Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

03:47
Enhancement of Facial Rejuvenation Through a Combination of 1565 nm Non-Ablative Fractional Laser with 30% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid
Published on: September 27, 2024
Fractional photothermolysis--an update
Inja Bogdan Allemann1, Joely Kaufman
1Dermatologische Klinik, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland. inbogdan@me.com
Lasers in Medical Science
|September 30, 2009
Summary
Fractional photothermolysis, both non-ablative and ablative, offers effective skin resurfacing with minimal risk by treating only a fraction of the skin. This technique promotes rapid healing and is approved for various conditions, with expanded off-label uses.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Laser Technology
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Fractional photothermolysis emerged in 2003 as a low-risk skin resurfacing alternative.
- It treats only a fraction of the skin, preserving surrounding tissue for rapid repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concepts, technical details, and clinical indications of non-ablative and ablative fractional photothermolysis.
- To discuss the current literature on these advanced laser treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fractional photothermolysis.
- Discussion of non-ablative and ablative fractional photothermolysis concepts and devices.
Main Results:
- Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis is FDA-approved for pigmented lesions, rhytides, skin resurfacing, melasma, acne/surgical scars, and actinic keratoses.
- Ablative fractional photothermolysis (Er:YAG, CO2 lasers) is FDA-cleared for wrinkles, textural irregularities, pigmented lesions, and vascular dyschromia.
Conclusions:
- Fractional photothermolysis represents a significant advancement in skin rejuvenation and treatment of various dermatological conditions.
- Both non-ablative and ablative approaches offer distinct advantages and a broad range of clinical applications.

