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What is Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a procedure to improve the surface of the skin by directing intense light from a laser onto the skin tissue.
As compared to laser skin resurfacing, fractional laser skin resurfacing treats only small areas on the skin, producing tiny dots of treated skin and leaving the surrounding areas intact.
Examples of fractional laser skin resurfacing devices include Fraxel and Pixel.
What is Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing used for?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing can be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, pigment changes, sun damaged skin, acne scars and other kinds of scars.
How is Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing carried out?
- The skin is cleansed and the laser device is passed over the area of skin to be treated.
- The laser delivers light in tiny beams close together that penetrate the upper and lower levels of the skin.
- The damaged cells regenerate to produce newly tightened, smoother skin.
- The unaffected cells support the damaged cells in the fractional process.
Who is not a suitable candidate for Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- Patients with darker skin tones may not be suitable for fractional laser skin resurfacing.
- People with skin infections are also not advised to have this procedure.
- Pregnant women are also not advised to have fractional laser skin resurfacing.
Duration of procedure/surgery:Each treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete.
Number of sessions required:Multiple sessions are often required with fractional laser skin resurfacing in order to achieve the best results.
Around 3 to 5 sessions may be necessary, spaced 5 to 7 days apart.
Days admitted:None.
Anesthesia:A topical local anesthesia is sometimes used before the procedure.
Recovery:Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities immediately after the procedure.
The skin will look pink for 2 to 7 days following the procedure.
Risks:There are fewer potential risks and side effects associated with the fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure as compared to conventional laser skin resurfacing.
Risks include:
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Blistering.
After care:- Hide any redness with make up following the procedure.
- Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to help treat skin flaking.
- Use cold compresses or cooling gels to minimize any discomfort.
- Avoid exposure to the sun during the skin’s healing process.
Learn more about Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing