Fractional Skin Resurfacing
Fractional skin resurfacing using our ICON™ platform uses a matrix of minute laser (heat) columns to stimulate collagen production and promote the growth of new, healthier skin cells. The collagen produced improves surrounding skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. It’s a non-invasive procedure that we use to target four specific skin concerns: sun damage, scars, acne scar pockmarks, and stretch marks.
The term “fractional” refers to the targeting of small (fractions of) skin at one time. The ICON™ splits the laser beam into a matrix of thousands of evenly spread-out minuscule beams. Each laser beam column induces tissue coagulation, which signals for the body’s skin healing process to commence. The body replaces damaged cells and surrounding structures with new, healthy skin.
Fractional skin resurfacing, also known as fractional non-ablative (erbium) laser, is a proven tone and texture treatment that involves significantly less downtime, is far safer, and offers nearly comparable results to ablative laser treatments.
The light energy is delivered to the skin at a wavelength and depth that stimulates new collagen and elastin. The new collagen and elastin improves the skin’s appearance by replacing less healthy, damaged, older, and/or scar tissue, making it more youthful in appearance.
We use Cynosure’s ICON™ “fractional non-ablative 1540nm resurfacing erbium ICON™ laser”. It was the first system cleared by the FDA for the treatment of surgical and acne scars and for the treatment of stretch marks. The system’s microlens options allow for high-speed, quick treatment or deeper penetration to reach embedded scar tissue and stretch marks.
Treatable Conditions
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Stretch marks (striae) are commonly associated with pregnancy, weight gain or loss, swelling associated with significant injuries, and growth spurts during puberty. Fractional non-ablative resurfacing, by itself or in conjunction with other modalities, has been shown to soften and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
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Acne (acne vulgaris) is quite common, affecting up to 70% of people at some point in their lives. In some cases, it leads to permanent scarring. Once any active acne has been satisfactorily managed, we may be able to improve skin texture and tone and address acne scar tissue using ICON™’s fractional light laser.
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Fractional non-ablative resurfacing therapy smooths out unevenness and may reduce the intensity of scar colour and thickness. Additionally, it stimulates collagen production which can soften and replace scar tissue or lighten scar tissue tone and texture. Counterintuitively, the key to good treatment outcomes is starting soon after the stitches are removed while the healing processes are still active.
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ICON™’s fractional non-ablative light therapy stimulates the body’s general healing processes at and around the matrix of light points produced. At each spot, new tissue replaces sun damaged structures and reduces general skin laxity, improving or reducing the appearance of large pores. The effects are almost immediate the skin is stimulated into action and feels firmer and smoother, and the skin tone becomes more even.
FAQs
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For safety reasons, we ask that you avoid sun exposure during the fortnight prior to treatment and for at least two weeks after treatment.
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It is our preference that makeup application post-treatment be kept to a minimum. Cleansers required to remove makeup may be harsh on skin that is already irritated. Application of sunscreen immediately after the treatment, and consistently for the fortnight following, is mandatory.
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The ICON™ fractional non ablative laser creates a matrix of evenly spaced microscopic treatment zones in the skin, triggering a natural healing response to promote collagen production and skin tissue renewal. Tissue renewal improves skin elasticity and texture while reducing imperfections.
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Fractional skin resurfacing can address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities like pockmarks or enlarged pores. It may also help firm the skin by stimulating collagen production.
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ICON™ fractional skin resurfacing can be customised to suit different skin types and concerns. We will assess your skin condition and tailor the treatment parameters to suit your needs.
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The number of treatments required varies depending on the skin concerns being addressed, your skin condition, lifestyle, and desired results. Most patients benefit from one or more treatments spaced evenly throughout the year.
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Downtime is minimal compared to ablative laser treatments. Some patients experience redness (similar to sunburn), swelling, or mild peeling and dryness in the treated area following the procedure. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within three to five days. Smokers may experience more significant side effects and longer recovery times.
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All improvements are the result of your body’s natural healing processes, including collagen production and skin cell regeneration. Most patients notice improvements in skin texture and tone within a few weeks of treatment. Optimal results are generally seen a couple of months after the final session.
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As with all treatments, results fade gradually over time. To maintain improvements, ongoing, evenly spaced maintenance treatments are recommended. Protecting your skin from sun exposure and avoiding harmful habits (e.g. smoking), along with a good skincare routine, can help prolong your results.
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Treatment time depends on the size of the area being treated. Generally, sessions take around one hour. Numbing cream may be applied (if needed) 15–20 minutes before the procedure. After treatment, we apply calming peptides, sunscreen, and cooling. This enhances comfort, supports effectiveness, and helps reduce recovery time. The post-treatment process takes approximately an additional 30 minutes.
Pricing
Comparison of a woman's face before and 8 weeks after a Cynosure Smartskin+ treatment showing reduced wrinkles and improved skin appearance.
Close-up of skin around the eyes showing a before and after comparison of skin improvement, with smoother skin on the right side.
Close-up of a person's face showing a side-by-side comparison of skin wrinkles before and after a skin treatment, with the left side showing more wrinkles and the right side showing smoother skin.
Comparison of a person's skin before and after a cosmetic treatment, showing improved texture and reduced wrinkles on the right side.