Lutronic Mosaic Fractional CO2 Laser, Ugly & Beautiful Truth

I'm in my late 40s, and blessed with relatively good skin. Many have commended that my complexion is flawless, and in one of the SK-II Magic Ring skin tests done some time ago, my skin age is standing at just 37 years old even though I'm already going 49!

The truth is, you would notice fine lines especially around my eyes and forehead plus some pigmentation on my face if you look closely. Of course, there are over-the-counter beauty products to counter these concerns, but it seems only surgical and energy based treatments are able to provide an effective way to treat wrinkles for long term results.

Aesthetic doctors have recommended botox and fillers for those wrinkles, but I'm against anything beyond lasers. Call me old-fashion minded, but at least not for now. Thermage and Ultherapy are other good options, but I've really low threshold of pain. I've heard these effective treatments hurt a lot, so that's totally out for me.

Then I was introduced to #Lutronic Mosaic ECO2 Laser at #EHA Clinic, a fractional skin peeling laser system which is also used in acne scar treatment, one of the advance technologies in non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments. Apparently, patients who have had this procedure report significant changes in only a single treatment:

• Reduces facial fine lines and wrinkles.
• Gives the skin a more firm, smooth appearance.
• Improves scars.
• Reduces sun damage, such as brown spots.
• Reduces skin blotches and blends skin color.
• Improves pigmented and vascular conditions.

The Procedure:
At EHA Clinic, a skin analysis was done followed by a numbing cream applied on the areas to be treated and left on for about 45 mins, but the actual procedure took less than 30 mins for my face, eyes and neck.

So Was It Painful?
I'm not going to lie to you and say it didn't hurt. In fact, it was really painful! Then again, everyone has different degree of pain. I've zero tolerance for pain and at that moment, I was hoping the procedure would end soon. When it was all over, I let out a sigh of relief. I then asked Dr Tam if the pain is equivalent to #Thermage or #Ultherapy; I was told that the pain I was experiencing for the Mosaic Fractional CO2 Laser is surface pain, while the latter is skin-deep.

What Happens After The Fractional Laser?
There was a burning sensation immediately after the laser and the treated areas were red. Burning sensation wore off after about 2 - 3 hrs later.

Day 2: Skin was red and rough like sandpaper due to the fine scabs formed. Although face and neck also appeared swollen, the burning sensation has already disappeared into thin air.

Day 3: Scabs were more obvious as they turned darker. Skin began to itch a bit. I'd to be really careful not to scratch it.

During the 1-week period, you just gotta bear with the terrible condition of your skin. It's like a snake shredding its skin, undergoing a transformation. You've to avoid the sun during this time, and slab on lots of sunscreen. My scabs took slightly more than a week before they dropped off completely. Healing time all depends on how deep your treatment is.

Post 14 days, outer layer of skin is completely healed and collagen remodelling continues for up to 9 months. Results will show in about 2 months, and will last up to a year or more depending on how fast one ages.

The Cost:
SGD 800 for face and neck (for 1st-timer) at EHA Clinic. Although result can be seen in just 1 treatment, a series of laser is needed for optimal results.

The Verdict:
It's about a month since I had my laser resurfacing treatment. I was wondering if money was well-spent since I still don't notice any significant difference. But how wrong was I! I had another skin analysis done when I return to EHA Clinic to have my facial; Hydrafacial is highly recommended a month after the laser. Looking at the report above, I was surprised to see the percentage of my #wrinkles actually dropped from 85% to 79% in just a month. I'm thrilled, and really looking forward to a even more flawless skin with a healthy glow in two months time!

While Fractional CO2 laser can give you the most dramatic and long lasting results, the treatment requires 1-2 weeks of healing time post treatment. So if you have both time and money, it's certainly one skin resurfacing treatment to consider.

Why Dr. Tam Recommended Me The Lutronic Mosaic ECO2 Laser?
Since my concern was wrinkles around the forehead and eyes, this procedure promotes collagen regeneration which is great for reducing the fine line to give me firmer and smoother skin. As I've relatively good skin, this fractional laser can help to maintain the firmness and prevent skin laxity.

What Fractional Laser Is Good For Other Than Skin Tightening and Wrinkles?
The laser can also be used for improving scars from acne or injury, reduce pigmentation from sun damage and improve laxity from ageing or stretch marks from pregnancy. Read more at Getting Rid of Keloid Scar with Lasers and Steroid Injection!

Have you tried any Mosaic Fractional CO2 Laser or thinking of going for one? Do share with us your thoughts!

EHA Clinic
1 Scotts Road
#15-01 Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 3325