Aesthetic Dermatology

Fractionation: Past, Present, Future

The theory implied that bulk heating of the dermis without destruction of the epidermis may cause enough protein denaturation to stimulate collagen remodeling and synthesis.


 

Nazanin Saedi, MD, H. Ray Jalian, MD, Anthony Petelin, MD, and Christopher Zachary, MBBS, FRCP

The development of fractional photothermolysis is a milestone in the history of laser technology and cutaneous resurfacing. Based on the concept that skin is treated in a fractional manner, where narrow cylinders of tissue are thermally heated and normal adjacent skin is left unaffected, the fractional devices have shown effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Since its development, we are becoming more adept at using optimal parameters to induce near carbon dioxide laser benefits with a much more comfortable postoperative period and fewer complications. The future remains bright for fractionated laser devices and with new devices and wavelengths, the applications of this technology continue to grow.

*For a PDF of the full article, click on the link to the left of this introduction.

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