Fractional Laser

These terms can be confusing:

Fractional Laser Resurfacing (What we offer)
“Fractional” describes how the laser penetrates the skin. Instead of treating 100% of the skin's surface, the laser creates microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding skin intact. This helps stimulate collagen and allows for faster healing and less downtime than fully ablative resurfacing.

Fraxel®
Fraxel is a brand name, not a specific type of laser. Fraxel treatments use fractional laser technology, meaning only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time. Depending on the Fraxel device and settings, it can be ablative or non-ablative.

CO₂ Laser Resurfacing
CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing is generally a more aggressive ablative treatment. It removes the outer layer of skin and heats the deeper layers to stimulate significant collagen remodeling. It can produce dramatic results but typically involves more downtime and recovery than fractional non-ablative treatments.

Fractional non-ablative resurfacing is what we offer and works beneath the skin’s surface without removing the entire outer layer of skin.

The laser creates microscopic zones of controlled heat within the skin. This stimulates your body's natural healing response and encourages the production of new collagen and elastin. Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time, the surrounding healthy skin remains intact, helping the skin heal more quickly.

Downtime is generally shorter and the treatment is less intensive than fully ablative resurfacing. Muore than one treatment may be recommended to achieve optimal results, depending on your skin concerns and goals.

Fully Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Fully ablative laser resurfacing removes the entire outer layer of skin over the treated area.

By removing the epidermis completely and delivering significant heat into the underlying skin, the treatment creates a strong wound-healing response and stimulates substantial collagen remodeling.

Because the entire surface is treated, fully ablative resurfacing is a much more intensive procedure and typically involves:

• More significant swelling and redness
• A longer healing period
• More extensive aftercare
• Greater sensitivity during recovery
• A higher risk of complications such as infection, prolonged redness and changes in pigmentation

Fully ablative treatments can produce dramatic results, but they are generally reserved for specific skin concerns where a more aggressive approach is appropriate.

Yes and no. Immediately after getting your treatment your skin will feel hot and will most likey be red. Similar to a sunburn. The heat subsides overnight but your skin may continue to feel warm for the next 1-2 days. Immediately after you will notice dots (scabs) on your face. These may last 7-10 days. You are able to carry on with most of your daily routines, so minimal downtime. Over the course of the following week you may have some small areas of peeling that looks similar to peeling skin from a sunburn. (See photos below)

It's spicy. There are certain areas that will hurt more than others. Your pain tolerance and how agressive the treatment will be also contributes to the level of discomfort you may experience. The treated area will feel hot and after and you will feel like you have a sunburn. We use cold compresses, cold packs and fans to minimise the discomfort. 

Numbing cream may be applied 45 mins prior to arrival if you choose. Please note that even if you use numbing cream you will still feel some discomfort from the heat.

You can purchase numbing cream over the counter at any local pharmacy. 

The average Fractional Laser treatment will take around 10 mins. Appointments will be booked for 30 mins to allow for pre and post treatment care. 

Fractional Laser is highly-effective non-surgical solution to lift and tighten your eyelids. This advanced laser treatment stimulates collagen production and gently resurfaces the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to reduce sagging, fine lines, and crepey texture.

Er:YAG fractional laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing process. As new collagen forms, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, leading to a noticeable lift in the eyelid area. Unlike more invasive procedures, this treatment has minimal downtime and delivers gradual, natural-looking improvements.

• Non-Surgical & Minimal Downtime – Achieve firmer, younger-looking eyes without surgery.
• Smooths Fine Lines & Wrinkles – Improves skin texture and reduces crow’s feet.
• Lifts & Tightens – Gently firms sagging skin for a refreshed appearance.
• Safe for Delicate Skin – The precision of Er:YAG technology makes it ideal for treating the thin skin around the eyes.

Book a consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you!

You can book your Fractional Laser appointments every 4-6 weeks.

Each client is different. During your initial assessment we will be able to give you a better estimation of how many appointments you may need and/or if we can combine other laser treatments with the Fractional Laser for optimal results.  

At Okotoks Professional Laser Clinic we offer complimentary consultations. This will allow us to assess your skin and determine you are receiving the best treatment(s) for optimal results. Consultations can be booked via the "Book Now" buttons.