What is FRACTIONAL LASER?
Fractional lasers were first developed in 2004 and are today used in skin renewal. Fractional lasers primarily create thermal injuries in the form of microscopic columns in damaged tissue. This controlled wound created is repaired with the help of various cytokines coming from the healthy surrounding tissue. Quick and regular scar healing therefore occurs. New collagen synthesis on the skin continues for 6 months after the application.
When are FRACTIONAL LASERS used?
- To remove acne scars,
- To remove scars developing after injury/trauma and surgery,
- For stretch marks (striae) treatment,
- To decrease wrinkles of the face-neck-décolletage and hands.
- To decrease spots in light-skinned people.
What are the lasers used in FRACTIONAL LASER applications?
Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. The type is chosen according to the effect we want on the skin. The 10600 nm CO2 laser and 2940 nm erbium lasers are mainly ablative on the skin. Devices with wavelengths of 1550 nm, 1440 nm and 1540 nm are nonablative systems.
How is a FRACTIONAL LASER application performed?
Local anesthetic creams are applied to the area about 30 minutes before the fractional laser application. Once the desired anesthesia is obtained, the application is usually conducted with cooling systems. Microscopic canals are opened in the skin during the application. However, there is an undamaged area around each microscopic canal. The cytokines necessary for wound healing come from the undamaged skin to the damaged area. Damaged tissue is repaired much more smoothly with the help of these cytokines. The repair process continues up to 6 months with the triggering of new collagen synthesis. A smoother and healthier skin is achieved in time.
About 20-25% of the involved skin is treated in each session. The application is repeated at an interval of 3-6 weeks according to the problem and the type of fractional laser used. The number of sessions varies between 3-6 based on the previous skin damage. A pronounced effect usually starts after the 2nd month and reaches the maximum level at 3-6 months. The application takes about 10-30 minutes depending on the size of the application area.
What are the important issues after FRACTIONAL LASER application?
The presence of erythema and a mild edema is normal after fractional laser application. Various creams and ice application are recommended to reduce edema and inflammation after the procedure. The redness that occurs with nonablative fractional lasers often regresses within a few days. The patient can use make-up the next day and continue with his/her daily life without interruption. Ablative fractional lasers cause redness on the skin in about 1 week. There may be pinhead-sized encrustations on the skin in this period. The patient can usually keep such encrustation under control by moisturizing the skin frequently. The person can also use a concealer in this period. Mild tanning may develop with the regression of the erythema, especially in dark-skinned people. This appearance lasts for about 2 weeks.
One of the most important issues after fractional laser application is protection from the sun. The application should not be conducted in summer months. Winter months are suitable. It is essential for the person to use sunscreen after the procedure.
When are FRACTIONAL LASERS not used?
- In pregnant or lactating women,
- Patients with skin infections.