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.
As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin alter. The epidermis becomes thinner so blemishes become more visible, and collagen in the dermis is gradually lost which contributes to the formation of facial lines, sagging skin and wrinkles.
Fractional laser treatment appears to be well tolerated by most patients. Shaving or application of mineral make-up can be done soon after treatment. Some of the side effects and complications that may occur after aggressive or ablative fractional laser treatments, particularly on neck skin, include:
- Excessive desquamation (scaling, peeling) and some crusting
- 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.
- Postinflammatory pigmentation – occurs more commonly in patients with a history of melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (more common in patients of darker skin types)
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. Fractional laser treatment is used for the treatment of: Facial lines and wrinkles (rhytides), Sun damage, Skin pigmentation associated with photoaging, Surgical and acne scarring.
Fractional laser treatment has bridged the gap between the ablative and non-ablative laser techniques used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. Whilst ablative laser treatments work mainly on the epidermis (surface skin cells) and non-ablative treatments work solely on dermal collagen (mid-layer of skin) only, fractional laser treatment works at both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.
the following is the outline for fractional laser treatment-
Pre-treatment assessment/preparation
- Define problem areas and tailor a treatment pattern to target the areas for correction.
- Take pre-treatment photographs.
- Pre-treatment with bleaching cream (eg hydroquinone).
- Patient needs to remove all jewellery and makeup. Wash face with soap and water prior to treatment.
- An anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area. It takes about 45-60 minutes for the anaesthetic to take full effect.
- The anaesthetic cream is removed and a gliding gel is then applied to the treatment area, which helps the laser to lay down an even MTZ spot pattern.
Application of fractional laser
- The gliding gel acts as the contact lubricant for the robotic hand piece that glides across the skins surface.
- Treatment time will depend on the areas being treated, but a full face will take around 30 minutes.
- A cooling device, called a Zimmer™ machine, is used to reduce the discomfort during the procedure.
Post-treatment and recovery
- The gliding gel is washed off after the treatment.
- Patients may experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after the procedure.
- Swelling is usually minimal and should resolve in 2–3 days.
- The skin will have a pinkish tone for 3–5 days.
- Within 24 hours new epidermal skin develops and the skin will have a bronze appearance that can last between 3-14 days. Flaking of the skin may also occur as new skin replaces dead skin tissue. This can be treated with a moisturising cream.
- During the healing phase and for several months after treatment, it is recommended that the treatment area be protected using a moisturising sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50+. Protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats should also be used to protect the skin from sun exposure.