The Vjuve CO2 laser emits energy of a wavelength of 10,600 nanometres.  Water within the skin cells absorbs this type of wavelength, resulting in the fractional ablation of the superficial layer of the skin.  This produces a type of heat injury which stimulates the skin underneath, resulting in the formation of collagen.  When the skin starts healing after laser treatment, new skin starts to form.

Ablative means that the laser does intentionally penetrate/wound the skin and remove thin layers from the skin surface (whereas non-ablative lasers do not wound the skin).  Ablative lasers are more aggressive than non-ablative lasers, however, ablative lasers do produce much more dramatic results in comparison to non-ablative lasers.

Fractional in this context means that a large number of micro beamed columns of ablation are made through the skin per square cm, while leaving the surrounding skin protected and undamaged.  The targeted nature of the laser beam columns means this is delivered in a very precise and controlled way.  Fractional treatments can therefore be used by all skin types and allow for reduced downtime and side effects.

This advanced medically certified technology effectively treats the following concerns on the face and body:

• Skin rejuvenation/anti ageing, including fine, moderate and severe lines and wrinkles

• Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, sun damaged skin and age spots

• Resurfacing of the skin for lightening and brightening, smoothing skin and tightening pores

• All visible signs of photo ageing

• Significant skin tightening, lifting and collagen production

• Acne scars (surface and deep), pitting and general scarring, including keloid scarring

• Stretch marks

• Vaginal tightening and rejuvenation (see separate web page).

The 3D Vjuve CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser is safe for most skin types, up to and including Fitzpatrick VI (although, caution must be taken for people with Fitzpatrick skin types III and above to ensure hyperpigmentation is less likely to occur.  The fractional aspect of the treatment for these individuals will be lowered).

The recommended number of treatments depends entirely on your presenting concerns, your skin type, how quickly you want to achieve results and your appetite for downtime.  The laser is incredibly powerful and can produce dramatic results quite quickly, however, the downtime may be longer for certain cases.  It is possible to prescribe a treatment plan with a lower amount of downtime (as the laser strength and fractional aspect can be tailored to your bespoke requirements), it will just take a little longer to achieve the results and involve a few more visits to clinic.

A typical regime for an advanced skin rejuvenation programme for someone presenting with moderate to severe lines and wrinkles and a significant amount of sun damage and hyperpigmentation might be 3-5 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart.  You will start to see results from as little as 7 days from the first treatment and these will just keep improving over the next 6-8 weeks and well beyond (for example, acne scars can keep improving over 6 months post treatment!).

Downtime for CO2 fractional ablative laser treatment is typically anywhere between 2-10 days (depending on your skin type and the agreed laser intensity/power used during treatment), in the form of raised, red and very  dry, flaky, scabby skin.  The laser leaves patterns of red squares where it has been targeted on your skin and these might be clearly visible for the first few days, eventually drying and flaking off, leaving your skin pink for a few more days.  If downtime concerns you, we can adjust the settings (strength and fractional aspect) of the laser but it will take much longer to see your results.  

A consultation with our Registered Nurse is required to rule out any contraindications and determine your treatment goals and ideal plan.  3D Vjuve may be combined with many other treatments, such as HIFU, 3D Dermaforce, Dermalux LED Phototherapy and injectable treatments as a comprehensive rejuvenation programme.  However, the correct order and amount of time between treatments will be clarified during your consultation.