Fractional Laser Resurfacing — Full Face

Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for acne scarring, wrinkles, enlarged pores and skin texture irregularities. The fractional technology delivers the laser in a grid of thousands of microscopic channels, treating only a fraction of the skin surface in each pass while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This triggers deep collagen remodelling — the treated columns contract and new collagen fills in over 4–12 weeks — while the intact bridges accelerate healing compared to fully ablative resurfacing. At DermaClinique Písek, the full-face protocol covers the entire facial surface under MUDr. Jůzlová, Ph.D.'s supervision, with EMLA anaesthesia available for patient comfort.

Fractional laser technology was introduced to provide the significant anti-ageing and scar-treating benefits of ablative laser resurfacing (CO2, Er:YAG) while dramatically reducing recovery time and risk. By treating only a defined fraction of the skin surface — typically 15–40% of the total area per session — fractional devices leave untreated 'bridges' of intact tissue between the ablated columns. These intact zones contain keratinocytes and stem cells that accelerate re-epithelialisation of the treated channels, reducing healing time from weeks (as required after traditional ablative resurfacing) to typically 3–7 days. **How fractional resurfacing works:** The laser creates an array of microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) — tiny columns of thermal damage extending from the skin surface down to the mid-to-deep dermis. Within each MTZ, the laser ablates and coagulates tissue. The body responds with an acute wound healing cascade: 1. Inflammation and debris removal (days 1–3) 2. Proliferation: fibroblasts migrate into the treated channels and begin producing new collagen and elastin (days 3–28) 3. Remodelling: collagen matures, contracts and cross-links, producing visible tightening and textural improvement (weeks 4–12) **Clinical outcomes for full-face treatment:** - Acne scarring (rolling, boxcar, ice-pick types): fractional resurfacing produces measurable scar depth reduction and surface smoothing over a series of sessions - Wrinkles and fine lines: particularly effective for periorbital and perioral lines, forehead, and crow's feet - Skin laxity: collagen contraction during remodelling produces a visible skin tightening effect - Enlarged pores: pore walls contract post-treatment - Uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation: ablation of pigmented epidermal columns followed by fresh regenerated skin **Session experience:** EMLA topical anaesthetic is applied 30–45 minutes before the procedure for patient comfort. Once numb, the doctor makes systematic laser passes across the full face. Patients feel heat and a mild prickling sensation through the anaesthetic. The session takes approximately 60–80 minutes total including preparation. Immediately after, the skin looks significantly red — similar to moderate sunburn. Over the next 24–48 hours, fine crusting develops over the treated zones; this resolves by day 4–7 as the skin re-epithelialises. **Protocol:** Many patients achieve meaningful improvement from a single session, but acne scarring and deeper textural issues typically respond better to a series of 2–3 treatments spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Results continue to improve for 3–6 months after the final session as collagen matures. **Downtime:** Social downtime of 4–7 days should be expected — the skin will be visibly red and crusted during this period. Full sun avoidance for 4–6 weeks post-treatment and strict SPF 50 use when outdoors. **Contraindications:** Active herpes simplex (oral antiviral prophylaxis prescribed before treatment), isotretinoin use within 6–12 months, pregnancy, autoimmune skin conditions, Fitzpatrick types V–VI (requires lower-energy settings and physician assessment).