“What is fractional laser treatment?”
“I want to improve scars and acne scars on my face.”
Are you dealing with concerns like these?
Fractional laser treatment harnesses the body’s natural healing ability to help rejuvenate the skin’s surface. It may help smooth out uneven skin texture caused by scars and acne scars.
On this page, we explain in detail the features, types, and potential effects of fractional laser treatment.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan suited to each individual patient and provide care focused on results.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Fractional Laser Treatment?
- 1.1 Differences Between the Two Types of Fractional Laser
- 1.2 Ablative “Fractional CO2 Laser”
- 2 Three Skin Care Benefits That May Be Expected from Fractional Laser Treatment
- 2.1 ① Improvement of Scars and Acne Scars (Craters)
- 2.2 ② Improvement of Skin Texture Such as Enlarged Pores and Blackheads
- 2.3 ③ Improvement of Wrinkles and Sagging
- 3 Are There Risks of Complications or Side Effects? Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation May Occur
- 4 Who May Be a Good Candidate for Fractional Laser Treatment
- 5 Fractional Laser Pricing
- 6 What Is the Fractional Laser Treatment Process? Post-Treatment Progress
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Fractional Laser Treatment
- 7.1 Q1. How long does the downtime last?
- 7.2 Q2. How many sessions are needed and at what intervals?
- 7.3 Q3. Can I wear makeup immediately after treatment?
- 7.4 Q4. Is home care necessary after treatment?
- Q5. Q5. How is it different from Dermapen Microneedling?
- 8 For Fractional Laser Treatment, Visit IC Clinic
What Is Fractional Laser Treatment?
Fractional laser treatment is a medical laser therapy that utilizes the body’s natural healing ability to help improve skin quality.
Extremely fine micro-laser beams are directed at the skin, delivering thermal energy to the deeper layers of the skin.
The damaged skin undergoes cell division to repair itself, which may promote collagen remodeling and proliferation, contributing to skin rejuvenation.
Differences Between the Two Types of Fractional Laser
Fractional laser devices come in two types: “ablative” and “non-ablative.”
The differences between each type are as follows.
| Ablative Type | Non-Ablative Type | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Approach | Creates controlled damage to the skin surface | Stimulates the skin with lower-energy laser |
| Downtime | Longer (crusting and redness are more likely) |
Shorter (daily activities are generally manageable after treatment) |
| Expected Benefits | Improvement of scars and acne scars | Skin tightening Reduction of fine lines |
| Number of Sessions | Fewer sessions | Somewhat more sessions |
Compared to the non-ablative type, the ablative type uses higher energy output, and is characterized by its potential to improve uneven skin texture caused by scars and acne scars.
While downtime tends to be longer, results may be achievable in fewer sessions.
Ablative “Fractional CO2 Laser”
The ablative fractional laser is a medical laser device used for cases where the skin surface has uneven texture, such as scars or acne scars.
Although downtime tends to be relatively long, it may also be effective for more severe scars and acne scarring.
Our clinic offers the ablative fractional laser treatment known as the “Fractional CO2 Laser.”
The Fractional CO2 Laser is a laser device that promotes skin quality improvement by utilizing the skin’s own regenerative functions. It creates countless tiny perforations of approximately 0.12 mm in diameter on the skin surface, then harnesses the skin’s natural healing response to fill those openings.
In the treated area, skin tissue is regenerated and the old epidermis is replaced with new skin, helping to improve skin firmness and texture. The Fractional CO2 Laser may be a suitable option for those concerned about uneven skin texture.
However, because downtime can be considerable, it is generally advisable to treat smaller areas in multiple sessions rather than covering a large area all at once.
Three Skin Care Benefits That May Be Expected from Fractional Laser Treatment
There are three main skin care benefits that may be expected from fractional laser treatment:
- Improvement of scars and acne scars (craters)
- Improvement of skin texture such as enlarged pores and blackheads
- Improvement of wrinkles and sagging
The potential benefits vary depending on the fractional laser device used, so the appropriate device is selected based on each individual’s condition in pursuit of healthier-looking skin.
Below, we take a closer look at each of these benefits.
① Improvement of Scars and Acne Scars (Craters)
This treatment may help improve so-called “cratering” — the uneven texture left behind by wounds or acne.
For more severe scarring or acne scars, ablative fractional laser treatment using carbon dioxide (CO2) is generally used.
Because downtime tends to be longer, treatment is typically divided into multiple sessions targeting specific areas.
② Improvement of Skin Texture Such as Enlarged Pores and Blackheads
Fractional laser treatment may also help improve skin texture concerns such as enlarged pores and blackheads.
By removing sebum and dead skin cells accumulated in the pores and helping to tighten them, the treatment aims to make pores less noticeable.
③ Improvement of Wrinkles and Sagging
By stimulating new skin regeneration, fractional laser treatment may help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
The damaged skin undergoes cell division to repair itself, promoting collagen remodeling, which means improvements in skin elasticity and firmness may also be expected.
Are There Risks of Complications or Side Effects? Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation May Occur
The following side effects may be associated with fractional laser treatment:
- Pain
- Redness
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Temporary increase in acne breakouts
Depending on the treatment, pain or redness may occur after the procedure and can persist for several days.
In rare cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may develop. This typically fades gradually over time, and pigmentation is not expected to be permanent.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for Fractional Laser Treatment
Fractional laser treatment may be worth considering for those who identify with any of the following:
- Concerned about acne or acne scars
- Bothered by uneven skin texture caused by scars or acne scars
- Hoping to improve fine lines or skin sagging
- Have enlarged pores or blackheads
Fractional laser treatment is a type of skin care treatment that addresses a range of skin concerns.
Since it can support skin rejuvenation, those looking to achieve smoother, more refined skin may wish to consider fractional laser treatment.
Fractional Laser Pricing
Pricing for fractional laser treatment at our clinic varies depending on the treatment area and number of sessions.
Please refer to the relevant pricing tables below for details, organized by concern:
- Pricing for skin roughness
- Pricing for aging skin concerns
- Pricing for pigmented spots, freckles, and melasma
What Is the Fractional Laser Treatment Process? Post-Treatment Progress
Fractional laser treatment is carried out in the following steps:
- Consultation
We begin by listening to your concerns before treatment. Please feel free to share your goals, such as improving acne scars or reducing enlarged pores. - Treatment
An anesthetic cream is applied before the procedure. After approximately 20–60 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect, the fractional laser is applied. The treatment itself typically takes around 5–15 minutes. - Aftercare
Following treatment, a cooling process is applied to the treated area as part of aftercare. Cooling helps reduce the duration and intensity of downtime.
After treatment, redness and a stinging sensation may occur. Crusting may develop within a few days, but it will naturally peel off over time — please avoid picking or forcing it off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fractional Laser Treatment
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about fractional laser treatment.
Q1. How long does the downtime last?
Downtime typically lasts around one week.
Redness and a sensation of warmth may occur immediately after the procedure, with redness generally settling after about 3–4 days, during which some dead skin may peel off.
Around one week after treatment, you may notice some skin roughness, but the skin gradually becomes smoother over time.
The duration and symptoms of downtime can vary significantly depending on the treatment content, so please treat the above as a general reference only.
Q2. How many sessions are needed and at what intervals?
As a general guide, approximately 3–5 sessions are recommended, with intervals of 1–2 months between each.
The number and frequency of sessions may vary depending on skin type and the nature of treatment, so individual differences do apply.
We discuss the approximate recommended frequency with each patient individually, so please feel free to contact our clinic for more information.
Q3. Can I wear makeup immediately after treatment?
For the ablative Fractional CO2 Laser, makeup can typically be resumed from the following day at the earliest.
Q4. Is home care necessary after treatment?
Home care after treatment is recommended, as it can help reduce the burden of downtime.
It is important to keep the treated area moisturized with a low-irritant moisturizer and to be gentle when applying makeup or cleansing.
Please be mindful that additional irritation to the treated area may cause inflammation or prolong the downtime period.
Q5. How is it different from Dermapen Microneedling?
Like fractional laser treatment, Dermapen Microneedling also stimulates collagen production and may help improve skin texture concerns such as scars and acne scars.
However, unlike fractional laser treatment, Dermapen works not through thermal energy but by creating micro-perforations in the skin using fine needles.
Our clinic also offers Dermapen Microneedling. For more details on the treatment and pricing, please visit the page below.
Dermapen Microneedling for Skin Improvement — When Do Results Appear? Features and Treatment Overview
For Fractional Laser Treatment, Visit IC Clinic
Fractional laser treatment is a therapy that harnesses the body’s natural healing ability to help improve skin quality.
By creating microscopic channels in the skin with micro-laser beams, cellular activity is stimulated and collagen remodeling is promoted, which may contribute to skin rejuvenation.
If you are concerned about uneven skin texture from scars or acne scars, we invite you to consult with IC Clinic. We will listen carefully to your concerns and goals, and work with you on a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan suited to each individual patient and provide care focused on results.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
