Fractional laser resurfacing

Abstract

Fractional laser resurfacing is rapidly gaining momentum as the treatment of choice for facial and nonfacial skin resurfacing. Traditional ablative laser resurfacing, although effective, is losing popularity due to significant risks such as hypopigmentation, scarring and prolonged erythema and limitation in the treatment of lighter skin types. The basic concept behind fractional laser resurfacing is to employ nonablative and ablative devices with a fractional mode of delivery, leaving a percentage of skin untreated, allowing for more rapid re-epithelialization and recovery. Patient selection and treatment protocols are discussed.