I have been researching and writing about numerous popular new skin and teeth treatments for my column, and this falls under my latest, though the info will have to come in chunks as laser treatment is a process. In the past, it was a much more invasive process and the 5 days downtime of the Fractional laser is a walk in the park compared to treatments of the ‘older’ days.
The thing that intrigued me abuot lasers was their commonality, overnight success, and lack of pain and misery. In the past, I’d had dangerous pigment removed via Q Switch laser, a much more painful and cumbersome treatment, but my research on fraxel and other brand names seemed encouraging so when a doctor suggested I give it a shot while writing about it, I happily obliged.
Most people do not simply undergo one treatment, though one does make a tiny difference (or maybe a big one-we shall see). According to my research, the machine, doctor and candidate all play a role in the results achieved. In my case, I attended Skin Clinic Ever in Itaewon for a good portion of research.
A little education from the Google gods, and I do recommend you read up on any procedure before giving it a shot:
Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time. This is analogous to a photographic image being enhanced or altered pixel by pixel.
Fractional laser treatment has bridged the gap between the ablative and non-ablative laser techniques used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. Whilst ablative laser treatments work mainly on the epidermis (surface skin cells) and non-ablative treatments work solely on dermal collagen (mid-layer of skin) only, fractional laser treatment works at both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.
The first fractional laser marketed was the Fraxel® device. There are now a number of machines available that use fractional technology, based on erbium:YAG lasers for superficial treatments and CO2 lasers for deeper treatments.
What is it used to treat?
Fractional laser treatment is used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles (rhytides) and skin pigmentation associated with photoaging, surgical and acne scarring, and chloasma.
Fractional laser treatment can be used on any part of the body, but is particularly useful on the neck, chest and hands when compared to traditional ablative modalities.
Fractional laser treatment may also be of benefit for poikiloderma of Civatte and stretch marks.
How does it work?
To understand how fractional laser treatment works a basic understanding of skin structure is required. Briefly skin consists of 3 layers, the epidermis (uppermost layer), dermis (mid-lay) and subcutis (lower fat layer). The epidermis contains pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for skin colouring. The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibres that provide skin with strength, toughness, elasticity and pliability (click here for detailed information on skin structure).
As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin alter. The epidermis becomes thinner so blemishes become more visible, and collagen in the dermis is gradually lost which contributes to the formation of facial lines, sagging skin and wrinkles.
Fractional laser treatment works by targeting both the epidermis and dermis. It does this by delivering a laser beam that is divided into thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment into the skin. These are called microthermal treatment zones (MTZs). Within each MTZ old epidermal pigmented cells are expelled and penetration of collagen in the dermis causes a reaction that leads to collagen remodelling and new collagen formation. By using MTZs, the laser targets and treats intensively within the zone whilst surrounding healthy tissue remain intact and unaffected. This fractional
treatment results in a faster healing process than if all tissue in the treatment area was exposed to the laser.
content source: http://www.dermnet.org.nz/procedures/fractional.html
What does the procedure involve?
Well, in my case, I underwent an assessment of my skin texture and issues with Dr Kim, and she determined whether or not I was a
candidate for laser treatment. She then recommend Fractional Laser, and advised that 2 to 3 sessions over a 3 month-1 year period may be desirable, but that this would be up to me. She proceeded with BEFORE PICTURES: and I am critical of any dermatologist that doesn’t bother to do this.
The first stage was cleansing. After being sure my skin was spotless, technicians applied a thick anesthetic cream all over my face. The procedure isn’t very painful-a little stinging comparable to pin pricks is about the max of the ‘ouch factor’. This numbing cream time is perhaps the lengthiest portion of the procedure, but it’s rather soothing and my bed was heated while piano played in the background.
Next, I was taken to the treatment room, and the whole thing was done in 5-10 minutes.
Cooling and hydrating follows, and this lasted approximately 20 minutes (and you’ll want your skin cooled down as you will feel sunburned). The burning subsides, but there is tenderness and redness present this morning, and immediately after I saw tiny pin pricks of red at a few puncture points-all of which were gone by morning, a little swelling, and some pigmentation appeared a little darker. Unlike my Q switch experience, it was no biggie.
Dr Kim sent me home with some literature about ‘do’s and do not’s’ for the next few days, and one ‘do not’ is swimming for a week. Suncreen must be worn at all times and heavily; washing should be done gently, and crubbing should be avoided. I udnerstand that my skin will begin to harden and dry at day 3, though this won’t be visible so much as I will feel it. The optimal results take 2-3 weeks to surface. Think of it as ‘garbage’ falling away from your skin-years of tanning and pollution damage dropping off as rejuvenation occurs.
Today, I’m pink, the burning is gone, and tomorrow I can apply a little make up if I choose. I guess time will tell 
It is the sort of endeavor that would involve a planned investment if pursued, but as technology develops, price decreases.
We need to know if an ABRATIVE or NON- abrative lazer was used on you?? There is a difference. Also how old are you?? and let us know if there was any skin tighting?? (I mean loose skin looking tighter) after time.
Ok, I read a little more and it would appear this was non-ablative, which makes sense as my face (on day 2) is only a little red and hard and the treatment was quite light-or so it seemed to me. I can resume my full daily routine in one week and was told I’d see the full results in about 3 weeks. I’ve used lasers in the past for dangerous pigments (having a family with a serious skin cancer problem), and some of the treatments I’d undergone were pretty severe. This one was a walk in the park by comparison. I hope my article is helpful. Have a great day,
Kelly
Hello, I contacted my doctor and I was mistaken: this was ablative.
Cheers
Kelly
You’re right about there being a lot of fractional machines out there. Even more popular than Fraxel is ActiveFX which requires fewer patient visits, has better results and has fewer possible side effects.
Indeed! As a writer (and consequently, a patient), I found it especially confusing as ‘Fraxel’ is a brand name, and yet ‘fractional laser’ is a technology. It seemed to me (though I may be mistaken), that a number of practitioners became rather defensive about inquiries about their particular machine and choice of model, brand. I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination but the competition for the ultimate machine seems quite stiff in Seoul. I am still somewhat ‘on the fence’ as to how I feel about my own therapy. My skin has responded exactly as my doctor told me it would, and I am only at week 1 post-procedure. She took a before photo (several), so I will be interested to see how my skin seems in 4-6 months, when new collagen has been generated. The most effective laser I’ve ever had was the most invasive: the Q switch, used for pigmentation. The downtime was horrendous. While researching the actual Korea Times article, I found it extremely difficult to judge the efficacy save by testimony.