Fractional laser resurfacing- dermatologist review

Fractional laser resurfacing devices deliver very narrow columns of heat into the skin whilst sparing the intervening skin between the pinpoint injuries. This enables skin to heal faster than with co2 or erbium lasers. Fractional laser can be sub classified into non-ablative and ablative. Non-ablative lasers leave the tissue intact, with an injury that is subsequently removed and repaired by the body. Fraxel, Pixel, Portrait, Picosure Focus and Fractora are some examples of non-ablative fractional lasers. On the other hand, Fractional ablative lasers, such as Erbium Yag and CO2 result in complete vaporization of the tissue collumns resulting in a microscopic “Swiss cheese” type appearance of holes within the skin. What is the difference between fully ablative lasers and fractional lasers? Unlike fully ablative lasers, fractional laser resurfacing, as the name suggests, only treats a fraction of the skin. The percentage of the skin’s surface treated can typically vary from 2% to 95%, depending on the device and number of passes. Depth of the column of laser injury can also be controlled by the operator. What is the science behind fractional laser resurfacing? In the context of laser resurfacing, skin contains two layers- the epidermis or outer layer, and the dermis or mid layer. The outer layer of skin produces pigment producing cells called melanocytes, and scale forming skin cells known as keratinocytes. Aging and sun damage gives rise to abnormal keratinocytes and uneven pigmentation derived from melanocytes. The dermis provides the scaffolding for skin and is largely made up of collagen, elastin and blood vessels. Traumatic, acne and burn scars may cause an abnormality of the ordered arrangement of collagen. Additionally sun damage can alter the consistency of the dermis, fragmenting collagen and elastin. Depending on the wavelength, fractional lasers can primarily target the outer layer of the skin, or the deeper layers. The amazing thing about fractional resurfacing is the fact that even though only a fraction of the skin has been treated – the appearances are those of an even improvement. When do I prefer to use fractional laser resurfacing? Fractional lasers can treat the following dermatological conditions- • Acne scars. Both non-ablative fractional lasers and ablative fractional lasers have been shown to be effective in acne scars, especially in the treatment of rolling, atrophic , and box car scars. Fractional lasers have significant advantages over fully ablative lasers especially in regards to decreasing downtime, and side effects such as post laser skin colour changes- frequently seen in fully ablative lasers. • Surgical, traumatic and burn scars • Skin rejuvenation • Sun damage and sun spots • Melasma (as a last resort in carefully selected cases) How long does it take to heal from fractional laser resurfacing? Healing times vary according to the wavelength, power, and percentage of skin treated. Ablative fractional lasers have the longer healing time compared to non-ablative lasers. As a guide, recovery from fractional laser resurfacing takes- For Non-ablative • 3-7 days for treatments on the face • 5-10 days for treatments on the neck, chest, or limbs For Ablative • 10 – 14 days face • 14 days or more for other areas. What types of lasers are used for fractional laser resurfacing? There are many brands of fractional lasers, however resurfacing can be broadly divided into ablative and non-ablative. Ablative fractional lasers penetrate the upper layers of your skin called the stratum corneum. These lasers include erbium and CO2. Non-ablative fractional lasers leave the upper layers of skin intact. Currently there are over a dozen different wavelengths that are in use in Australia. How many sessions of fractional laser resurfacing will I need? Unlike fully ablative laser resurfacing, fractional laser resurfacing will often require several treatment sessions for the best results. Depending on the skin condition and your skin type, you may require between 2-5 treatments spaced between 6-8 weeks apart for best outcomes. Lasers and Lifts http://www.lasersandlifts.com.au/ Realself reviews: http://www.realself.com/find/Australi... Google + for up to date info. Posted daily. https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/113939165970762864208/113939165970762864208/posts/p/pub Thanks for watching, and remember to subscribe! Dr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologist BRISBANE, Australia.

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