Fractional Laser (Fraxel)

Definition: A type of laser used in cosmetic procedures. Fractional lasers are ablative, which means that they vaporize skin on the surface, effectively removing the top-most layers of the skin. However, fractional lasers differ from other ablative lasers, in that they ablate the tissue only in small areas, leaving the surrounding areas uninjured. Fractional lasers are typically used to address cosmetic skin problems such as pigmentation problems, as well as scarring from acne and other types of scars. (“Fraxel” is the brand name of the laser device that pioneered the use of fractional lasers.)