Non-Ablative Fractional Laser

With numerous cosmetic lasers available today, it can be challenging to keep track of them all. While many lasers treat broken blood vessels and help decrease redness from skin conditions like rosacea, fractional laser therapy specifically targets facial wrinkles and uneven skin texture. These resurfacing lasers are generally categorized as either ablative or non-ablative. Fractional, non-ablative laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure designed to address various skin concerns. The term “fraction” describes the laser’s resurfacing method, which targets only specific areas of the skin at a time by creating tiny columns of damaged tissue. These damaged tissue columns promote healing and regeneration, resulting in increased collagen production and a more youthful, revitalized appearance. At Dr. Michele Green’s NYC private dermatology practice, she offers non-ablative lasers to help patients address signs of aging, sun damage, deeper wrinkles, and acne scars.

The Fraxel Dual laser and the Clear + Brilliant laser are two very popular treatments offered at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side Dermatology practice. The Fraxel laser uses non-ablative technology that creates tiny columns to penetrate deeply into the skin, targeting small areas of skin tissue at a time, leaving surrounding tissue unaffected. This fractional laser approach promotes a quicker, more efficient healing process. The controlled, targeted micro-injuries caused by Fraxel activate the skin’s natural healing response, leading to new collagen production, smoother skin texture, and a more even skin tone. While Fraxel is more powerful and suitable for deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, and scars, the Clear + Brilliant provides a gentler option for addressing early signs of aging, improving skin tone and texture, and preventing future damage.

Dr. Michele Green is a globally recognized, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience offering her patients worldwide premier non-invasive rejuvenation treatments, including fractional laser skin resurfacing. She employs advanced laser technology and innovative techniques, adopting a holistic approach and a less-is-more philosophy in cosmetic rejuvenation. Recognized regularly as one of NYC’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, The New York Times, and New York Magazine, she is celebrated for her dedication and expertise. When you visit Dr. Green at her private dermatology practice in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan designed to address your specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals, striving for clear, smooth, radiant, and healthy skin.

What is fractional laser resurfacing?

Fractional laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses focused laser light to remove damaged outer skin layers, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin. It diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections by activating the body’s natural healing process through controlled skin injury, which stimulates collagen production. Laser skin resurfacing is well-known for effectively treating various skin concerns: fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, uneven texture and tone, sun damage, skin tightening, and mild to moderate acne scars. Specifically, in fractional laser skin resurfacing, a device called a fractional laser emits precise microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of the skin, creating deep, narrow columns of tissue coagulation. The term “fractionated” refers to the laser’s method, which targets only a specific “fraction” or portion of the skin by producing tiny columns of damaged tissue. The coagulated tissue in these areas triggers a natural healing process, leading to the growth of healthy new tissue. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green often includes fractional laser skin resurfacing in her patients’ treatment plans to help them achieve clear, radiant, and healthy skin that lasts.

Ablative vs. Non-ablative lasers

Laser resurfacing treatments mainly fall into two categories: ablative and non-ablative. The term “ablative” refers to the removal or destruction of tissue by the laser’s energy. Ablative lasers remove the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, along with part of the underlying dermis, using a beam of energy to destroy the outer skin and heat the tissue beneath. This process promotes collagen production, which helps improve skin firmness and smoothness, ultimately reducing skin laxity and enhancing texture. Examples of ablative lasers include CO2 lasers, erbium YAG lasers, and combination systems.

Non-ablative lasers also encourage collagen growth and are less invasive, leading to a shorter recovery time. These lasers do not damage the outer skin layers; instead, they heat the deeper tissue to stimulate collagen production. This results in gradual improvements in fine lines, acne scars, and age spots. Because this method is less invasive, the downtime and recovery are much shorter compared to ablative treatments. At Dr. Green’s office, she has over 25 years of experience using laser treatments to help patients improve the appearance of sun spots, fine lines, and acne scars.

What does a non-ablative fractional laser do?

A non-ablative fractional laser enhances skin texture and tone by stimulating collagen production with minimal downtime. This process helps plump the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten pigmentation caused by sun damage and age spots. Additionally, it can improve the appearance of scars, including acne scars, by promoting collagen remodeling. The treatment may also help even out skin tone and improve overall skin texture. By tightening the skin, the laser can further reduce the size of pores.

How does a non-ablative fractional laser work?

A non-ablative fractional laser creates controlled thermal injury to the deeper skin layers without harming the outer epidermis. The laser functions by heating a fraction of the skin during each treatment (doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1329413). By inducing superficial microscopic injuries alongside deeper thermal damage, this laser enables the treatment area to heal naturally while stimulating your body’s collagen production. This process encourages the growth of new collagen and elastin, leading to gradual improvements in skin texture, firmness, and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike ablative lasers, which remove the outer skin layer, non-ablative lasers target below the surface, resulting in less pain, quicker healing, and minimal downtime.

Which lasers are non-ablative fractional lasers?

Non-ablative lasers do not physically damage the epidermal layer of the skin, but they create tiny injuries and heat the dermal layer to boost collagen and elastin production. Some non-ablative lasers available at Dr. Green’s office include Fraxel Dual, Alex-Trivantage, and Clear + Brilliant.

Fraxel Dual for fractional laser resurfacing

The Fraxel Dual laser is an FDA-approved fractional skin resurfacing device designed to treat various skin concerns, including acne scars, sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, enlarged pores, age spots, surgical scars, and other issues related to skin texture and tone. The controlled micro-injuries caused by Fraxel stimulate the body’s natural healing process, resulting in increased collagen production in the treated areas. After a series of treatments, many patients enjoy cosmetically significant benefits for years; however, most choose to undergo an annual treatment session to maintain optimal results. Patients appreciate that Fraxel provides natural-looking, long-lasting results with minimal downtime and few serious side effects.

Fraxel is an excellent type of laser option for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III who want to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun spots, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone or texture. Patients with darker skin types should avoid Fraxel, as it can cause hyperpigmentation and discoloration. The treatment should not be used for melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, since laser treatment can push pigment deeper into the skin, making it harder to treat in the future.

Fraxel laser 1550nm Erbium Laser:

One of the two laser beams in the Fraxel Dual laser, which features a 1550nm wavelength, uses Erbium technology to penetrate deeply into the dermal layers and stimulate new collagen production. This process can tighten and smooth the skin, enhancing the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Typically, three to five Fraxel laser sessions are needed for treating acne scars, scheduled about a month apart. There is minimal downtime, with some redness expected for 48 hours after treatment.

Fraxel’s 1927nm Thulium Laser:

The second beam in the Fraxel Dual laser operates at a wavelength of 1927nm. It’s a Thulium laser that can treat pigment-related issues, including brown spots, age spots, and sunspots. It is regarded as the gold standard for removing pigmentation and addressing sun damage. The Thulium laser delivers targeted heat energy to chromophores, or colored elements within skin cells, to eliminate pigmented spots. Depending on the severity of pigmentation and age spots, it usually requires two to three treatment sessions, spaced one month apart, to effectively reduce facial discoloration caused by sun damage. Mild redness is common for 48 hours after treatment, followed by three to seven days of slight peeling, during which the skin may feel rough, similar to sandpaper.

Is Fraxel ablative or non-ablative?

The Fraxel Dual laser is a non-ablative device that heats the deeper skin layers without damaging the surface, promoting collagen growth for skin renewal. It creates small, deep columns of treated tissue while leaving surrounding areas untouched, which allows for quicker healing compared to ablative lasers. The laser delivers fractional energy in tiny columns that precisely penetrate the inner skin layers without affecting the nearby tissue, hence the term “non-ablative fractional laser.” Additionally, the Fraxel Dual includes a Zimmer cooler, which blows cold air during treatment to help reduce discomfort. There is minimal downtime with Fraxel, and patients generally experience mild redness, similar to a sunburn, for about 48 hours after the procedure.

Clear + Brilliant non-ablative laser treatment

The Clear + Brilliant laser is manufactured by the same brand as Fraxel, Solta. Often referred to as the “Mini Fraxel”, this non-ablative laser can be used to address and prevent a range of skin concerns in patients of all skin types and tones. This laser, similar to Fraxel, triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing process and stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in firmer, more youthful, and clearer skin. The Clear + Brilliant laser creates thousands of controlled microscopic wounds in the skin, thereby increasing the skin’s permeability to active ingredients, such as vitamin C. The new Clear + Brilliant Perméa handpiece enables increased effectiveness in treating sun damage, pigmentation, and brown spots with minimal downtime. This laser can also be used on any skin tone and skin type. Using the Clear + Brilliant laser, Dr. Green can help patients achieve radiant, glowing, clear skin that leaves them looking and feeling like their best selves.

AlexTriVantage non-ablative laser for pigmentation:

The Candela AlexTriVantage is a non-ablative laser used for skin rejuvenation and tattoo removal. It specifically targets pigmentation by gently treating benign pigmented lesions such as sun spots, freckles, and birthmarks on various parts of the body. The AlexTriVantage uses a long-pulse 755nm, Q-switched Alexandrite laser, along with 1064nm and 532nm Q-switched Nd:YAG wavelengths, to target pigmentation and stimulate collagen production without damaging surrounding tissue. The light energy is absorbed by melanin-rich lesions and converted into heat, breaking down pigmentation in the treatment area and encouraging collagen and elastin production. This process promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells on the surface. The non-ablative laser helps create firmer skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with minimal downtime, suitable for all skin types, including darker and Asian skin tones.

What are the side effects of non-ablative fractional laser treatments?

Non-ablative fractional laser treatments like Fraxel are generally safe and have minimal side effects. Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and sometimes slight itching or burning sensations, which usually resolve within 48 hours after treatment. Using a daily moisturizer and sunscreen, such as the Recovery Cream from Dr. Green’s proprietary MGSKINLABs skincare line, can help reduce discomfort. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after treatment, as UV rays can damage the skin and increase the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation. Post-treatment, patients must wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to protect their skin and maintain treatment effectiveness. The Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 from MGSKINLABs combines zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid, shielding the skin from harmful UV rays while providing moisturizing benefits.

In rare cases, side effects of the Fraxel laser include scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. These uncommon side effects can happen due to incorrect laser settings during treatment or if the wrong laser is used for your specific skin type and tone. Typically, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and above are not ideal candidates for fractional lasers because the lasers can misinterpret the pigment in the skin, leading to negative effects. Additionally, Dr. Green does not advise Fraxel laser skin resurfacing for those with melasma, as it can worsen facial pigmentation. It is essential to have your Fraxel laser procedure performed by an expert, such as a board-certified dermatologist, to minimize the risk of complications. With over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green will select the right combination of fractional lasers and other treatments to help you achieve clear, radiant, and smooth skin that lasts.

Are non-ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments good for acne scars?

Yes! Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Acne scars are categorized into two types: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are indentations or depressions, while hypertrophic scars are raised and thickened. Atrophic scars form when the skin doesn’t produce enough collagen during healing, leading to tissue loss and a gap beneath the skin’s surface. Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing effectively stimulates collagen production in your skin, gradually improving the appearance of acne scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when the skin overproduces collagen, but they can also be improved with non-ablative laser treatment. These lasers promote collagen growth in the deeper layers of the skin, which may seem surprising since hypertrophic scars typically involve excess collagen. However, the stimulated collagen helps reshape scar tissue and enhances its appearance over time. Additionally, non-ablative lasers can help flatten raised scars and improve overall skin texture and tone. They are generally most effective for mild to moderate hypertrophic scars. More severe acne scars might require a combination of non-ablative lasers and dermal fillers for optimal results. It is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to select the most suitable treatment for your specific skin type and needs.

Does non-ablative laser resurfacing work better than ablative laser resurfacing?

While neither of these lasers is inherently better than the other, the best choice for patients depends on their specific skin concerns. Ablative lasers are more aggressive and cause physical damage to the epidermis to treat deep wrinkles, scars, and photoaging. Because this treatment is more invasive, it requires a longer recovery time and is best suited for those who can afford a recovery period. Non-ablative lasers target fine lines, milder wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and mild sun damage. This treatment also stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, increasing collagen and elastin production. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is less invasive than ablative procedures, resulting in minimal downtime. To determine the best option for you, it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to address your skin concerns and achieve your aesthetic goals effectively.

Is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) a fractional laser?

Intense Pulsed Light (Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, also known as photo rejuvenation or flashlamp therapy, is a specialized cosmetic skin rejuvenation treatment. IPL is not a laser because it does not use a single wavelength of light; instead, it uses multiple wavelengths to deliver a brief flash of light to the treatment area. Since IPL emits more than one wavelength, it can remove unwanted hair and treat visible damage caused by sun exposure, often called photoaging. Signs of photoaging include fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, skin laxity, uneven skin tone and texture, and broken blood vessels. Usually, an initial series of IPL treatments is needed for the best cosmetic results. Afterward, patients often have regular maintenance sessions to keep their improvements. With minimal downtime and side effects, IPL is an excellent choice for people wanting clear, radiant skin.

Is non-ablative Fraxel worth it?

Yes! Thanks to its minimal downtime, few potential side effects, ease of use, and consistently impressive rejuvenation results, Fraxel is a very popular treatment worldwide. Dr. Green treats some of the world’s most discerning clients with Fraxel laser therapy to renew the skin and reduce signs of aging. Fraxel effectively addresses various skin issues, including sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, and sunspots. Committing to a short series of treatments, each spaced about four weeks apart, produces remarkable rejuvenation results. Fraxel replaces aging, damaged skin with new, healthy skin cells, leading to a more youthful and radiant look that lasts. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Does non-ablative fractionated laser work?

Yes, non-ablative lasers are an excellent choice for enhancing your skin’s texture. These lasers work by heating the dermal layers to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, leading to smoother skin. Additionally, non-ablative lasers are a gentler option for treating skin lesions such as actinic keratosis, a precancerous growth caused by sun damage. If you have deep fine lines, extensive sun damage, or acne scars, it’s important to consult with Dr. Green to discuss which treatment options might be best for you.

Is a non-ablative laser safe?

Absolutely! Non-ablative laser treatments are safe, especially when performed by a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience, such as Dr. Green. This skin treatment is both safe and effective, with minimal downtime and side effects. Patients may experience temporary redness and a tingling sensation after the procedure, but these usually subside quickly. When choosing a laser treatment, it’s important to limit sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, like Dr. Green’s Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, when outdoors. Additionally, for any type of discoloration, such as hypopigmentation or melasma, consulting a board-certified dermatologist is crucial, as lasers can sometimes push pigment deeper into the skin and worsen discoloration. To achieve the best results from a non-ablative laser, it’s recommended to consult with Dr. Green to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this treatment.

How to get started with your non-ablative fractional laser treatment today

Non-ablative fractional laser treatments use heat energy on the deeper layers of the skin, especially the dermis, to boost collagen production. Each session targets a specific area, resulting in less downtime and a quicker recovery. To start your non-ablative fractional laser treatment—whether you’re looking to improve skin texture, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, sun damage, or pigmentation—you should first consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. At her private dermatology clinic in NYC’s Upper East Side, she has over 25 years of experience with the Fraxel Dual laser and the Clear + Brilliant laser, both non-ablative fractional options. During your consultation, Dr. Green will help you understand the best treatments for your skin type and concerns, and decide which procedures or combinations can help you reach your aesthetic goals. If you’re dealing with uneven skin texture and tone and want clear, radiant skin, Dr. Green is ready to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning clients with top non-invasive rejuvenation treatments. These include non-ablative fractional lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, and more. Dr. Green takes a holistic, “less-is-more” approach to facial rejuvenation, customizing each treatment plan to combine in-office cosmetic procedures with specially formulated skincare products tailored to her patients’ specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s leading dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times for her dedication to her patients and her expertise. To learn more about the rejuvenation benefits of Fraxel and to develop your personalized treatment plan to look and feel your best, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green today by contacting us online or calling 212-535-3088.