As patients demand faster, more visible results with safe downtime, combining technologies is the next step in advanced aesthetic services. At Mico Aes, we design professional-grade devices that let clinics, salons, and distributors deliver consistent clinical outcomes. In this guide you’ll learn when and how to combine Fractional CO₂ resurfacing with Picoway-style picosecond treatments to treat deep scarring, wrinkles, stubborn pigmentation and tattoos — and how to sell these packages to maximize revenue and patient satisfaction.
What Fractional CO₂ does (short technical primer)
Fractional CO₂ lasers are ablative devices that vaporize microscopic columns of skin, triggering robust collagen remodeling and epidermal renewal. That controlled injury addresses deep acne scars, deep wrinkles, large pores, and severe sun damage, producing major textural improvements over weeks to months as the dermis rebuilds. Because fractional CO₂ penetrates deep, it typically offers the most dramatic single-session resurfacing results.
What PicoWay (picosecond) lasers do
Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses (trillionths of a second) that shatter pigment and ink via a photomechanical effect rather than prolonged heat. They’re especially effective for pigmented lesions, melasma challenges, and multi-colored tattoo removal, and usually cause less thermal injury and shorter social downtime than ablative lasers. Pico-style lasers can also stimulate neocollagenesis when used with diffractive optics.
Why combine CO₂ + pico? The clinical logic
- Complementary depths and targets — CO₂ remodels dermal architecture and treats deep scars; picosecond lasers precisely break pigment and residual superficial irregularities.
- Staged safety — A staged approach reduces risk: deep ablative resurfacing first (for structure), then picosecond sessions later to refine residual pigmentation or treat tattoos/ink particles exposed by resurfacing.
- Higher patient satisfaction — Patients with mixed photoaging (texture + pigment) get fuller results by addressing both problems with appropriate energy modalities.
Ideal candidates & contraindications
Good candidates: mature patients with deep acne scarring or photodamage plus localized pigment; patients seeking dramatic texture improvement but willing to accept downtime.
Less ideal / caution: very dark Fitzpatrick skin types for aggressive CO₂ — increased risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation; active infection, recent isotretinoin use, or impaired wound healing. Use lower density fractional settings or prioritize non-ablative/pico-first approaches in darker skin.
Practical combined treatment protocol (clinic-ready — example)
Phase A (Resurfacing) — Fractional CO₂: single session, energy/density tailored to scar depth. Expect 7–14 days of re-epithelialization for ablative settings.
Wait & heal — Allow 6–12 weeks for collagen remodeling and epidermal stabilization (timeline depends on depth).
Phase B (Refinement) — PicoWay-style picosecond sessions: 1–3 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks to target residual pigmentation or tattoo colors exposed by resurfacing.
Aftercare: strict sun protection, topical barrier support (healing ointments, growth-factor serums as per clinic protocol), and pigment prevention measures. Note: adjust intervals for darker skin and closely monitor for dyspigmentation.
Managing downtime and side effects (how to counsel patients)
- CO₂ immediate: redness, swelling, crusting — counsel 7–14 days of visible recovery.
- Pico treatments: transient redness and mild swelling; typically shorter downtime.
- Risks: infection, prolonged erythema, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) — pre-treatment assessment and strict photo-protection reduce incidence. Provide sample aftercare instructions to every patient and document consent.
How salons, clinics and distributors can package & market this combo
- Offer tiered packages: “Scar-Rebuild” (CO₂ single session + 2 pico touch-ups), “PhotoRevive” (light CO₂ + pico series).
- Price framing: separate the high-value ablative step from cheaper pico refinements — increases average transaction value and appointment frequency.
- Content & assets: publish treatment timelines, realistic before/after galleries, and short video explainers (patient journey + downtime expectations). Use keyword phrases like “fractional CO2 + pico timeline” and “best combo for acne scars” in service pages and blogs.
- Training & demo days: host manufacturer-backed training so resellers and clinics can sell confidently. (Mico Aes offers OEM training and customization support.)
Why choose Mico Aes devices for these protocols
Mico Aes builds professional-grade Fractional CO₂ and picosecond-class devices (OEM/ODM) with flexible options for clinics and resellers — certified by ISO13485, EU CE, FDA, RoHS, REACH, and TUV/SGS-tested materials. We provide customizable handpieces, service warranty (1–3 years options), and fast consumable supply, which make your clinic operations smooth and profitable. (Company certifications and warranty described per Mico Aes manufacturer data.)
