Nonablative Fractional Photothermolysis Laser Therapy
The benefits of typical nonablative laser skin rejuvenation are rarely dramatic but there is minimal down time and few side effects. Whereas classic ablative resurfacing (e.g. with a CO2 laser) often have dramatic results but there are at least two weeks of down time, risks of side effects. Fractional photothermolysis is the attempt to combine the benefits of these two approaches but avoid most of the side effects. Fractional photothermolysis works by producing microscopic zones of heat-induced injury surrounded by healthy tissue whereas classic ablative resurfacing creates contiguous lesions. The density of the microscopic zones plus number of passes and total number of treatment determine the treatment outcome. There is some debate whether fractional photothermolysis is indeed superior to older nonablative infrared lasers. Two pioneer brands of nonablative fractional laser is Fraxel and Starlux. Visit our “nonablative fractional laser treatment” part for more product information. Fractional laser treatment is now also available for ablative skin resurfacing using CO2 and Er:YAG fractional laser. The advantage of ablative fractional laser is less risk of side effect and recovery time due to the fractional hundreds of microscopic microbeams that do not injure the sorrounding tissues. Both Fraxel and Starlux brand have versions of ablative laser products. Visit our “ablative laser skin resurfacing” part for more product information.
Fractional laser is a technology in which thousands of microscopic laser columns – each just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle – treat a fraction of the skin at a time without affecting the surrounding tissue. These laser columns stimulate the production of younger, smoother, healthier skin to replace damaged tissue. Fractional laser can be ablative or nonablative. The ablative fractional laser systems will be presented in the ablative laser resurfacing part. Nonablative fractional laser uses infrared. The benefits of typical nonablative laser skin rejuvenation are rarely dramatic but there is minimal down time and few side effects. Whereas classic ablative resurfacing (e.g. with a CO2 laser) often have dramatic results but there are at least two weeks of down time, risks of side effects. Nonablative fractional photothermolysis is the attempt to combine the benefits of these two approaches but avoid most of the side effects. It works by producing microscopic zones of heat-induced injury surrounded by healthy tissue whereas classic ablative resurfacing creates contiguous lesions. The density of the microscopic zones plus number of passes and total number of treatment determine the treatment outcome.
Fraxel Family of Products is the pioneer of fractional photothemolysis laser treatment. The Fraxel family of products has three laser treatments, all delivering remarkable results with fast recovery by Solta Medical, Inc:
1. Fraxel re:fine™ treatment (nonablative)
2. Fraxel re:store™ treatment (nonablative)
3. Fraxel re:pair® treatment (ablative fractional CO2 laser) (visit our ablative laser resurfacing part for more information)
Nonablative Fractional Laser Systems on the Market
Product Name module/attachment specification indication downtime Notes
Fraxel by Solta Medical, Inc. Fraxel re:fine™: nonablative 1540 nm prevention and maintenance (The most gentle option) minor skin damage fine lines around the eyes, age spots/sunspots, pigment irregularities and uneven skin tone. Minimal. Most return to routine activities the very same day.
Fraxel Fraxel re:store™: nonablative 1540 nm mild to severe skin damage wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots/sunspots, melasma and Actinic Keratoses. Most return to regular activities within a day or two. the original and most popular treatment
StarLux by Palomar Medical Technology, Inc Lux1440 fractional laser Wavelength: 1440 nm; Medium: Nd:YAG; Class: IV; Spot Size: 15 mm (470 microbeams); Microbeam Density: 320 spots per cm2; Max. Repetition Rate: 2.5 pulses per sec; Max. Energy: 10 mJ/microbeam
Palomar’s quick-treatment Lux1440™ fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing handpiece features fractional microbeams that create hundreds of micro columns of coagulation, eliciting a rapid healing response. Fractional non-ablative technology aids comfort. The result is a fresher, cleaner skin appearance little to no downtime
StarLux Lux1540™ fractional laser Wavelength: 1540 nm | Medium: Er:Glass | Class: IV |
Spot Size: 10 mm and 15 mm | Max. Fluence: 70 mJ/microbeam
platform-based technology — the fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing device is a part of a complete aesthetic laser/light platform. The Lux1540 delivers an array of high-precision microbeams, creating deep, narrow columns of coagulation in the epidermis and dermis. A restorative, natural healing process is then initiated, accelerating the formation of healthy new tissue. little to no downtime this device is a key component to the TriLuxTM Process, a three-layered, minimal downtime treatment process for skin rejuvenation.
StarLux LuxDeepIR™ fractional Infrared Wavelength 850 – 1350 nm
Spot Size 12 mm x 28 mm
Max. Fluence 154 J/cm2
Skin Tightening through Soft Tissue Coagulation,The body's natural healing response generates new tissue, thereby reducing skin laxity and causing the skin to appear tighter. no downtime, platform: StarLux 500, extending up to 6mm into the dermis, patented cooling technology and integrated contact sensors
StarLux LuxIR™ Fractional Infrared Wavelength 850 - 1350nm
Spot Size 12 x 28mm
Max. Fluence 80 - 88 J/cm2
The LuxIR delivers infrared light into the dermis, creating islands of deep heating and inducing the body’s natural healing response. This allows for the generation of new tissue, thus reducing the appearance of skin laxity on areas such as the neck, abdomen, and legs. no downtime platform: StarLux 300, Advanced Contact Cooling™ technology, Contact sensor technology