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.

Shannon O’Brien, Medical Esthetician

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.

Before & After Gallery

Fractional Laser Before and After Philadelphia
Before
Fractional Laser Before and After Philadelphia
After

*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.
  • 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

Fractional Skin Resurfacing is also designed to treat surgical and acne scars on any area of the body, including the face.

Fractional Skin Resurfacing is designed to treat stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight gain and body changes due to puberty.

Fractional Skin Resurfacing can be safely used on most skin types. During your consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on a variety of factors.

You can expect to see an improved appearance of your skin tone and texture over the first 6 weeks after your treatment.

This is dependent on the size of the area and the condition being treated, however, most sessions take no longer than 30 minutes.

Most people feel mild discomfort during the treatment but speak to your provider regarding pain management options.

Depending on the condition being treated 1-3 treatment sessions are recommended for skin renewal and 3-5+ sessions are recommended for stretch marks and scars.

Treatment sessions should be scheduled 3-6 weeks apart.

Treatment costs vary depending on the size of the area and condition being treated.

Pulses of fractional laser light are used to break down old and damaged tissue, triggering your body to create new tissue at the area being treated. This new tissue will provide healthier skin that’s more even in both color and texture.

Typically, you can resume regular daily activities the same day as your treatment. If a more aggressive treatment if performed you may require a couple days of healing.

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. We will discuss any other possible side effects during your consultation.

Schedule a consultation today

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. 


Portrait of Dr. Claytor smiling

Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on May 22, 2024