Fractional laser treatment gets its name from the way it works. It is used for the treatment of skin problems, especially on the face like facial lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and scarring. It is interesting how the fractional laser treatment works. The laser beam is broken into thousands of columns known as microthermal treatment zones (MTZ’s) each of which work on a fraction of the skin at a time.
A basic understanding of the skin structure helps to understand how this treatment works. The skin has three layers – the epidermis (topmost layer), dermis (middle layer), and sub cutis (lower fatty layer). The epidermis has melanin and causes the skin color. The dermis has collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s texture like elasticity and strength. As we grow older, the epidermis becomes thinner and makes our blemishes more visible. The dermis also loses collagen with age and as a result we get laugh lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
Treats Only The Problem Point
Fractional laser treatment helps to rejuvenate both the epidermis and dermis to improve the skin. It removes old epidermal cells and leads to new collagen remodeling and production. It is especially advantageous, as it does not need to work on the entire surface under treatment. Instead, it can treat precisely the problem area and leave the surrounding healthy tissue untouched. As a result, the healing process is faster than if the entire surface that was exposed to laser is treated.
The time taken for fractional laser treatment depends on the areas being treated. For a full face, around 30 minutes is needed for the treatment. The patient may experience some pain, which can be eased with the help of an anesthetic cream.
After Effects And Follow Up Care
After the treatment, patients may experience a mild burning sensation for about an hour. Slight swelling might occur which goes in 2-3 days. The skin may have a pinkish tone for a few days. New skin starts forming within 24 hours. Sometimes, patients may experience flaking, which happens as dead skin is getting removed and new skin is being formed. A moisturizing cream can help to treat this. The patient must use a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ during and after the healing period for several months. Protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats should also be used to avoid the direct rays of the sun.
Depending on the energy level used, a patient generally needs a session once a month for four to five months consecutively to rectify the skin. After three to four months, healthy skin becomes visible.
Few Side Effects
Most patients react well to Fractional laser treatment. Normal activity can start even immediately or the next day itself. Even make-up or shaving can be done soon after treatment. Sometimes due to extensive treatments, patients may suffer from excessive scaling of skin and swelling which can be eased with icepacks.
Fractional laser treatment is a convenient method to rejuvenate problem skin and look younger.