Fractional Laser
What Is It?
Fractional laser delivers energy to the skin not as a single sheet but in microscopic columns, leaving untouched islands of healthy tissue between them. Because healing starts from those islands, recovery is markedly shorter than with methods that resurface the whole area.
Its logic rests on controlled injury: as the skin repairs these micro-wounds it produces new collagen and the tissue reorganises. The effect therefore appears not on the day of treatment but over the following weeks. It is most often chosen for acne and other scars, sun and age spots, fine lines and stretch marks.
How Is It Done?
Treatment begins with skin analysis. Skin type, current tan, the presence of active acne and the type of scarring are assessed, and energy and density are set accordingly. In darker skin the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is higher, so settings are more conservative — this assessment cannot be skipped.
Topical anaesthetic cream is left on for 30-45 minutes beforehand. Heat and a stinging sensation are felt during treatment; a session averages 20-30 minutes, followed by cooling and repair care. The protocol is usually 3-4 sessions, one month apart. Season is part of the planning: in summer more care is taken because of sun exposure, so the calendar is often built around autumn and winter. The right timing for you is decided by your doctor according to your skin type and your relationship with the sun.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people seeking tissue renewal for acne scars, other scars, sun and age spots, fine lines or the appearance of stretch marks. Skin type and the season are the two factors that most determine both the result and its safety.
Active acne infection, an active cold sore, tanned skin and recent isotretinoin use all change the timing and the settings; in these situations the plan is rebuilt after medical assessment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, a history of keloid or excessive scarring, uncontrolled diabetes and photosensitising medication are assessed in the same way. Darker skin types can be treated; settings and aftercare simply require more care.
Process & Recovery
Skin analysis and seasonal planning
Skin type, tan, active acne and scar type are assessed and energy settings chosen accordingly. The session calendar is usually built around months of weak sun. Photographs are taken.
Session day
Topical anaesthetic cream is left on for 30-45 minutes. Heat and stinging are felt during treatment; the session takes 20-30 minutes, followed by cooling and repair care.
First 3 days
Redness, a sensation of heat and swelling occur — an appearance similar to sunburn is expected. Repair cream and high-factor sun protection are used without interruption during this period.
Days 4-7
Fine crusting and flaking begin, then shed on their own. The crusts must NOT be picked — picking raises the risk of scarring and pigmentation. The skin may look somewhat rough during this period.
Weeks 2-8 and between sessions
The collagen response comes into play and the tissue improves gradually. The next session is planned about a month later; final assessment is 2-3 months after the series ends.
Results & Duration
The effect appears over weeks rather than on the day of treatment. During the crusting phase the skin can temporarily look worse; the real improvement arrives with the collagen response over weeks 2-8 and accumulates with each session.
Final assessment is made 2-3 months after the 3-4 session series is complete, by photographic comparison. Results vary markedly with the type of scarring, the starting condition of the skin and age. Maintaining what is achieved depends on sun protection — without it, pigmentation returns.
What Is Not Promised
Fractional laser does not erase scars completely; the aim is to reduce their appearance, not eliminate them. For deep, pitted scars it may not be sufficient on its own and may need to be planned alongside other treatments. It does not gather lax skin and does not replace a face lift.
No particular percentage of improvement, session count or duration is guaranteed. In summer and on tanned skin the risk of pigmentation is higher, so timing and settings are planned accordingly; your doctor decides the right moment.
Key Benefits
- Deep renewal
- Reduced scar appearance
- Rapid healing
“With fractional laser, half the job is the device and half is the calendar. The same treatment gives a different result depending on the skin’s relationship with the sun — which is why we build the timing around the patient’s skin.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have it in the summer?
In summer more care is taken because sun exposure raises the risk of pigmentation, so the calendar is often built around autumn and winter. The right timing for you is decided by your doctor according to your skin type and sun exposure.
Is it painful?
Topical anaesthetic cream is left on for 30-45 minutes beforehand. Heat and stinging are felt during treatment; most people tolerate it well.
How many days of downtime?
Redness and swelling for the first 3 days, then fine crusting and flaking on days 4-7. Most people look normal again by the end of a week.
Can I peel the crusts off?
No. The crusts must shed on their own; picking raises the risk of scarring and lasting pigmentation.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually 3-4 sessions, one month apart. The exact number depends on the type of scarring and the response obtained.
Will my scars disappear completely?
The aim is to reduce their appearance, not erase them. Deep, pitted scars may need planning alongside other treatments.
When will I see the result?
The collagen response comes into play over weeks 2-8 and accumulates with each session. Final assessment is 2-3 months after the series ends.
Which situations need separate assessment?
Active acne infection, an active cold sore, tanned skin, recent isotretinoin use, pregnancy and breastfeeding, a history of keloid, uncontrolled diabetes and photosensitising medication all change the plan; each is discussed at examination.