Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are many common aesthetic concerns that bother us with age. Some of these include sun-damage, fine lines, stretch marks and even surgical or acne scars. These bothersome aesthetic conditions can be difficult to improve with other solutions but, with our Fractional Laser technology, we can improve your skin quickly and easily. In just a few short treatment sessions you will see results in both the tone and texture of your skin, leaving you with the skin you’ve been wanting.
How fractional skin resurfacing works
Fractional laser technology to deliver specialized pulses of energy into your skin and targeting your unwanted pigment, wrinkles, stretch marks or scars without causing harm to the surrounding skin and it has the added benefit of stimulating collagen remodeling. Once the energy is absorbed into the skin your body’s natural healing process will begin creating new, healthy skin in the area that was treated. Over the next few weeks you will see continued improvement in both the tone, texture, fine lines and tightness of your skin.
Shannon O’Brien, Medical Esthetician
Medical esthetician Shannon O’Brien has nearly 20 years of experience offering luxury medical spa services. Whether you need a relaxing facial or expert help with skin concerns like acne or wrinkles, she is here to help you achieve your best skin ever with treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser skin resurfacing.
What to expect on the day of treatment
Depending on the size of the area being treated, sessions typically take less than 30 minutes. First, you will be provided eye shields to protect yourself from the laser during treatment. The treatment will begin with the provider guiding the Fractional laser handpiece over the treatment area. During this, the laser will be delivering energy into your skin. Depending on the care option we select, you may feel nothing during treatment or mild discomfort. Post-treatment instructions will be provided to manage pain if necessary. You may also experience some redness and/or swelling a few days after at the treatment site but this typically resolves by the third day. Follow up treatment sessions should be scheduled 6 weeks apart if needed.
*Individual results may vary on a case-by-case basis
If you are a laser skin renewal patient, please be aware of the following:
- Remove all make-up and lotions at treatment site prior to the treatment.
- At least 4 weeks prior to your appointment, discontinue unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds and tanning creams on the areas receiving treatment.
- Post Treatment Instructions For Skin Renewal
- Immediately after the treatment, redness, swelling and/or brown debris at surface of the skin is common and typically lasts 2-24 hours but could last up to 3-5 days in some cases.
- Gentle cleansing and use of non-irritating cosmetics are permitted after treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure on the treated area and use a sunscreen SPF 45 or greater at all times throughout the course of treatment.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Skin texture improvement: Fractional laser skin resurfacing enhances skin texture and tone, reducing roughness and irregularities for a smoother appearance.
- Scar reduction: The treatment is effective in minimizing the visibility of scars, including those from acne, surgeries, or injuries.
- Wrinkle reduction: It stimulates collagen production, which helps in softening fine lines and wrinkles, providing a more youthful and refreshed look.
- Pigmentation correction: The procedure addresses hyperpigmentation issues, helping to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage.
- Minimal downtime: Fractional lasers target specific skin issues without damaging surrounding tissues, promoting quicker recovery and less downtime than traditional resurfacing lasers.
Ablative Laser: A type of laser that removes the outer layer of the skin to promote new skin growth and smooth wrinkles.
Non-Ablative Laser: Lasers that work underneath the skin without damaging the surface.
Collagen: A protein that provides structure to the skin, making it look firm and youthful.
Dermal Layer: The thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.
Epidermis: The outer layer of cells covering an organism, in particular.
Fraxel: A brand of fractional resurfacing devices.
Fractional Laser: Lasers that treat small columns of skin while leaving surrounding areas untouched, promoting faster healing.
Laser Resurfacing: A treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars.
Photorejuvenation: A skin treatment that uses lasers, intense pulsed light, or photodynamic therapy to treat skin conditions and remove effects of photoaging.
Photothermal: Referring to the effects produced by the combined action of light and heat.
Pigmentation: The coloring of a person’s skin.
Recovery Time: The amount of time needed for the skin to heal post-treatment.
Redness (erythema): A common side effect where the skin turns red due to irritation or injury.
Skin Tightening: The process of using devices to stimulate collagen production, thereby making the skin appear tighter and more youthful.
Wavelength: The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. Different wavelengths are effective for different skin treatments.
Dr. Claytor’s LaMiNa procedure: The go-to combo for anti-aging
Dr. Claytor has pioneered an innovative facial rejuvenation procedure called LaMiNa (Laser + Microneedling + Nanofat), also referred to as Biologics + CO2 Laser Skin Tightening (BLT) treatment. The technique combines the effects of CO2 laser treatment, microneedling, and nanofat application to significantly improve aesthetic outcomes without extending recovery times. LaMiNa is minimally invasive and significantly improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles while also tightening the skin. Learn more about LaMiNa here »
Frequently asked questions about fractional laser treatments
If you are interested in fractional resurfacing and would like to see if you are a candidate, call (610) 527-4833 to schedule your consultation. Our practice serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.
References »
Claytor RB, Sheck C, Jones I, Quigley R. LaMiNa: A Creative Synergistic Approach to Facial Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2023 Mar 27;5:ojad028. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojad028.
Kleidona IA, Karypidis D, Lowe N, Myers S, Ghanem A. Fractional radiofrequency in the treatment of skin aging: an evidence-based treatment protocol. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2020;22(1):9-25. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2019.1674448.
Kauvar AN. Fractional nonablative laser resurfacing: is there a skin tightening effect? Dermatologic Surgery. 2014 Dec;40 Suppl 12:S157-63. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000200.
Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Safari S, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Mansouri V, Heidari MH. Assessment of Laser Effects on Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2020 Spring;11(2):212-219. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2020.35. Epub 2020 Mar 15.
Mehta-Ambalal SR. Neocollagenesis and Neoelastinogenesis: From the Laboratory to the Clinic. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016 Jul-Sep;9(3):145-151. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.191645.
Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 24, 2024
