Get to know our Deep Fractional Laser for dented acne scars

Deep Fractional is an advanced, ablative skin-resurfacing treatment that uses microscopic, high-intensity laser beams to create tiny, deep columns of thermal injury in the skin, often penetrating up to 4mm.

By treating only a fraction of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, it triggers rapid healing, intense collagen production, and significant skin tightening, effectively treating deep wrinkles, scars, and sun damage with faster recovery than full-surface lasers. 

How Deep Fractional Laser Works: 

•  Instead of removing the entire top layer of skin, the laser emits thousands of tiny, targeted beams (about the width of a human hair) to create "micro-thermal treatment zones" (MTZs).
• The laser penetrates deep into the dermis, vaporizing old or damaged tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
• The heat causes existing collagen to contract, providing immediate tightening. Simultaneously, it triggers the production of new collagen and elastin, which improves skin texture, firmness, and tone over the following weeks and months.
•  Because surrounding tissue is left untouched, healing is faster than traditional ablative lasers, with skin typically exfoliating and renewing within five days, though deeper treatments may require longer. 

Common Use:

• Deep acne scars and surgical scars.
• Deep wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes.
• Severe sun damage and uneven pigmentation.
• Skin laxity (sagging) on the face, neck, and chest.

Deep fractional lasers (such as CO2 or Erbium: YAG) are often performed under local or topical anesthesia to manage discomfort, and results are permanent with proper skin care. 

A good candidate for deep fractional laser (such as CO2 or intense erbium) is typically an individual looking to treat moderate-to-severe skin issues without undergoing traditional surgery. It is best suited for those looking to address advanced signs of aging, deep scarring, or significant sun damage. 

Ideal Candidates

• Skin Concerns: Individuals with deep wrinkles, moderate-to-severe acne scars, surgical scars, significant sun damage, brown spots, or skin laxity around the jawline and neck.
• Age Group: Generally adults  with severe acne scarring.
• Skin Type: Most effective and safest for Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Type IV can be treated with modified settings.
• Health Status: Generally healthy individuals with realistic expectations, non-smokers, or those willing to quit before/after the procedure.
• Commitment: Candidates must be able to commit to a 1 week recovery time, which includes avoiding sun exposure and adhering to strict post-care instructions. 

Who Should Avoid or Consult a Doctor First

• Active Acne: People with active acne breakouts should avoid this treatment.
• Skin Conditions/Medication: Those with a history of keloid scars, or who have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past year.
• Darker Skin Tones: Individuals with very dark skin (Fitzpatrick types V-VI) have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Medical Issues: Those with weakened immune systems, connective tissue diseases, or those currently undergoing chemotherapy.
• Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive this treatment. 

Key Considerations
Deep fractional lasers are considered more invasive than non-ablative or lighter fractional lasers, leading to more dramatic results but requiring longer downtime. 

Deep fractional laser treatments, such as CO2 or Erbium, are generally considered moderately painful, often described as a hot, prickly, or stinging sensation akin to a severe sunburn. While not usually unbearable, the sensation is typically managed with strong topical numbing cream, local anesthesia, or sometimes sedation. 

Key details regarding pain during and after the procedure:

• During Procedure: You will likely feel heat and prickling,, with pain levels sometimes reaching 5 out of 10. The intensity depends on the depth of the treatment and individual tolerance.
• Post-Treatment: A burning or stinging sensation is common for up to 24 hours afterward.
• Pain Management: Numbing creams are applied for 30 minutes beforehand to minimize discomfort.
• Tips for Comfort: Using cold air devices during treatment and applying cold compresses afterward helps manage the heat.
• Duration: The sensation is temporary, and most patients find the results justify the temporary discomfort. 

The treatment is often described as a "moderate" pain experience, but it is, nonetheless, a significant procedure that causes a, ,temporary, ,hot sensation on the skin. 

Deep Fractional  is generally more effective than Microneedling for deep or severe dented acne scars, providing more significant, faster results. While Microneedling is better for mild to moderate scars, fractional lasers offer superior collagen stimulation and resurfacing, though they require longer downtime (5–7 days). 

Key Differences and Considerations:

• Efficacy for Deep Scars: Fractional CO2 lasers are considered more efficacious than microneedling for treating atrophic (dented) acne scars.
• Downtime & Recovery: Microneedling has minimal downtime (24-48 hours), whereas fractional CO2 lasers require 5-7 days for recovery.
• Skin Types & Risk: Microneedling has an excellent safety profile for all skin types. Fractional lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in darker skin tones.
• Sessions Required: Fractional CO2 may show significant results in 1-2 sessions, while microneedling often requires 3-6 sessions.
• Types of Scars: Fractional CO2 is particularly effective for rolling and boxcar scars. 

In summary, for deep, pitted scars, deep fractional laser (CO2) is generally better, while for mild, superficial texture issues, microneedling is a safer, less invasive alternative.