Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

What It Is

What It Is Treats Small Areas at a Time Less Risk of Scarring

Fractional laser skin resurfacing is one of the newest and most popular technologies for rejuvenating and improving the look of aged and lined skin. LIke other skin resurfacing and rejuvenating lasers, these devices deliver light (heat) through the skin's epidermis (top layer) and into its dermis (underlying layer) at varying but extremely precise depths.

But unlike other types of lasers, the heat is delivered in a "fractional" manner. This means the device fractionates, or splits, the laser light into thousands of microscopic "columns" of heat. The targeted skin cells within these columns are destroyed, but the surrounding tissue is left intact. So, although we pass the laser handpiece over 100 percent of the skin's surface area, we're actually treating only 20 to 30 percent of the skin. As a result, the skin is able to heal much more quickly.

You can think of this process as being very similar to when you have a lawn aerated — but on a microscopic scale. As the laser handpiece is moved across your face, its light creates tiny holes in the skin. Those holes are gradually filled in with new healthy skin from the surrounding tissue.

What It Treats Fractional lasers come in both ablative and non-ablative forms, although the non-ablative ones (those that leave the skin's surface uninjured while correcting imperfections in the deeper dermal layer) are more commonly used. These lasers are used to help minimize fine lines and to improve the skin's tone and texture, including the age spots and other unwanted pigmentaion that often accompanies aging.

Less Risk of Scarring

The two most commonly used fractional laser resurfacing devices are Fraxel and SmartSkin. To help ensure a good outcome, be sure your physician is experienced with the use of these devices.

Last modified: November 18, 2009