Fractionated vs Non-Fractionated Lasers: Which is Better?
If you’re fortunate enough to have beautiful clear skin that’s free of wrinkles and pigmentation irregularities, then you won’t find this informative. However, if you’re like most of us, you’ve got one or more problems with your complexion that you’d like to take care of, as soon as possible. After all, beautiful skin looks good anywhere, anytime!
The convenience of obtaining a fabulous complexion is actually available to you. Aesthetic medical clinics preferably directed by a physician to ensure safety and efficacy, offer the power of nonsurgical options to help you get rid of the problems that plague your skin. The most popular skin-beautifying treatments available at our clinic, Skin Vitality, is based on laser technology. Today’s cosmetic lasers are specially designed to eliminate a number of skin problems, such as acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, photodamage caused by prolonged sun exposure, and overall dullness. All lasers work by gently damaging the skin at a precise level and boosting the production of collagen and elastin. It sounds weird, but by doing this, the skin initiates the healing process with elevated levels of collagen and elastin. This results in a smoother, more beautiful complexion after recovery is complete (usually within a few days to weeks).
Advanced laser technology falls into 2 categories: fractionated and non-fractionated.
What Does Fractionated Mean?
“Fractionated” refers to the way in which laser energy is delivered to the skin. When a laser is fractionated, it means that the device is emitting a laser beam that is actually comprised of several microscopic laser beams. If the laser is non-fractionated, it means that the laser is in fact just a single beam of intense light energy.
But what does that mean for your skin?
Well, in both cases, the skin you target with either laser will improve from exposure, typically over a series of sessions. However, fractionated lasers, such as Fraxel, tend to be gentler on the skin. This is because surrounding each microscopic laser beam is skin that is entirely unaffected. By only exposing a portion of your skin to the energy, your skin is able to heal at a faster rate, meaning less downtime. In addition, the incidence of negative side effects (such as redness and tenderness) tends to be lower in occurrence.
The pro of non-fractionated lasers is that it can usually achieve a more dramatic result in fewer sessions. However, the trade off is a longer recovery period after each session and typically more intense redness and hypersensitivity.
So, in the end, the choice is up to you. If you’ve got wrinkles and don’t want a long recovery period, you may choose a fractionated laser. However, if your wrinkles are serious and you want fewer sessions but more intensive recovery, then non-fractionated is probably the way to go. Either way, you should speak to a medical advisor to find out the best solution for you.