Ablative lasers are lasers that vaporise part of the skin in order to eliminate pigmentation or stimulate its synthesis.
There are two types:
The Erbium glass laser is not an ablative laser; its action is simply thermal.
Two treatment methods are used.
Continuous method: the entire surface is treated
Fractionated method: a percentage of the surface to be treated is sprayed in the form of microscopic columns. This method is the most widely used, as the effects are lighter.
What is a fractional laser? Fractional lasers, the Fraxel laser or the CO2 laser, are lasers that use beams of light to remove the superficial layers of skin. This process stimulates the production of collagen. These devices are used to treat
wrinkles, from fine lines, from brown spots, from signs of skin ageing, from scarsparticularly acne stretch marks.
This anti-ageing treatmentis a widely used method of rsurfacing and wrinkle smoothing.
The laser has a dual mechanism of action.
It is very important to call on the services of an experienced doctor, as the treatment is tailor-made: the best results must be achieved while avoiding side effects.
The difficulty lies in setting the parameters. Several parameters are set: the energy delivered, the size of the spot, the percentage of overlap between spots, the firing time and the frequency.
This complexity of settings explains the difference in results (and side effects) obtained by practitioners.
Several types of laser can be used to erase wrinkles, each with its own advantages and benefits depending on the depth of the wrinkles, the indication and the type of skin.
The choice of laser will depend on a number of factors.
Dr Romano will be able to recommend the treatment best suited to your needs and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option. A personalised treatment plan will ensure the best results.
Fraxel Dual Laser
How it works: this laser uses fractionated technology to create thermal micro-damage in the skin, which stimulates collagen production.
Benefits: Effective for fine to moderate wrinkles, this laser also improves skin texture and reduces pigmentation. Recovery time is relatively short.
Ideal for: patients looking for an overall improvement in skin texture and firmness with minimal downtime.
Fractional CO2 Laser
How it works: this laser emits beams of light that penetrate deep into the skin, vaporising damaged surface layers and stimulating high collagen production.
Benefits: highly effective on deep wrinkles and scars. It produces spectacular results in terms of skin rejuvenation.
Ideal for: patients with deep wrinkles who accept a longer recovery time (up to two weeks).
Erbium YAG laser
How it works: this laser eliminates the superficial layers of the skin more gently than the CO2 laser, with less thermal damage.
Advantages: effective for fine to moderate wrinkles and superficial imperfections. The risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring is low.
Ideal for: patients with moderate wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, patients with dark skin.
Nd-Yag laser
How it works: the laser beam penetrates deep into the skin, heating the underlying tissue to stimulate collagen production without damaging the skin's surface.
Advantages: non-ablative, so no recovery time. Can be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve results.
Ideal for: patients with slight wrinkles who are looking for a treatment that does not involve social exclusion.
Compliance with contraindications is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment. The contraindications are :
The fractional ablative laser is used to treat various areas of the body and face.
In GenevaDr Romano uses the fractionated laser for several indications.
The fractional ablative laser is an extremely effective method for reducing wrinkles. By removing micro-wells of skin, this type of laser stimulates skin cells to produce collagen and elastin, the proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity. It is via this mechanism that the fractional ablative laser smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin texture and gives it a more youthful, revitalised appearance. Results are visible after just one session, although several treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
The fractional ablative laser is designed to improve the skin in a safe and controlled way, but like any medical procedure, it can cause temporary side effects. After treatment, redness, swelling and peeling are normal. These reactions are a sign of skin healing and regeneration.
The skin will not be damaged. The risk of scarring or permanent damage is very low when carried out by a qualified and experienced professional.
It is essential to follow the post-treatment care recommendations provided by your doctor to avoid any side effects.
The laser session is preceded by a consultation during which Dr Romano checks that there are no contraindications and that the patient is a good candidate for the treatment.
An anaesthetic cream is applied one hour before the session. The eyes are protected by shells. The parameters are chosen according to skin type and the desired result. The session of fractionated hard laser about twenty minutes.
The treatment is not painful. The patient feels a sensation of warmth and tingling during the session. An anaesthetic cream is often applied to the area to be treated an hour before the session.
Before the session
After the session
The main side effects are :
The fractional ablative laser is a cutting-edge technique in aesthetic medicine, and the results are remarkable and visible fairly quickly. They are visible 3 to 8 weeks later and optimal 3 to 6 months after the session.
The beneficial effects of fractional ablative laser treatment, such as improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles, can last for several years. An annual maintenance session is recommended.
For scars and stretch marks, the results last a lifetime, although a maintenance session every five years is recommended.
In an initial consultation, Dr Romano will examine your skin, discuss your expectations, propose a treatment plan tailored to your needs and tell you the number of sessions to be carried out.
The number of sessions required for optimum results depends on :
Fractional ablative laser and fractional radiofrequency are two aesthetic medicine technologies with different mechanisms of action and different results.
The fractional ablative laser uses beams of light to create micro-perforations in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting rapid regeneration of skin tissue. This technique is particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles, acne scars and textural irregularities. Results are visible after just one session, and recovery time is relatively short.
Fractional radiofrequency uses electromagnetic waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface. This heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer skin and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. This method is often proposed to patients who are looking for a non-ablative solution with minimal recovery time. It is particularly effective for skin tightening and the treatment of darker skin types.
The choice between fractional ablative laser and fractional radiofrequency depends on the patient's specific needs and treatment objectives. Fractional ablative laser is ideal for significant improvements in a single session, whereas fractional radiofrequency requires several sessions.
Le tariff a session of ablative laser depends essentially on the type of laser used, the doctor's experience (and therefore the parameters used), the indication, the condition of the patient's skin and the size of the area to be treated.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
Laser session |
From CHF 900 per session |
Many patients describe a significant improvement in skin texture and quality after just a few sessions, with a visible reduction in wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation. Patients also appreciate the durability of the results.
Doctors praise this technology for its precision and effectiveness, as it enables the areas to be treated to be precisely targeted while preserving the surrounding tissue. Feedback indicates that, although the recovery period can be uncomfortable, the results are well worth the effort.
However, it is essential to choose a qualified professional to carry out the treatment in order to achieve optimum results and avoid complications.
Fractional ablative CO2 and erbium lasers are considered to be the best lasers for treating scars, particularly acne scars. They specifically target the damaged areas while preserving the surrounding tissue. The results are long-lasting and visible.
It all depends on the type of unsightliness to be treated and the desired results.
The effects of Fraxel treatment can last from several months to several years, depending on the type of skin and the problem being treated.
Maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain long-term results.
Yes, there is a period of social avoidance after a fractional ablative laser session; it takes between 5 and 7 days for the skin to heal sufficiently to resume normal social activities without discomfort.
After treatment with Fraxel, the skin may be red and slightly swollen, like after a sunburn. This redness may last for a few days, after which the skin begins to peel. You may also feel a warm or tingling sensation during the healing period.
Yes, laser treatment can be very beneficial for the face. It is used to treat a variety of skin problems: wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and textural irregularities. However, it is essential to consult an experienced doctor to determine the most appropriate type of laser and to achieve visible results without side effects.
Yes, the ablative laser is very effective in treating acne scars.
The Fraxel laser creates tiny columns of thermal micro-damage in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and cell regeneration.
Fraxel laser treatment may be slightly painful. The sensation felt is often described as a sort of tingling or slight burning sensation. To minimise discomfort, an anaesthetic cream is usually applied to the area to be treated before the session. After the treatment, the skin may remain sensitive and red for a few days.
Recovery time depends on the intensity of the parameters used and the type of skin. In general, it takes between one and two weeks for the skin to heal completely. During this period, the skin may peel and fine scabs may appear.
The ablative laser is effective in treating various skin problems.
The fractional CO2 laser and fractional erbium laser are ideal for gentle facial rejuvenation. The continuous CO2 laser and the continuous erbium laser are indicated for more extensive rejuvenation.
Because it's an effective, fast treatment with a short recovery time to reduce wrinkles and scars and improve skin texture.
There should be an interval of 4 to 6 weeks between sessions.
This may be due to unrealistic expectations, incorrect indications, incorrect laser settings on the part of the doctor or a less-than-perfect laser session (always linked to the doctor carrying out the procedure).
This type of laser is best suited to light to medium skins (phototypes I to IV), but an experienced doctor can also use it on darker phototypes (phototypes V and VI).
You'll notice a visible improvement in skin texture and a reduction in wrinkles after just a few weeks.
From the age of 30 to treat and prevent the first signs of ageing.
You need to wait at least 4 weeks and use a high level of sun protection.
Best avoided in summer because of the risk of hyperpigmentation.
However, fractional laser treatment can be carried out in summer.
Sweat can irritate the treated skin and increase the risk of infection and complications.
Wait at least a month before using a gentle exfoliating scrub.
The fractional CO2 laser and the erbium laser are excellent for firming the skin.
Use appropriate skin care products, maintain a good level of hydration and carry out treatments such as fractional laser treatment.
Fractional laser treatment cannot be carried out on tanned skin if there are any contraindications, and should be avoided during sunny periods.
For the first week, use only bottled water. Thereafter, for a month, use a gentle alcohol-free cleanser and moisturise the skin well. Exfoliations and scrubs should be avoided for two months.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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