Natural Results. Personalized Care. Advanced Medical Aesthetics.
What Is Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing?
The Monaliza‑5 is a fractional carbon dioxide laser that delivers energy at a wavelength of 10,600 nm. Water within the skin absorbs this energy.
Instead of treating the entire skin surface uniformly, the fractional scanner creates a controlled pattern of microscopic treatment columns. Areas of surrounding skin remain untreated, helping support the healing process.
The treatment removes selected areas of damaged surface tissue while delivering controlled heat into deeper layers of the skin. This process initiates a natural healing response and supports new collagen formation over time.
As the skin heals, patients may notice gradual improvement in the appearance of selected wrinkles, uneven texture, and other appropriately chosen concerns.
The Monaliza‑5 CO₂ Laser Therapy System has FDA 510(k) clearance, K162398. Its fractional scanner is cleared for the treatment of wrinkles and skin resurfacing.
What Concerns May Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing Address?
Depending on your skin, treatment settings, and individual response, fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing may improve the appearance of:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun-damaged or uneven-looking skin
- Rough or irregular skin texture
- Selected acne scars
- Selected surgical or traumatic scars
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Crepey-looking skin
- Selected stretch marks
- Overall skin quality
Not every concern or scar is appropriate for CO₂ laser treatment. Deeper scars, significant skin laxity, and certain pigmentation concerns may require a different treatment or a combination approach.
Results vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Consultation and Skin Assessment
Your appointment begins with a review of your medical history, medications, skincare products, recent procedures, sun exposure, healing history, and treatment goals.
Your skin and the selected treatment area are assessed to determine whether fractional CO₂ resurfacing is appropriate. If another procedure may be safer or better suited to your concerns, alternative options will be discussed.
Treatment Preparation
Before treatment, the skin is cleansed and a topical numbing medication is typically applied. The amount of preparation and comfort support may vary according to the treatment area and planned settings.
Appropriate laser safety eyewear is used during treatment.
Fractional CO₂ Treatment
The Monaliza‑5 handpiece delivers a controlled pattern of fractional CO₂ energy to the selected area. Settings are adjusted according to the treatment area, skin characteristics, goals, and planned treatment depth.
Patients may feel warmth, prickling, or brief stinging sensations. The active laser portion may take less than an hour for many treatment areas, but the complete appointment is longer because it includes consultation, photography when authorized, cleansing, numbing, treatment, and aftercare.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
After treatment, the skin may appear red, swollen, warm, or similar to a sunburn. A protective aftercare product may be applied, and you will receive instructions for cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and activity restrictions.
Who May Not Be an Appropriate Candidate?
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing may need to be postponed or avoided for patients with:
- Active skin infection, irritation, or open lesions
- Active cold sores in or near the treatment area
- Recent tanning, sunburn, or significant sun exposure
- A history of keloids or unusual scarring
- Medical conditions that impair healing
- Certain medications or recent medication use that may affect healing
- Unrealistic expectations
- Inability to follow the required aftercare
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Tell your provider about all medical conditions, allergies, medications, supplements, previous procedures, and skincare products.
Do not discontinue a prescribed medication unless the prescribing healthcare professional advises you to do so.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Some patients may notice improvement following one treatment, while others may benefit from a series.
The recommended number and timing of sessions depend on:
- Treatment goals
- Type and severity of the concern
- Treatment area
- Skin characteristics
- Selected settings
- Healing response
- Tolerance for recovery time
A personalized treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.