For close to 20 years, fractional laser resurfacing has been a fundamental treatment in the field of aesthetic medicine that helps improve a variety of skin problems related to texture, spots and fine lines. The lasers are based on the principle of creating deep micro ablation zones in the skin (multiple microscopic perforations in the epidermis) while leaving the surrounding skin intact in order to stimulate the natural skin healing process. These reliable, highly accurate lasers eliminate old or damaged skin cells to reveal new, radiant-looking skin while reducing the appearance of acne scars, stretchmarks, age spots and freckles.
There are two categories of fractional lasers that deliver energy at various strengths (measured in joules), wavelengths (measured in nanometers) and warm-up time (measured in milliseconds). This “adaptability” presents a considerable advantage; the parameters can be set according to the extent of the damaged skin to be treated, as well as the patient’s skin type.
Ablative-type fractional lasers break the skin barrier and reach the dermis with wavelengths that oscillate between 2,940 and 10,600 nanometers at the more intensive end. They can cover 15 to 22% of the skin surface and are considered more aggressive—they can sometimes disrupt a patient’s social life for up to 15 days. These lasers are adept at treating thicker skin or deep acne scars and are well suited for smoothing wrinkled or rugged surfaces.
At Dermapure, we prioritize CO2 and ProFractional® lasers. Specific care protocols have been clearly established to maximize results and minimize discomfort while ensuring complete safety. Only our qualified medical staff is allowed to use these technologies.
Non-ablative fractional lasers use less energy and cover less area, and produce shorter wavelengths that range from 1,440 to 1,927 nanometers. They don’t break the skin barrier and, as such, do not pose an elevated risk of hyperpigmentation. In addition, they do not interfere with a patient’s social life. However, these fractional lasers, while very gentle, are highly effective and product remarkable results in terms of overall skin tone and pore tightening. The technologies available at our clinics—Fraxel®, Clear + Brilliant™ and Venus Viva™—are perfect for treating both normal and thin skin types.
For both men and women, the face is unquestionably the most popular treatment area for fractional laser. It is, after all, one of the body’s most exposed areas and is conducive to irregular pigmentation and texture. Full or partial face treatments are possible, with the latter option being especially effective on acne scars that are concentrated on the cheeks and forehead.
Treatments can also be performed on various body areas. Non-ablative lasers are ideal for the treatment of stretchmarks on the stomach and thighs, for pigment spots on the hands, and for loose, sagging skin on the décolleté.
It is important to consult with our team prior to treatment to openly discuss your goals and expectations. It is equally important to assess the various treatment options, the number of sessions required, and the benefits and risks associated with each procedure.
Desensitizing the skin with a lidocaine-based anesthetic gel will reduce discomfort felt during treatment. This product is applied to and left on clean skin for approximately 1 hour before treatment to temporarily desensitize the treatment area.
Carefully removing all traces of gel, makeup and lipid film is an essential first step in your fractional laser treatment. It is also important to properly disinfect the skin using alcohol to create a suitable sterile surface before the start of the procedure.
Depending on the technology used, protective eyewear may be required to properly protect your eyes from possible light emissions. Your eye protection ensures complete safety at all times.
Determining the specific parameters for the treatment will ensure its success. Since each individual is unique, each condition must be treated differently depending on the area to be treated, the surface and outline of blemishes to be corrected, and skin type. Staff should consider several factors that are unique to you and that may change over time. Deep acne scars or stretchmarks will probably require more work than a simple pass over superficial freckles. The good news is that once your skin has regenerated, the results will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Feeling the applicator tip sliding over your skin can be relatively uncomfortable. By their very nature, fractional lasers are reasonably invasive treatments that sometimes cause a strong heat/burning sensation. Depending on the technology used, several passes may—or may not—be required on the same area and, given the depths attained in some cases, bleeding may also occur (especially during CO2 and ProFractional® lasers). The session rarely exceeds 60 minutes and our experienced medical and technical personnel make every effort to minimize discomfort and accompany you throughout the treatment.
Applying a specific cream immediately after the treatment is not always necessary; each technology requires different follow-up and post-treatment procedures that are carefully explained to the patient by our medical and technical team. These recommendations must be strictly followed to allow the skin to recover properly. Swelling, redness, and sometimes even bleeding can be expected during the first 48 hours; these symptoms decrease significantly in 5 to 10 days. Normal skin flaking/peeling occurs at the end of recovery and it is imperative that you avoid sunlight, makeup and all scented products until your skin has fully healed.
For the following ablative lasers:
ProFractional® | C02
Clear + Brilliant™ | Venus Viva™
Fraxel: Dual™ | Fraxel: Restore™
