Fractional laser therapy can be used to treat:
- Acne scarring
- Surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Age spots, patchy pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles (including around the eyes)
- Skin tone and texture on the face, neck, chest and hands
- 'Open pores'
- Sun spots or solar keratoses
- Resistant melasma ('mask of pregnancy')
- Under eye dark circles
How much downtime after pro fractional laser?
Most patients experience one to two weeks of downtime following a ProFractional™ laser therapy treatment. Reddened and raw skin, and swelling are typical following ablative laser resurfacing treatments like ProFractional™ laser therapy. Patients can expect skin redness for a few days to weeks.
What can Fraxel Laser treatments do for You?
- soften fine lines
- lessen acne scars (icepick, boxcar, post-acne hyperpigmentation)
- heal traumatic scars (surgical scars, injury, burns)
- address texture issues
- lighten age spots and brown sunspots
- balance uneven skin tone
- reduce stretch marks
Are fractional laser treatments better?
The number-one benefit of fractional lasers, however, is that they’re a worthy option for all skin types—something that can’t be said about many other treatments. The trick is to go to a board-certified physician for treatment.
What's the difference between profractional laser and Fraxel?
Both Profractional Laser and Fraxel can improve acne scars. Profractional Laser is a deeper laser (although not as aggressive as erbium laser resurfacing) and you will have some downtime for approximately 2-3 days while you heal. Profractional laser provides significant improvement after one treatment.
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 painful is fractional laser?
Nussbaum says you'll likely only feel a little stinging. Of course, pain tolerance is subjective, and many people consider the ablative type of Fraxel to be quite intense and painful (some describe it as being stung by bees or feeling like your face is straight-up burning), even with the numbing cream.
Is fractional laser good for your skin?
According to Dr. Estee Williams, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Fraxel-type laser treatments are ideal for anyone ages 25 to 60 who want to improve skin texture and resurface skin texture to: soften fine lines. lessen acne scars (icepick, boxcar, post-acne hyperpigmentation)
How long do results from fractional laser last?
On average, most patients get to enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for anywhere between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy. Many patients maintain treatments by returning every so often for a touch-up or supplementary skin treatment.
Does fractional laser really work?
There are already treatments nowadays that can eliminate them, leaving your face pimple-free and flawless. One of these safe and effective procedures is the Fractional CO2 Laser. It involves the removal of the outer layers of the skin through laser which reveals the fresh and glowing skin underneath.
What is the best laser treatment for face?
The 5 Top Face Laser Treatments and How They Can Help Your SkinTo Give Your Skin an Insta-Glow: Laser Genesis. ... To Rid of Acne Scars: Fractional CO2 Laser. ... To Zap Broken Blood Vessels: Pulsed Dye Laser. ... Instead of a Facelift: Fraxel. ... For Removing Sun Damage: IPL.
How often should you get fractional laser?
Fractional lasers generally require one to three treatments to achieve the look you want. If you need multiple treatments, it's recommended to set the sessions two weeks apart. Scheduling them as close together will help in maximizing the desired results within a short period.
Should I laser my face?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe for your face. Temporary side effects have been reported by a small number of patients. Depending on your skin, you may experience mild redness or swelling for an hour or two after the session.
Can I wash my face after fractional laser?
You may want to wait 72 hours after skin treatment before you start washing your face. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean the area and pat it dry. You can use a cool compress if you experience any swelling or discomfort. You can also use a light moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight.
Which is better fractional laser or Microneedling?
Pros and cons: Fractional erbium laser treatments are better suited to older patients, since, compared to microneedling, they target tissue that is deeper below the surface for an improved boost in collagen production.
What does your face look like after laser resurfacing?
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.
What are the side effects of laser treatment on face?
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.
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...
What is fractional laser treatment?
Fractional laser treatment can be used on any part of the body but is particularly useful on the neck, chest and hands when compared to traditional ablative modalities. Fractional laser treatment may also be of benefit for poikiloderma of Civatte and stretch marks. Fractional laser treatment can be used in all skin types and patients, ...
How does fractional laser work?
Fractional laser treatment works by targeting both the epidermis and dermis. It does this by delivering a laser beam that is divided into thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment into the skin. These are called microthermal treatment zones (MTZs). Within each MTZ old epidermal pigmented cells are expelled, ...
What is the cooling device used for a fraxel laser?
It is essential that the strong anaesthetic cream provided with the Fraxel laser is used. A cooling device, called a Zimmer™ machine, is used to reduce the discomfort during the procedure.
How long does it take for a laser to swell?
Some of the side effects and complications that may occur after aggressive or ablative fractional laser treatments, particularly on neck skin, include: Swelling for up to one week after treatment – this can be helped by applying an ice pack at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours.
Is fractional resurfacing more aggressive than non-ablative?
This timeframe and treatment regimen allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable, healthy skin cell growth. Ablative fractional resurfacing lasers are more aggressive than non-ablative devices, so recovery takes a little longer.
Can fractional lasers be used on all skin types?
Fractional laser treatment can be used in all skin types and patients, but techniques vary depending on patient age, skin type, sun exposure and body location. Fractional laser treatment can be combined with surgery and other skin treatments.
Does fractional laser treatment cause post inflammatory pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation associated with photoageing. Surgical and acne scarring. Although fractional laser treatment has been advocated in the treatment of pigmentation disorders such as melasma, the treatment itself can lead to postinflammatory pigmentation.
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
Why are fractional lasers not ablative?
“They're not ablative because patients can use makeup during the recovery ,” he says. “There is no open skin.
How long should you wait to use retinol before laser?
As a general rule of thumb, Chang says that patients should discontinue the use of retinoids at least a week before fractional laser treatment. Additionally, she says that some physicians prescribe lightening creams, like hydroquinone, to use prior to treatment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How to reduce the appearance of photodamage?
Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Blur the appearance of scars. Lighten dark spots and melasma. Reduce the appearance of photodamage. Shrink the appearance of pores. All in all, Chang says that fractional lasers are able to improve the skin’s complexion from all angles, addressing everything from pigmentation ...
Is fractional laser safe?
Fractional lasers offer a method for revitalizing the appearance of skin with little downtime or risk of negative side effects. As a general rule of thumb, nonablative fractional lasers are the safer bet for the vast majority of people thanks to their shallower reach. That said, there are so many different lasers out there that it’s worthwhile to find a dermatologist skilled in multiple kinds. “Many practitioners choose lasers based on their own experience and what lasers are available in their office,” Chang says. “I recommend finding a dermatologist who has access to and experience with multiple lasers in order to really get the best laser treatment for your skin type and condition.”
Can fractional lasers be used on all skin types?
It can be used on every skin type, all year-round, to deliver clearer, smoother skin. “There is no wound, as the laser isn't vaporizing the tissue,” Cohen says. Even though ablative fractional lasers are less popular nowadays, there are still common offerings on the market. They are as follows.
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.
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.
How is fraxel different from microneedling?
Fraxel and microneedling are similar in that both treatments use the idea of creating micro-injuries on your skin to help rebuild collagen, but the main difference is that Fraxel penetrates the skin more deeply than microneedling.
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 long does a laser touch up last?
Dr. Nussbaum says you might need a touch-up with a Clear + Brilliant laser four to six months later, but usually one Fraxel session is enough to last you the year. With the 1550 wavelength (the one for smoothing texture), you usually need three to five treatments spaced four weeks apart. Dr.
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.