Should you use Fractional Lasers? | Dr Davin Lim

What is Fraxel laser? Fraxel laser improves skin quality including sun damage, age spots, & non-melasma pigmentation. This gentle laser resurfaces the upper layers of skin to reveal new, rejuvenated & blemish free youthful skin. Is it any good for melasma? No, Fraxel is a dismal laser for melasma, but an awesome laser for other forms of pigmentation. The ideal melasma laser targets pigment & produces very little heat. Fraxel targets water & produces too much heat. Pico lasers like Picosure Pro or Picoway are better for melasma pigmentation. What is it really good for? Fraxel laser’s optimal application window is for sun damage, age spots, & freckles in lighter skin types. It can treat pigmentation in darker skin patients, however pico lasers are much better at this role. What results can I expect from the Fraxel laser? Though marketed as a melasma treatment, this laser produces disappointing results in comparison to new pico lasers. Clear & Brilliant can give moderate results in some patients after a series of 5 sessions, spaced 3-6 weeks apart. We use Fraxel to treat non-melasma pigmentation. In this context, results are awesome. How does it work? Fractional laser can treat melasma via three mechanisms- Exfoliation of the skin: this is the main mode of action as fractional lasers provide a transit of pigment. This improves the appearance of dull skin & melasma. Increased absorption of skin care actives: by breaching the skin’s surface, it allows for more efficient pass