Fractional Photothermolysis - Fractional CO2 Laser

The need to develop a method that is highly effective, minimally invasive, and has a low risk of side effects during cosmetic and medical procedures has been recognized for many years. In 2004, Manstein and his research group described a method called fractional photothermolysis. The use of this method in laser techniques is a crucial step in medicine and cosmetology.

Fractional photothermolysis is not specific to a specific laser type, nor does it specify a spot size or wavelength. This phenomenon has been utilized in ablative and non-ablative laser therapy. The concept is based on the use of a microscopic beam of focused light, which creates a small focal point of damaged tissue. Discontinuous microthermal zones are created in the skin, referred to in the literature as "Micro Thermal Zones." These are vertical, narrow columns of a specific length and diameter, delimited by healthy, unexposed tissue that promotes healing. This prevents overheating of a large area of skin. Many such craters, or microchannels, are created within each square centimeter of the treatment area. Fractional lasers offer adjustable energy and density.

The depth and diameter of the resulting column depend on the laser parameters and the specific treatment objective. High energy values result in deep penetration. The deeper and narrower the crater, the more intense the skin regeneration. Increasing the crater depth increases its diameter, thus extending the regeneration time. The greater the density of the resulting MTZs, the greater the treatment intensity. It is worth paying attention to the distribution of the created craters. Many laser devices are available on the market that create points on the skin in various treatment field shapes. The resulting points in the treated skin area can be created in two operating modes. Laser: standard and randomization.

The standard mode is characterized by the creation of points line by line. The randomization mode allows for the creation of points on the skin at random. It has not been determined which position and operating mode produce the best treatment results.