Fractional photothermolysis

Abstract

Fractional Photothermolysis (FP) a novel treatment concept that utilizes focused laser beams to create a 3-dimensional pattern of microscopically small lesions within the skin. The lesions can be referred to as 'Microthermal Treatment Zones' (MTZs). Tissue in the MTZs is typically either thermally damaged in non-ablative FP (nFP), or physically removed (vaporized) in ablative FP (aFP). Due to the small size of the MTZs-generally in the sub-millimeter range-and the availability of surrounding unharmed tissue, such lesions can regenerate very quickly with relatively few side effects as compared to macroscopic lesions extending to similar depth. FP is widely adopted in dermatological laser surgery, where it is used primarily to treat fine and moderate rhytides, scars of various types, pigmentary disorders, and to repair photodamaged skin. Multiple treatments are generally performed to achieve the desired outcome. Despite significant progress in the field of FP in recent years, the search for optimal treatment parameters is still ongoing. A multitude of FP devices employing different wavelengths and exposure parameters have been developed and are currently used clinically. Nevertheless, there is still ample space for further developments of FP, including the discovery of novel indications, adjuvant treatment modalities to modify the wound healing response, and drug and cell delivery facilitated by aFP procedures.