Fractional laser: what it is and how it relates to HOF
Quick facts
- Definition
- A laser that acts on microcolumns of skin, leaving intact areas between them.
- Expected effect
- Stimulates skin renewal and collagen production, with downtime for recovery.
- Types
- Ablative, which removes a layer of skin, and non-ablative, which heats without removing.
- Caution
- Choose according to skin phototype and take care with pigmentation and sun protection.
Fractional laser treats the skin in thousands of tiny microscopic columns, leaving areas of intact skin between them. This pattern speeds healing, because the neighboring tissue helps recovery, and stimulates renewal of the epidermis and production of collagen in the dermis. It is commonly used for acne scars, texture and signs of skin aging.
What are the types?
| Type | How it works | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Ablative | Removes a layer of skin in columns | Longer, with crusting and redness |
| Non-ablative | Heats the dermis without removing it | Shorter, with mild redness |
Where does it meet HOF?
Many HOF patients also have concerns about skin texture and quality, which volume does not solve. This leads to combining techniques, in sequences defined by the professional. The interval between laser and filler deserves care, a subject covered in laser and ultrasound after filler.
Which precautions matter?
- Phototype: more pigmented skin has a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and the choice of device and settings must take the phototype into account.
- Sun: strict sun protection before and after.
- Infection: a history of cold sores may call for prevention, as in cold sores and filler.
- Medical history: isotretinoin use and abnormal scarring weigh on the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have fractional laser right after a filler?
The interval depends on the type of laser, the area and the product, and is set by the professional. See the page on laser and ultrasound after filler.