Used in the treatment of skin blemishes such as acne, surgical scarring, and traumatic scarring, fractional lasers can minimize the appearance of scars in just one to two treatments. Three of the most popular fractional lasers currently available are MiXto, TotalFX, and Fraxel. The price of the fractional laser technique depends on the type and size of area being treated.
How Do Fractional Lasers Work?
A non-invasive skin treatment, fractional lasers use a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones to target a fraction of the skin at a time. Because fractional lasers treat a pinpointed area at a time, healthy skin around the scar remains unaffected, making the treatment safer than other lasers. Treating scarring with a fractional laser thus allows for quicker healing when compared to older resurfacing laser techniques.
To minimize scarring, fractional lasers use numerous microscopic laser columns that target the deeper layers of the skin of the scar tissue. Penetrating deeply under the scar stimulates the healing processes in the skin. During the healing process, collagen replaces the scar tissue, minimizing the look and feel of the scarring.
Which Scars Do Fractional Lasers Treat
Fractional lasers can be used to treat many skin blemishes including acne scarring, surgical scarring, and traumatic scarring as well as sun spots, fine lines, and stretch marks. The scar removal technique is especially effective on scarring including surgical scarring, which is usually harder to minimize.
Using fractional lasers to treat scars is also possible on all skin types including the darker Asian, Indian, and African-American skin types. Darker skin requires the skill of an experienced laser surgeon. But fractional lasers can minimize scarring on the lightest to the darkest skins.
What to Expect
If you believe that fractional lasers can help minimize your scarring, first schedule an appointment with Dr. Buka for a consultation. If the procedure is right for you, treatment takes between 10 and 30 minutes after an initial cleansing of the area to be treated. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal. However, the area will be red for a few days to a full week after the fractional laser scar removal and will require the use of an ointment.
