Fractional Laser vs Non-Fractional - Aesthetic Care Center Aesthetic Care Center

Laser treatments can be a good option for improving skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. They can also help reduce visible signs of aging, smooth uneven areas, and address sun damage. However, not all lasers work the same way, and different concerns call for different approaches.

At Aesthetic Care Center in Lima, OH, we offer fractional and non-fractional laser treatments to target a wide range of issues. Knowing the difference between these laser types can help determine which method may be more effective for your goals.

Fractional vs. Non-Fractional Lasers: What’s the Difference?

Fractional Lasers

Fractional lasers create microscopic columns of thermal energy that only treat small portions of skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. These lasers can stimulate collagen remodeling and help improve texture, fine lines, and scarring. Some fractional lasers are ablative, meaning they remove the upper layers of skin, while others are non-ablative, meaning they leave the skin intact. Because only a fraction of the skin is heated or removed during each session, healing tends to be faster compared to options that remove the full surface of the skin. With this type of laser, you may need multiple sessions to get the results you are looking for.

Non-Fractional Lasers

Non-fractional lasers deliver energy across the entire treatment area without leaving untreated skin between the targeted zones. This type of laser is often used to address surface-level concerns like pigmentation, visible veins, tattoos, or unwanted hair. The energy may be absorbed by pigment, blood vessels, or hair follicles, depending on the laser type. While downtime is often still minimal, results can depend on both the device and the specific skin concern being treated.

What Can Laser Treatments Help With?

01 /
Uneven Skin Tone and Pigmentation

Laser energy can target areas of excess pigment, such as dark spots, without damaging the surrounding skin. Treatments can break up excess melanin and encourage healthy skin turnover to gradually reduce the appearance of freckles, sun spots, and blotchiness.

02 /
Fine Lines and Mild Wrinkles

Collagen production slows with aging, which starts to cause visible fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Skin tightening laser treatments heat the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling, improve skin texture, and prevent early signs of aging.

03 /
Redness and Rosacea

Redness caused by dilated capillaries or chronic inflammation can respond well to vascular laser technology. Specific wavelengths are absorbed by hemoglobin, which helps minimize facial flushing and visible blood vessels.

04 /
Acne Scars and Other Textural Irregularities

Fractional lasers are often used to resurface the skin and promote smoother, more uniform healing after severe acne breakouts. As new collagen forms, skin that is affected by acne scars can become smoother and healthier.

05 /
Enlarged Pores

Oil production and aging can cause pores to become more visible. Laser skin treatments tighten the skin and increase collagen support around the pores to make them look smaller.

06 /
Spider Veins and Vascular Lesions

Lasers designed to target blood vessels can help reduce small veins around the nose, cheeks, or legs. The energy heats the vessel walls, which are gradually reabsorbed by the body.

07 /
Unwanted Hair

Laser energy can target hair follicles and disrupt future growth without damaging the skin. Treatments are most effective on darker, coarse hair but can be adjusted for different skin tones and hair types.

What Laser Treatments Do We Use?

LaseMD Ultra (Fractional Thulium Laser)

LaseMD Ultra uses a fractional thulium laser to create microchannels in the skin, which triggers a natural healing response and encourages collagen renewal. This non-ablative device allows for customizable intensity, making it suitable for light resurfacing or deeper rejuvenation. You can have skin that feels smoother and more refreshed, even after just one session.

Laser Genesis (Non-Fractional Nd:YAG)

Laser Genesis uses a non-fractional Nd:YAG laser that gently heats the upper dermis without damaging the skin’s surface. The gradual thermal energy helps stimulate collagen production and reduce diffuse redness. Treatments are typically comfortable with no downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.

Pico Genesis (Non-Fractional Picosecond Laser)

Pico Genesis delivers ultra-short pulses of laser energy that shatter pigment and stimulate skin remodeling without causing thermal damage. The rapid energy delivery leads to a photomechanical effect rather than a photothermal one, which makes the treatment both gentle and effective. Because it is non-thermal, it can treat melasma and patients with darker skin tones.

Cutera excel V® (Non-Fractional Vascular Laser)

Cutera excel V selectively targets visible blood vessels and redness using high-power green laser wavelengths. The device offers two modes, allowing us to adjust pulse duration and energy levels based on the depth and size of the vessels. This precision helps treat vascular issues while minimizing irritation to the surrounding skin.

Cutera Enlighten (Tattoo Removal)

Cutera Enlighten uses multiple wavelengths and picosecond pulse technology to break down tattoo pigment into tiny particles that the body can gradually clear. The system treats black ink and multicolored tattoos. The speed and depth of delivery make it effective for a wide range of skin tones and tattoo types.

What to Expect During Laser Treatments

Before we begin laser treatments, we will assess your skin and talk through your goals to choose the right device. During the session, you may feel warmth, tingling, or a light snapping sensation. Most treatments take less than an hour and require little to no downtime. You might notice some redness or mild swelling afterward within a day or two.

Results and Maintenance

Results often develop gradually over several sessions, especially when we are addressing pigment, scarring, or deeper skin concerns. You may start to notice a smoother skin texture or more even skin tone after just one or two visits, depending on the laser we use. To maintain results, we usually recommend periodic follow-up treatments and a good skincare routine at home. Some concerns, like vascular issues or unwanted hair, may require a full treatment series before you see long-term improvement.

Find the Right Laser Treatments in Lima, OH

Laser technology gives us the flexibility to treat a wide range of skin concerns with precision and minimal downtime. Whether you need gentle toning, pigment correction, or deeper resurfacing, we can customize your care using fractional or non-fractional laser facial treatments.

At Aesthetic Care Center in Lima, OH, we use our laser platforms to deliver effective results for patients of all skin types. Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal is a board-certified family physician with additional certifications in venous and lymphatic medicine and aesthetic laser treatments. She combines medical expertise with advanced laser training to give you the best results. We will evaluate your skin in person and recommend a treatment plan that fits your goals, schedule, and comfort level.

Call us at (419) 227-4472 or fill out a form online to request a consultation. We are here to help you choose the right approach for healthier, more refined skin.

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Advanced Vein Treatment at Our Specialized Medical Center

Vein Care Center, our comprehensive vascular treatment facility headed by Dr. Aggarwal, offers state-of-the-art solutions for venous and lymphatic conditions using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available. From spider veins and varicose veins to more complex vascular issues, our medical team provides minimally invasive treatments focused on both improving your appearance and addressing underlying circulatory concerns. Schedule a consultation to discover how our personalized treatment approaches can help relieve your discomfort and restore healthy circulation.

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