Treatment FAQ

what is a fractional laser treatment

by Bernadette Schmitt I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time, analogous to a photographic image being enhanced or altered pixel by pixel.

How much does fractional laser treatment cost?

Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time, analogous to a photographic image being enhanced or altered pixel by pixel.

What can fractional laser with PRP therapy do for You?

Nov 11, 2020 · Fractional (or fractionated) lasers resurface and rejuvenate skin to treat fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and textural issues. While a fully ablative laser removes the entire surface layer of skin in the treated area, fractional laser beams are broken up into smaller units, so they target between 25% and 40% of the skin’s surface, leaving …

What is the recovery time for Fraxel Laser treatment?

Feb 07, 2022 · Fractional laser treatments can be used to address a variety of common concerns about facial appearance, including: Fine lines and wrinkles; Sun damage (such as “sun spots”) Skin pigmentation changes; Uneven skin texture; Scarring (including acne scars) In general, the healing process from fractional laser treatment is far easier than with a non-fractional laser.

What are the pros and cons of laser treatment?

Mar 22, 2021 · “Fraxel Repair is an ablative fractional laser (fractionated CO2 laser) that can be used for skin rejuvenation and to promote new collagen formation,” Chang says. “It is most useful for improving scarring, deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and skin laxity. Recovery time is longer than nonablative Fraxel Dual treatments.” Sciton ProFractional.

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What are the benefits of fractional laser?

The New Standard: Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingMinimizes sun damage, acne scars, and fine lines.Improves skin texture and evens skin tone.Stimulates collagen for firmer, more youthful skin.May help treat pre-cancerous skin lesions.Minimal downtime.

How long do fractional laser results last?

When the upper dermis is revealed and sculpted by the Fractional CO2 laser, the new skin cells and collagen will be smooth and undamaged, which can reduce textural skin concerns. Your elevated collagen production after this treatment will continue for up to six months.Apr 16, 2021

Is fractional laser good for your skin?

In short: It hurts your face, but in a good way. “Fractional” lasers create these micro-injuries that form a grid light pattern because the laser beam is split into many small beams. With these targeted micro-injuries, you can trigger a healing reaction without damaging your skin.Jun 11, 2019

How much is the fractional laser?

According to RealSelf.com – a website where real patients submit reviews on popular cosmetic treatments – fractional laser treatments cost on average $450 a treatment for the Clear and Brilliant Laser and $975 for the Fraxel Dual Laser. Multiple treatments are often needed depending on the indication for treatment.Dec 11, 2020

Is fractional laser painful?

8. Does Fractional CO2 Laser Hurt? Most patients would find the pain minimal and often describe the sensation similar to prickling. However, since the procedure involves applying anesthesia to the area, your face would be numb which ensures a painless treatment.Jan 28, 2020

What does your face look like after laser?

Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching or stinging may last for a few days. Depending on the treatment, skin may even appear raw, ooze a yellow liquid and even blister.Mar 22, 2021

Can Fraxel ruin your skin?

Because the Fraxel laser does damage your skin cells (in order for them to rejuvenate and improve your skin's appearance), you need to be certain to clean all treated areas several times a day – two to five, according to plasticsurgery.org – with saline or diluted vinegar solution, depending on your surgeon's ...Feb 5, 2021

What are the side effects of laser treatment?

RisksRedness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ... Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.Infection. ... Changes in skin color. ... Scarring.Mar 2, 2022

How long does it take for skin to heal after laser treatment?

Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. Depending on the problem that was treated, healing typically takes 10 to 21 days. Once the skin heals, you can wear oil-free makeup to minimize redness, which usually fades in two to three months.Jul 26, 2021

What does fractional laser look like?

3:575:58Fractional laser resurfacing- dermatologist review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnly treats the upper part of the skin or epidermis. It's called suburb lady so if you look at thisMoreOnly treats the upper part of the skin or epidermis. It's called suburb lady so if you look at this diagram what it does is it has pinpoint. Areas of contact it doesn't actually to create the skin.

What is fractional laser for face?

In fractional laser skin resurfacing, a device called a fractional laser delivers precise microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of skin, creating deep, narrow columns of tissue coagulation.

How many fractional laser treatments do I need?

Four to five treatments with Fraxel® are required, depending on the energy level used and the condition of the treated skin. These are spaced one month apart. The results are not immediate and are slowly progressive, with optimal improvement visible over a three to four month period.

What is a fractional laser?

Fractional (or fractionated) lasers resurface and rejuvenate skin to treat fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and text...

What are the pros and cons of a fractional laser treatment?

Pros It can treat acne scars, age spots, and even wrinkles, often producing significant results after a single session.Typical downtime is less tha...

How much does a fractional laser treatment cost?

Your cost will depend on which type of laser treatment you have, the size of the area you’re treating, your provider’s level of experience, and the...

Who makes a good candidate for fractional laser resurfacing?

Optimal candidates have facial lines, wrinkles, scars, spots, or more extensive sun damage that they would like to treat. While there isn’t an age...

What happens during a fractional laser treatment?

Before your treatment, make sure you’ve removed all makeup and taken off any jewelry. Your provider will apply numbing cream, which can take up to...

What is the healing process for a fractional laser treatment like?

Your downtime and healing process will depend on the intensity of your treatment, but most people experience swelling and redness for up to a week....

When will you see results and how long will they last?

You’ll see your final results 8–12 weeks after your procedure. Results can last up to three years, and you can extend them with an occasional light...

Is fractional laser resurfacing safe?

Fractional lasers are FDA-cleared for safety in treating “periorbital wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, dyschromia, and pigmented lesions, such...

What are the risks and side effects of fractional laser treatments?

Fractional lasers intentionally injure your skin on a microscopic level, so the treatment can be uncomfortable—it can feel hot or like a pinch or t...

Sources & studies

“Fraxel Treatment Consent.” American Board of Laser Surgery, 2020.Lapidoth, Moshe, et al. “Fractional CO2 Laser in the Treatment of Facial Scars in...

Fast facts

You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

What is a fractional laser?

Fractional (or fractionated) lasers resurface and rejuvenate skin to treat fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and textural issues.

What are the pros and cons of a fractional laser treatment?

It can treat acne scars, age spots, and even wrinkles, often producing significant results after a single session.

How much does a fractional laser treatment cost?

Your cost will depend on which type of laser treatment you have, the size of the area you’re treating, your provider’s level of experience, and their practice location.

Who makes a good candidate for fractional laser resurfacing?

Optimal candidates have facial lines, wrinkles, scars, spots, or more extensive sun damage that they would like to treat. While there isn’t an age minimum or maximum, kids under 16 shouldn’t have laser treatment for facial rejuvenation. However, it is safe to treat scars and certain birthmarks.

What happens during a fractional laser treatment?

Before your treatment, make sure you’ve removed all makeup and taken off any jewelry. Your provider will apply numbing cream, which can take up to an hour to have the full effect. After the cream has fully penetrated the skin, they’ll wipe off the excess and clean your skin.

What is the healing process for a fractional laser treatment like?

Your downtime and healing process will depend on the intensity of your treatment, but most people experience swelling and redness for up to a week. Your skin should look and feel mostly healed by day six or seven. Before then, you can use cold compresses to help alleviate any discomfort. Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce swelling.

What is fractional laser?

Claire Chang, MD, fractional lasers are resurfacing lasers that benefit the skin by creating columns of thermal damage in the skin.

What are the benefits of fractional lasers?

Benefits of Fractional Lasers 1 Promote collagen production 2 Speed up wound healing 3 Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 4 Blur the appearance of scars 5 Lighten dark spots and melasma 6 Reduce the appearance of photodamage 7 Shrink the appearance of pores

Who is the founder of PFRANKMD?

All in all, cosmetic dermatologist, chief medical officer, and founder of PFRANKMD, Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, says that fractional lasers stand apart thanks to the manner in which they deliver energy to create maximum results with minimal downtime.

What is a Fractional CO2 Laser?

A fractional CO2 laser is a cosmetic treatment that focuses on delivering a “peel”-like experience, all by creating microscopic injuries within the dermal tissue. These micro-channels help stimulate the body’s collagen and elastin production, which is essential for:

Request a Consultation Today!

Our expert providers here at Twin Ports Dermatology would be happy to meet with you for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

You’re a good candidate for this type of treatment if you want a comprehensive, all-in-one approach to rejuvenating and refreshing your complexion. From wrinkles and fine lines to skin sagging and hyperpigmentation, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can treat almost every complexion issue!

How to Prepare for a Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment

The best way to prepare for your treatment is to avoid using retinol or any other type of products that could potentially make your skin more sensitive. We recommend stopping use of retinoids about one to two weeks before your laser resurfacing session.

Take the First Step - Request A Consultation

If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Twin Ports Dermatology will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Duluth, MN office directly to schedule: 218-302-1000.

What is fractional laser?

Also known as fractional photothermolysis, fractional laser resurfacing is a relatively new method of skin rejuvenation in which the targeted areas of the skin are precisely spaced out at a microscopic level, leaving some skin perfectly intact while other zones are heat treated. The effect is visually comparable to the pixels in digital images, as the tiny spots of treated skin replace old, destroyed cells with new, healthy ones, and the untreated areas maintain the tissue's stability for quicker recovery.#N#Using this approach, fractional laser skin resurfacing treatments can utilize the intense energy of ablative or skin resurfacing lasers, while providing the greater safety and faster recovery time of lower engery, non-ablative laser treatments. As a result, patients can undergo a relatively risk-free procedure, achieve their desired skin rejuvenation, and not worry about scheduling the numerous follow-up treatments associated with most of the low-energy laser options.#N#The leading brand in fractional resurfacing remains to be Fraxel®, a laser treatment that is FDA approved for use on wrinkles around the eyes, melasma ("mask of pregnancy"), freckles, age spots, acne scars from cystic acne, and skin resurfacing.#N#To see if Fractional Laser Resurfacing might work for you, we can help arrange a free consultation with a reputable skincare provider (link) near you.#N#Discuss the advantages or disadvantages of Fractional Laser Resurfacing at Cosmetic Enhancement Forum .

What is fractional resurfacing?

The leading brand in fractional resurfacing remains to be Fraxel®, a laser treatment that is FDA approved for use on wrinkles around the eyes, melasma ("mask of pregnancy"), freckles, age spots, acne scars from cystic acne, and skin resurfacing.

How does fractional laser work?

Fractional lasers treat the skin at a cellular level, which spurs natural processes that reveal healthier outer skin. These devices create micro-injuries in the skin. The skin responds by creating new collagen and replacing the damaged cells with new, healthy ones.

What are the side effects of fractional laser treatment?

Uneven skin texture and tone. Many types of scars. Side effects after treatment might include wounding, redness, swelling, and skin crusting. Results from an ablative fractional laser treatment improve over time and can be both dramatic and long-lasting.

What is laser treatment?

Laser treatments accelerate the process, restoring collagen levels and promoting cell renewal to refresh and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. They can also be used to treat unwanted pigmentation. Enjoy Versatility with Non Ablative Fractional Lasers.

What is a halo laser?

Fraxel Dual, Lase MD, Clear+Brilliant, and Halo are non-ablative lasers that use thermal heat to warm damaged tissue and stimulate new collagen production, revealing new, healthy skin. These lasers are less intense than the Fraxel Repair, so you may need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results.

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to improve the skin's appearance or treat minor facial flaws. It can be done with: Ablative laser. This is a wounding laser that removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.

How long does it take to get rid of a laser?

Ablative laser resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.

How long does redness last on the face?

Redness, swelling and itching. Treated skin may be itchy, swollen and red. Redness may be intense and might last for several months. The aggravation of a previously existing skin condition, such as rosacea, can contribute to redness.

What to do if you have a herpes infection after laser resurfacing?

If you're having ablative laser resurfacing — or nonablative laser resurfacing and you have a history of herpes infections around your mouth — your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication before and after treatment to prevent a viral infection.

Can laser resurfacing cause cold sores?

Ablative laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin. Changes in skin color.

How long does laser resurfacing last?

The effects can last for years. Results after nonablative laser resurfacing tend to be gradual and progressive. You're more likely to notice improvements in skin texture and pigment than in wrinkles. After laser resurfacing, avoid unprotected sun exposure for one year to prevent irregular pigmentation.

Does laser resurfacing help with fine lines?

Laser resurfacing can decrease the appearance of fine lines in the face. It can also treat loss of skin tone and improve your complexion if you have scars or sun damage. Laser resurfacing can't eliminate excessive or sagging skin.

Why do you need ablative lasers?

Ablative lasers are considered "wounding" lasers because they remove the outer layer of your skin and heat up the tissue underneath to stimulate new collagen production and fresh skin growth. As your skin peels off and heals (yup, the week of downtime afterward is no joke), your face will look significantly smoother, tighter, and fresher—basically, it's a takes-years-off-your-face laser. Examples of ablative lasers include CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasering and Erbium (aka YAG) lasering.

What is a dual laser?

Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser that can be combined or used separately to address different skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, hands, legs—just about anywhere. The 1927 wavelength of Fraxel will lift away discoloration ( hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and pre-cancer spots), while the 1550 wavelength of Fraxel is designed to target and smooth your skin's texture (fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring ). Don't worry about writing this down—your derm will decide the correct wavelengths for your skin.

What is the best laser for acne scars?

Fraxel is one of the more aggressive lasers offered at most dermatologist offices (more on these other lasers below), which is how it's able to get rid of things like pockmarks (aka those pitted, indented acne scars known as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars).

How much does fraxel cost?

The cost of Fraxel varies depending on your skin condition, your insurance plan, and where you live, but Dr. Nussbaum says most often, Fraxel costs around $1,500 per treatment for just the face, and up to $2,000 if you add on the neck and chest. This content is imported from Instagram.

How long does it take for a laser to work?

Listen, lasers don't exactly feel great, but the treatment itself is relatively quick—about 15 to 25 minutes, plus another 45 minutes for the topical anesthesia (numbing cream) to kick in before getting started. And since you'll be numbed up beforehand, Dr. Nussbaum says you'll likely only feel a little stinging.

Does laser repair work?

Because there is a risk for hyperpigmentation with any ablative laser (it's literally "wounding" your skin to work), Dr. Marmur doesn't recommend them for darker skin tones.

Is Fraxel Dual ablative?

Fraxel Dual, on the other hand, actually has minimal side effects and a less -intense downtime (at least, in comparison to ablative lasers), since it's non-ablative. Still, Dr. Nussbaum says a patient should expect some redness, swelling, and peeling afterward, but it settles in less than a week.

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