Question:
When it comes to laser skin resurfacing there seems to be a lot of talk about fractional resurfacing. What is this exactly and how effective is it?
Answer:
With fractional resurfacing, the laser beam is broken up over small areas and fractionated and, in doing so, it is less aggressive but at the same time can get a noticeable result depending upon the laser and the power that is used. The nice thing about fractional lasering is it can usually be done in our office setting without any anesthesia. In my office right now, we are using the Co2 Fraxel which I like better than the other old Fraxel because it has enough power to get a good result and can still be done without any anesthesia except for a topical cream that is placed on the skin. A fractional laser will get a nice result for minor wrinkling and for imperfections in the skin, but if you have very serious deep cut wrinkles, you are looking at a more aggressive laser like an Erbium laser that is usually done under anesthesia.
Posted by Richard Galitz, MD, FACS
