Fractional Laser

What is a fractional laser? Fractional (or fractionated) lasers resurface and rejuvenate skin to treat fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and textural issues. While a fully ablative laser removes the entire surface layer of skin in the treated area, fractional laser beams are broken up into smaller units, so they target between 25% and 40% of the skin’s surface, leaving the rest intact. The surrounding intact skin helps jump-start healing, stimulating the production of new collagen and the turnover of new cells. Because a majority of the skin is left undamaged, fractional lasers offer a quicker recovery, so patients can get back to work and other normal activities faster. Fraxel is the gold standard in the non-ablative category. “The original fractionated laser was Fraxel, and the first fractionated CO2 laser was ActiveFX,” explains Dr. Michael Persky, a plastic surgeon in Encino, California. “Fraxel Re:pair was the second fractionated laser. There are now more than 12 companies with fractionated CO2 lasers.” Other popular fractional lasers include ResurFX, SmartXide DOT, CO2RE Laser, Cortex, and DeepFX, a more powerful version of ActiveFX. Every fractional laser is different, so it’s important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in order to find the right laser treatment for your skin type and concerns.