Fractional Ablative Laser
Fractional ablative laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment designed to improve the overall texture, tone and appearance of the skin. It uses a laser to create microscopic columns of controlled injury within the skin, while leaving surrounding areas of skin intact.
By treating only a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, fractional laser stimulates the skin’s natural healing response and encourages the production of new collagen and elastin. This can result in smoother, firmer and more even-looking skin over time.
What Can Fractional Ablative Laser Treat?
Fractional ablative laser can be used to improve a range of common skin concerns, including:
Acne and other types of scarring
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin texture
Enlarged pores
Sun damage and pigmentation
Uneven skin tone
Surgical or traumatic scars
Loss of firmness and collagen
It is particularly useful when the goal is to improve both skin texture and scarring, as the controlled resurfacing process encourages new collagen formation within the deeper layers of the skin.
Timeline
1. Consultation with Your Cosmetic Nurse
Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our cosmetic nurses. We’ll assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and talk you through the fractional ablative laser treatment, including what to expect, preparation and recovery.
2. Skin preparation
Before your first laser treatment, you’ll begin a 4-week skin preparation program. This helps prepare and strengthen your skin before treatment and ensures it is in the best possible condition for your laser journey.
3. Fractional Laser Treatments
Your fractional ablative laser treatments will typically be spaced 6 weeks apart. We generally recommend a course of 3 treatments, however, your nurse will assess your skin throughout your journey and tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs.
This spacing allows your skin time to heal and recover while the collagen-remodelling process continues between treatments.
4. Follow-Up
Following your third fractional ablative laser treatment, you’ll have a follow-up appointment 6–8 weeks later. Your nurse will assess your skin, review your progress and discuss the results you’ve achieved.
This is also an opportunity to discuss any further treatments or ongoing skincare recommendations based on your individual needs.
What Can I Expect After Treatment
Following fractional ablative laser, the skin will typically appear red and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. Swelling and sensitivity can also occur, particularly during the first few days.
As the skin heals, you may experience dryness, flaking or peeling. Your skin will gradually settle over the following days and weeks, while the deeper collagen-remodelling process continues for several months.
We provide a tailored pre- and post-treatment skincare pathway to help prepare your skin before treatment and support its recovery afterwards.
What Is the Difference Between Fractional and Full Ablative Laser?
With full ablative laser, the entire surface of the treatment area is treated. This can provide a more intensive resurfacing treatment but generally involves a longer recovery period.
Fractional ablative laser treats only a fraction of the skin at each treatment, leaving small areas of untreated skin between the treatment zones. This allows the skin to heal more efficiently and generally results in less downtime than full ablative resurfacing.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on your skin, concerns, desired results and tolerance for downtime. During your consultation, we will assess your skin and discuss which approach is most suitable for you.
How Does It Works?
The laser creates precise microscopic treatment zones in the skin. These controlled areas of injury trigger the skin’s natural repair process, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
As the skin heals, new tissue forms and the treated area gradually becomes smoother and more refined. Results develop progressively, with collagen remodelling continuing for several months following treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Your treatment journey will begin with 4 weeks of skin preparation to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition before your laser treatment.
We typically recommend a course of 3 fractional ablative laser treatments, with each treatment spaced approximately 6 weeks apart. This allows your skin adequate time to heal and for the collagen-remodelling process to take place between treatments.
Your nurse will assess your skin and individual concerns and tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. The number of treatments and treatment settings may be adjusted depending on your skin, concerns and desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most patients need 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
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Most describe it as a warm, prickling sensation. Numbing cream makes it very tolerable.
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Some improvement is visible after the first session, but full benefits build over several months.
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People with mild to moderate ageing changes, pigmentation, acne scars, or stretch marks who cannot take extended downtime.
