TL;DR:
- What is a fractional laser? A treatment using fractional photothermolysis to create controlled micro-damage, stimulating skin regeneration and rejuvenation.
- Uses: Reduces wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, acne scars, burns, surgical scars, warts, and sagging skin. Boosts collagen, elastin, and skin firmness.
- Preparation: Avoid sun, tanning, chemical peels, photosensitizing substances, and certain medications/herbs 2+ weeks prior.
- Procedure: Takes 30-60 minutes; involves cleaning, anesthetic cream, and laser application. Ablative lasers work deeper but need longer recovery. Non-ablative lasers heal faster.
- Cost: Starts at $400 (face) to $2,500 (face, neck, décolleté).
- Post-Treatment: Redness and swelling resolve in 3-5 days; skin renewal visible in 4 weeks. Full results in 3-5 sessions; effects last ~1 year.
- Contraindications: Pregnancy, cancer, unregulated diabetes, blood disorders, herpes, vitiligo, psoriasis.
- Benefits: Quick, minimally invasive, effective for skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, and scar reduction.
Any facial skin imperfections and signs of aging can be effectively reduced with aesthetic medicine treatments. One such treatment is fractional laser, which rejuvenates and regenerates the skin. That's why it is often chosen by people who want to improve the condition of their skin. So what does the procedure look like and what results can be achieved?
Fractional laser – what is it?
Fractional laser is a modern aesthetic medicine procedure that is based on fractional photothermolysis technology. How exactly does the laser work? " This question is asked by many patients, so we will briefly explain the principle of its operation. fractional co2 laser During the treatment, the laser emits wavelengths that allow them to be absorbed by photoacceptors, which are a component of skin tissue. Through the laser beam, the water in the skin is heated, and the emitted heat causes controlled micro-damage and breakage of the skin. In other words, the laser beam is absorbed by the water contained in the skin tissues. The question fractional laser – what is it can be answered briefly that it is a small device made of fiberglass that emits a laser beam that stimulates the skin to regenerate and rejuvenate it.
When is it advisable to use the treatment?
The C2 fractional laser is recommended for anyone who wants to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and stretch marks. The fractional laser has reviews that are positive not only in the fight against wrinkles, but also excels in dealing with acne scars, post-surgical scars and burns. The treatment is also recommended if you want to remove warts with laser or rejuvenate the appearance of not only the face, but also the hands. In addition, laser therapy for the face is indicated when:
- Patients prefer less invasive procedures that do not entail the need for prolonged convalescence, skin cuts or tissue grafts – fractional laser is the way to avoid them!
- we care about a strong anti-aging effect, increased production of collagen, elastin and growth factors in the skin, which independently begins to remodel and regenerate the area after the procedure.
- we provide extensive therapy for skin damage, pigmentation changes and connective tissue – laser therapy for face and body is one of the so-called first-line treatments for scars and other skin imperfections.
Fractional laser is much more effective than traditional lasers, with a reduced risk of side effects and shorter recovery of the skin after the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the visit, and it is not uncommon to use soothing masks or cooling compresses afterwards to get rid of discomfort. Fractional laser is one of the most widely used tools for many skin problems, and the results from treatments using it are satisfactory. So if you are struggling with hyperpigmentation, scars of various types, stretch marks, wrinkles, sagging skin or visible signs of aging, opt for fractional laser for your face or body!
How to prepare for a fractional laser treatment?
The results that the Fraxel CO2 laser will give depend not only on the doctor, but also on the patient's proper preparation for the procedure. It's a good idea to start thinking about it as early as a month before the procedure. First of all, it is better to avoid the sun and use creams with high SPF protection every day. We also do not recommend tanning beds or self-tanning cosmetics. During this time you also need to refrain from chemical peels and other laser therapies. Two weeks before the procedure, it is worth taking care to reduce the risk of possible bleeding. So we recommend putting off all cosmetics and supplements with vitamin E, St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, calendula, evening primrose oil, garlic, chamomile and ginseng. To make fractional laser safe, one must also not take photosensitizing drugs and herbs. These primarily include:
- St. John's wort,
- Angelica litvora,
- Amine greater,
- Garden lovage,
- Parsley,
- Celery,
- Bitter orange,
and medicines:
- Tetracyclines,
- Fluoroquinolones,
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, benzydamine),
- Cardiovascular drugs (diuretics, captopril and enalapril, calcium channel blockers),
- Antidiabetic drugs,
- Psychotropic drugs, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs,
- Retinoids,
- Antifungal drugs (e.g. voriconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and griseofulvin).
Cosmetics with acids and retinol should also not be used two weeks before fractional laser treatment. Patients who have treated their acne with retinoids, tretinoin or isotretinoin should wait a minimum of six months after completing therapy. If you follow these rules, CO2 fractional laser will be safe and give good results.
What does fractional laser treatment look like?
The first stage of the treatment is proper preparation of the skin. First of all, it is cleaned and stripped of any residual makeup. Next, the skin surface where the procedure will be carried out is disinfected and anesthetic cream is applied. This ensures that the patient does not experience pain and discomfort during the procedure. Once the properties of the anesthetic cream take effect, the treatment begins. The power of the emitted laser beam and the duration of a single pulse is individually selected according to the area of the skin and the lesions you want to reduce. The fractional laser accelerates the healing of wounds and scars. However, if you undergo the procedure to reduce wrinkles or remove hyperpigmentation a greater invasion of skin tissue is required, which in turn affects the longer recovery time after the procedure. The procedure itself is not one of the long ones and lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size of the skin area. It is also worth knowing that there are two types of lasers used during the procedure. The ablative laser is more powerful and works both on the surface and inside the skin. As a result, the effect is more visible, but the healing process is longer. The non-ablative laser, on the other hand, is weaker and damages the skin only internally. However, this makes the healing process after the procedure shorter.
Recommendations after the procedure
After fractional laser treatment, reddened skin and slight swelling are common. The use of any creams and sunburn relievers is recommended. Usually after 3 to 5 days the redness and swelling disappears. The skin then peels off slightly, after which it returns to its normal appearance. Therefore, it is assumed that the recovery time after the procedure is up to 7 days.
What results can be expected after the procedure?
Fractional laser and its effects are primarily the shallowing of wrinkles, skin regeneration and acceleration of the healing process of various wounds. In addition, fractional laser is excellent for reducing stubborn stretch marks and scars. After the procedure, the skin is visibly tightened and regains firmness and elasticity. The effects are visible after about 4 weeks, as collagen production is stimulated after this time. However, to fully enjoy the effects, the treatment should be repeated several times. Usually 3 to 5 treatments at an appropriate interval are sufficient. The full effects last up to a year after the procedure. After this time, it is advisable to undergo another series of fractional laser treatments.
Contraindications
The procedure, which is fractional laser, in Warsaw is offered by many aesthetic medicine clinics. However, it is advisable to use the professional and experienced ones, as there are some contraindications to the procedure. In order to rule them out, it is necessary to conduct a thorough interview with the patient before the procedure. The main contraindications of fractional laser treatment include pregnancy and lactation period, cancer, unregulated diabetes or herpes. In addition, the procedure should not be performed in people with blood clotting problems and vitiligo and psoriasis. In order for the procedure to be performed safely, 24 hours before the procedure, no alcohol should be consumed, at least 2 weeks before the procedure, the skin should not be exposed to excessive sunlight or artificial rays, and carotene and vitamin A, which affect skin tone, should not be used.
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative fractional laser?
Fractional laser in cosmetics comes in two types – ablative and non-ablative forms. The non-ablative laser works in the form of micro-damage to the inner layers of the skin, without damaging the outer layer. The skin heals much faster after treatment. The ablative laser, on the other hand, has a stronger effect, causing damage inside and on the surface of the skin. After treatment, its surface may peel off quite a bit, and the effect achieved is in the form of a visible refreshment.
Why use fractional laser?
Fractional laser offers great opportunities for doctors and patients. Therefore, it is worth using for many reasons. First of all, the procedure itself is quick and not very painful, and its effects can be seen just a few days after treatment. Those who undergo fractional laser therapy do not require prolonged convalescence, as in the case of more invasive surgical procedures. While the small wounds created during the procedure are healing, it is usually sufficient to oil the skin and avoid exposure to sunlight. Besides, when opting for fractional laser at the OT.CO Clinic, you don't have to worry about side effects. The procedure is performed by an experienced doctor who is certified and uses high-quality equipment. Patients' well-being, health and safety come first for us, so before qualifying for treatment, we always conduct a thorough medical history to exclude possible contraindications.
Conclusion
Fractional laser is a powerful tool for refreshing, restoring, and rejuvenating your skin. It reduces wrinkles, scars, and other imperfections while boosting collagen for lasting results. The treatment is quick, safe, and requires minimal downtime when performed by skilled professionals. By preparing properly and following aftercare guidelines, you set yourself up for the best outcome. Whether you’re battling aging signs or stubborn scars, fractional laser offers a proven, effective solution. Taking that step toward healthier, smoother skin can truly transform not just your appearance but your confidence as well.
