Fractional resurfacing is a laser skin treatment that
enhances the tone and texture of your skin, reducing the appearance of
wrinkles, discoloration, sun damage, and acne scars. A fractional laser heats
or ablates many tiny spots of skin while leaving spaces of untreated skin
in-between. This makes the treatment more tolerable and speeds up your healing
time. As you heal, new collagen and fresh skin is formed, creating a
rejuvenated and younger looking appearance.
How fractional resurfacing is performed
Fractional resurfacing is an outpatient procedure that
typically takes one to two hours.
Your dermatologist will numb your skin with a topical
anesthetic. The laser hand piece is then passed over your skin, and you’ll feel
a hot or moderately uncomfortable sensation. The laser treats a fraction of
your skin by heating or ablating many tiny spots, leaving minute spaces of
untreated skin in between.
Popular fractional resurfacing treatments include Fraxel,
Active FX, and ProFractional laser, which may heat or ablate your skin at
varying depths to achieve different levels of results. Your dermatologist can
help you choose the right laser for your skin.
Recovery and results
Your downtime can vary depending on the type of laser
that was used, but you can expect around a week of recovery time with
significant redness, peeling, and discomfort. Most people prefer to stay at
home during this time. Read More