Fractional Laser
A laser modality that delivers energy in a grid of microscopic treatment zones, leaving surrounding tissue intact to accelerate healing.
Full Definition
Fractional laser technology, pioneered as fractional photothermolysis, treats a fraction of the skin surface by creating columns of thermal injury (microthermal treatment zones, or MTZs) while sparing intervening tissue. This architecture permits faster recovery than full-field ablative treatment while still stimulating collagen remodelling. Fractional lasers may be ablative (e.g., fractional CO₂, fractional Er:YAG) or non-ablative (e.g., 1550 nm erbium-doped fibre laser). Editors must specify which subtype is referenced and avoid using 'fractional laser' as if it denotes a single device or wavelength.
Usage
Usage note: Always clarify whether ablative or non-ablative. Avoid using 'Fraxel' as a generic descriptor; it is a registered brand name.
In Context
- "The clinic's protocol recommended a fractional laser series of four sessions spaced four weeks apart for atrophic acne scar revision." — Treatment protocol document
- "The author wrote 'Fraxel' generically; the editor replaced it with 'fractional laser' to avoid a proprietary brand reference." — Manuscript editing note