What is fractional laser?

A fractional laser treatment is an intensive laser treatment for skin rejuvenation and improvement. This treatment is also used to treat and reduce (medical) scars. The skin is treated with fractional laser beams, which create tiny holes in the skin through intense heat.

The laser beams target the water present in the skin cells in a highly controlled manner, causing evaporation. The healthy skin then heals the tiny holes with new skin cells. The skin's regenerative capacity stimulates collagen production, giving the skin a natural lift, so to speak.

Your skin will feel firmer, tighter, and smoother two to three weeks after the treatment. The treatment also visibly reduces skin imperfections, such as wrinkles and scars.

Who is fractional laser for?

Fractional laser treatment can be used for various purposes and is therefore not age-specific. However, we always require a minimum age of 18. In practice, this treatment is most commonly performed on skin aged 30+.

A fractional laser treatment is extremely suitable for:

• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in the skin
• Reduction of large pores and irregular skin texture
• Recovery from sun-related skin damage Reduction of scar formation (e.g. acne scars)
• Prevention against skin aging
• Skin tightening
• Acne and acne scars

Fractional laser can be used for the following indications:

1. Skin rejuvenation : Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth.
2. Acne Scars : Reduction of the appearance of scars caused by acne.
3. Surgical and Traumatic Scars : Improving the appearance of scars caused by surgery or accidents.
4. Stretch Marks : Reduction of stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight changes or growth spurts.
5. Sun Damage : Treatment of skin damage from prolonged sun exposure, such as sun spots and uneven skin tone.
6. Skin tightening : Improves skin elasticity and firms sagging skin.
7. Pigmentation problems : Treatment of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and melasma.
8. Enlarged Pores : Reduction of the size of enlarged pores and improvement of skin texture.

You cannot undergo the treatment if you have the following indications and/or characteristics:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Epilepsy
• Acute active infections (herpes simplex/cold sores) in the treated area
• Medication (antibiotics, prednisone, penicillin, isotretinoin/roacuttane/vitamin A cream and St. John's wort)
• Fever
• Presence of a pacemaker
• Eczema and Psoriasis
• Scleroderma
• Tendency to keloid scars
• Raised lesions in the treated area (moles)
• Tattoos in the treatment area
• Sunburned skin or tanned skin
• Recent chemical peel/dermapen treatment in the treatment area
• skin cancer, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in the past 5 years.

Always wait two weeks before scheduling a treatment after stopping certain medications. If you have any doubts about whether a particular medication could affect your treatment, please always contact us.

Aftercare laser treatment

After a fractional laser treatment, your skin will need a few days to recover. Immediately after the treatment, your skin may feel sensitive, slightly swollen, and tight. The heat from the laser causes redness that can last for several days. You should also expect some scabs and flakes on your skin. These symptoms are normal and a sign that your skin is healing, after which the results of the treatment will be clearly visible! On average, recovery after the treatment takes five to six days. The fractional laser treatment stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin. This process can continue for up to three months after the treatment, after which the final result of the treatment will truly be visible.

Aftercare

• Because your skin is extra sensitive after the treatment, you should protect your skin extra well against the sun (protection factor SPF 50).
• Do not shower for 24 hours because of the steam and heat.
• Do not exercise, swim or use a sauna for 48 hours.
• Do not use acids for a week.

Laser treatment reimbursements

At Clinique Elixir, we employ exclusively HBO-certified skin therapists who are members of the Dutch Association of Skin Therapists (NVH) and the Quality Register for Paramedics (KP). Fractional laser treatment for scars may be covered by your supplementary insurance. Ask your skin therapist about the options.

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