What is a fractional laser, really?

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Hear the words “fractional laser” and immediately think of raw, peeling skin. That’s a myth! With advanced technologies these days, fractional laser treatments don’t necessarily have to result in significant downtime.

What is it exactly?
A fractional laser is a type of non-invasive laser treatment that divides the laser beam into microscopic laser beams that target a fraction of skin at a time. Think of it as a digital image being altered pixel by pixel.

What skin conditions does it treat?
Since fractional laser treatments work
at both the epidermal and dermal layers of your skin, it can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, namely:

  • Acne scars
  • Mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles
  • Skin pigmentation due to sun exposure, or aging

How does a fractional laser treatment work?
Fractional laser treatment targets both the epidermal and dermal layers of your skin. It delivers a laser beam that’s divided into many ‘fractional columns’ – known as microthermal treatment zones (MTZ).

Within each MTZ, old epidermal pigment cells are expelled and the body’s natural collagen production processes are stimulated. Collagen, being the skin’s support structure, will cause skin to plump up, in turn reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What should I expect during a treatment?
Prior to your laser treatment, Dr Kok will assess your skin condition to determine if a fractional laser is best suited for your skin type, or if other laser treatments might be more suitable for you.

Once you have been deemed as a suitable candidate for a fractional laser treatment, one of our experienced therapists will help you apply a numbing cream to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.

The treatment itself should take about 15-30 minutes. You might feel a prickly sensation, but most of our patients find this very tolerable.

After your treatment, follow Dr Kok’s post-treatment instructions closely. Most importantly, avoid exposure to direct sunlight for a few days after your treatment! And remember to apply sunblock consistently.

For more information on our fractional laser treatments, call us at +65 6738 4700, email us at enquire@lsaestheticclinic.com, or visit us at Wisma Atria, Orchard Road.

We provide honest advice, quality care, and affordable prices.