin, enabling it to improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and ageing skin. This form of CO2 laser is the most modern, safer version of this technology, which allows for smart technology optimised delivery of the laser energy, allowing improved comfort, reduced risk and amazing results, compared to traditional CO2 technology.
Fractional ablative laser, the gold standard in skin resurfacing
Skin resurfacing and deeper skin remodelling
Customisable treatment
Broad range of clinical applications, including acne scars and severe sun damage
For use on the face and body
Increased safety profile
Enhanced patient comfort
Visible improvement with only one treatment
Lasting results
How Does eCO2 Work?
Fractional laser resurfacing appeals to a variety of patients, from those who want more significant results to those who only need to repair light damage. The procedure reduces skin imperfections while simultaneously promoting collagen regeneration for long-term, visible improvements in the skin’s texture, tone and colour.
Fractionated laser technology selectively targets a fraction of the skin in the treatment area, leaving small micro-wounds surrounded by untouched tissue. The body’s natural healing process responds to these wounds by creating new tissue and collagen to restore the skin.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With eCO2?
Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation
Wrinkles, rhytids and fine lines
Scars (including acne scars, surgical scars and burn scars)
Skin laxity
Pigmented lesions and lentigines
Textural irregularities
Large pores
Transepidermal drug delivery
Dyschromia
Solar/Actinic elastosis
Syringoma
What Are the Differences Between eCO2 and Other Fractionated CO2 Treatments?
The eCO2 system has several advantages over other treatments in this category.
Sustained High-Powered Char-Free Laser Beam
eCO2 is built with a patented technology called coherent RF excited CO2 tubes. This technology produces deep and char-free (clean) ablation that is associated with little collateral tissue damage. With the ability to control thermal damage, providers can adjust and customise treatments to each individual’s needs. For our patients, this means deeper ablation with less swelling, quicker recovery and more significant results.
Deeper Ablation:
eCO2 can deliver up to 2.5mm of ablation depth, compared to other CO2 lasers which tend to be more limited in depth of ablation. This is useful in treating acne scars and deep rhytides.
Multiple Modes:
The eCO2 system has two modes. Dynamic Mode eliminates the checkerboard look of other CO2 systems by allowing continuous firing while moving, creating an ‘airbrushing’ effect. To treat large areas or eliminate demarcation lines, Dynamic Mode provides faster treatments and a more natural look. Static Mode allows clinicians to use a traditional ‘stamping’ technique, enabling the precise delivery of laser energy without the need for multiple passes some other CO2 lasers require.
Controlled Chaos Technology:
The eCO2 features patented Controlled Chaos Technology™ (CCT), an algorithm to pseudo-randomly deliver each laser beam and place maximum distance between sequential beams. This technology maximises heat dissipation between shots. The result is an improved safety profile with a reduction in post-treatment discomfort and faster healing time with an unparalleled fractional resurfacing result.
How Should I Prepare for My eCO2 Treatment?
In the lead-up to your eCO2 treatment, be extremely diligent about sun protection. Apply sunscreen regularly and limit time spent in direct sunlight. You will also be required to use our Brightening Treatment Complex for 4 weeks prior to any treatment, to help reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation as a result of the treatment. Please note that if you attend your appointment with sunburn or recent sun exposure, you will not be able to recieve your treatment and will be charged a cancellation fee. Please endeavour to follow our advice to enable a safe and effective treatment.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
You will be prepared for the procedure with a thorough skin cleansing and a topical anaesthetic cream. It is against the law for us to provide you with numbing cream, however at your consultation we will advise of which creams to purchase, that we have arranged to be custom made for you - you will then purchase this and bring it to your appointment. You will also be given eye protection to wear during the treatment. Your clinician will then carefully scan the laser handpiece over the targeted area. You will feel a prickly sensation, often compared to the snap of a rubber band, on your skin. You will also hear the sound of the fume extractor (air suction). Depending on the scope of the procedure, laser skin resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and 90 minutes to complete.
Is It Painful?
Everyone experiences discomfort to varying degrees. Your clinician will determine how to minimise your discomfort during the procedure. Topical anaesthetic is applied and sometimes oral medications are prescribed. A cooling device (Zimmer cooler) can also be used to improve comfort.
What Are the Side Effects?
After an eCO2 laser treatment, you may experience the following:
Redness
Swelling
Serous discharge
Peeling
Infection
Pigmentary changes (redness, darkening or lightening)
If you are prone to cold sores, please notify your clinician. You will be required to take oral preventative tablets prior to your treatment, and may also be required to take anti-biotics, and use anti-bacterial and anti-fungal topical lotions prior to the treatment as a precaution.
eCO2’s fractionated technology lowers the risk of pigmentation changes. Pre-treatment preparation of your skin further reduces the chance of these side effects.
What Is Recovery Like After eCO2 Treatment?
The recovery for most patients after eCO2 laser treatment ranges from one to two weeks.
First phase: Upon completion of the treatment, patients typically feel some discomfort in the treated area. Your skin will be swollen and red and may ooze serous fluid. These conditions last for the first two to three days.
Second phase: Over days three and four, the redness fades and the skin starts to feel tight and dry. It may begin to peel.
Third phase: In the final stage of recovery, the peeling finishes. Redness can persist and your skin may feel a little sensitive, but you can resume most activities. Complete recovery is expected within seven to 10 days. After the final peeling has completed, you may then resume normal home care and make up use.
Light, superficial laser treatments require minimal to no downtime. Expect a longer recovery period if the treatment is more aggressive for deeper scars and wrinkles. Your clinician will discuss recovery expectations with you during your consultation. The treatment settings can be tailored to your tolerance of downtime.
How Should I Care for My Skin After CO2 Resurfacing?
Be gentle with your skin as it recovers from CO2 resurfacing. Apply plain emollients or silicone gel with a mild antiseptic component to keep it clean and moisturised. Wear sunscreen daily. Do not use products with active ingredients, like vitamin A or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), until your skin completely recovers.
Your clinician may prescribe a topical serum to aid the healing of the micro-wounds. Depending on your treatment goals, they may also recommend using a topical antioxidant post-procedure to maximise its absorption and effects.
We routinely use 630nm LED light to accelerate wound healing and reduce downtime. This may be done every 24 to 48 hours after the resurfacing procedure until your skin is completely healed. Two sessions of LED Light Therapy are offered complimentary during the first week of your wound healing process.
When Will I See Results?
New skin will appear within a few days. The eCO2 laser leaves skin feeling smoother, firmer and younger while improving the appearance of photodamage and other unwanted pigment. Your skin improvements will continue over six to nine months as new collagen builds and replaces old collagen. Often only one treatment is required to achieve significant improvements in skin tone, colour and texture. More treatments may be required to achieve specific goals.
How Should I Care for My Skin Long Term After CO2 Resurfacing?
Your result will be as good as your long-term aftercare. To maximise the benefits of your CO2 resurfacing treatment, our dermatologist recommends:
Sun protection
Active skin care
Maintenance resurfacing treatments — This depends on individual needs. Your dermatologist will discuss this with you and create a personalised treatment schedule.
Is eCO2 Safe?
Fractional laser treatments have enjoyed popularity with physicians and patients worldwide for well over a decade. The eCO2 laser is designed with advanced operating features to provide you and your provider with minimal risk during the procedure. Our eCO2 treatments are performed by our Degree Qualified Dermal Clinician Amity Alice who has 19 years experience in the industry and extensive experience using Laser modalities.
How Does eCO2 Differ From Nanofractional RF Resurfacing?
eCO2 allows us to use more advanced settings and achieve deeper ablation. Because it can be quite a powerful treatment, it can effectively treat deeper wrinkles, more extensive sun damage and more significant acne scars. Substantial improvements can be achieved with just one treatment session.
Nanofractional radiofrequency (RF) is a non-surgical resurfacing treatment used to induce tissue remodelling and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It is a gentler treatment with a quicker recovery period, and typically requires a series of sessions to achieve optimal results. Nanofractional RF resurfacing is more appropriate for patients with skin of colour, shallower acne scars and superficial lines