Fractional Laser — Face

A fractional laser resurfacing treatment for the full face, creating a grid of microscopic treatment zones surrounded by untreated tissue to accelerate healing. Targets fine lines, uneven skin tone, texture irregularities, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Fractional laser resurfacing at POWAB Clinic uses a fractionated beam that divides the laser output into thousands of microscopic treatment columns (microthermal zones), each penetrating to a controlled depth in the dermis. Between these columns, the surrounding tissue remains intact — creating a lattice of treated and untreated skin that dramatically accelerates the healing process compared to full-field ablative laser resurfacing. The untreated tissue bridges serve as reservoirs of healthy cells that migrate laterally to repopulate the treated zones, resulting in faster re-epithelialisation and reduced complication risk. The treatment works through controlled thermal injury. Each microthermal zone coagulates a narrow column of tissue from the epidermis through to the mid-dermis, triggering an intensive wound-repair response. Old, damaged collagen is replaced by fresh, well-organised collagen fibres over the following weeks and months. Melanin deposits and superficial pigmentation irregularities within the treated columns are expelled as the tissue remodels, producing a more even skin tone. Surface texture irregularities, including fine wrinkle lines and shallow acne scars, are gradually smoothed as the dermal architecture remodels. During the 45-minute session, the practitioner applies topical anaesthetic cream to the treatment area 20 to 30 minutes before the laser pass. The laser is then delivered in a systematic pattern across the face, with the practitioner adjusting energy density and penetration depth zone by zone — lower energy and shallower depth around the eyes and lips, higher energy across the cheeks and forehead. Patients report a sensation of heat and prickling during treatment, which is well-tolerated with topical anaesthesia. Post-treatment downtime is more significant than with non-ablative treatments. The skin will appear red, feel warm, and may develop a rough, bronzed texture over the first 3 to 5 days as the micro-columns of treated tissue are shed and replaced. Strict sun avoidance and SPF 50+ application are mandatory for at least 4 weeks. Results are progressive — texture improvement is visible within 2 weeks, with collagen remodelling continuing for 3 to 6 months. Most patients benefit from 2 to 3 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.