Fractional skin resurfacing

For complete facial skin regeneration and correction of irregularities on the face, ranging from the need for a light peel to the removal of deep lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, as well as for the reduction of stretch marks with the goal of forming a new skin layer, an excellent treatment is fractional skin resurfacing, which we perform at the Polyclinic using the Erbium:YAG MCL 31 Dermablate laser.

This treatment creates so-called micro-injuries on the skin surface in the form of microdots, which activates collagen production that promotes further skin tightening and stimulates cells within the dermis to produce a new, fresh epidermal layer.

As the doctor passes the laser light over your skin, only 30-millionths of an inch of tissue is removed. Since this is a fractional treatment method — specifically, creating partial damage in the form of micro-columns rather than affecting the entire skin — the Erbium laser allows for faster recovery compared to other laser resurfacing methods.

Types of treatments/procedures depending on penetration depth:

Depending on the laser’s penetration depth and according to the client’s needs, treatments are divided into groups based on the number of days required after the procedure for new skin to form.

The mildest treatment, called a laser peel, is intended for an instant “shine” or “glow” look 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and is recommended for anyone who wants to look fresher in a short time.

Other treatments with different penetration depths require somewhat longer home recovery with mandatory sun avoidance, and the details of each treatment are planned individually with our doctors.

You can find details about this laser procedure, as well as the full range of our laser treatments and procedures, in our special Guide, which you can download from the link below.

A candidate is someone who wishes to correct unwanted lines and wrinkles and reduce irregularities and acne scars on the face, neck, and décolleté to the minimum, giving their skin a new youthful glow and texture with a long-lasting effect.

This procedure is most often used to treat the following issues:

• Wrinkles on the face
• Enlarged and clearly visible facial pores
• Skin tone irregularities
• Sun damage
• Acne scars
• Age spots and sun spots

Depending on the depth of the skin treatment, it is necessary to properly prepare the face at home several days before the procedure.

It is important to do premedication, which includes medications against viral and bacterial infections, especially if you are prone to them. However, you will receive detailed instructions about home preparation during your consultation with our doctors.

During the consultation, it is recommended to have imaging done using the Visia and Observ devices so we can obtain a professional analysis of your facial skin and a detailed insight into its current condition (wrinkles, pores, pigmentation, bacteria, damage). This allows us to better monitor the final results.

Before the procedure, a numbing cream is applied to the face. Then the face is thoroughly cleansed with Reviderm dermocosmetics to prepare it for the treatment.

Since the laser beam during the treatment targets water, compresses of lidocaine or saline solution are applied to the face. Water in the cells absorbs the laser light, which causes drying, evaporation, and dehydration, resulting in the peeling of cells in the surface skin layer.

The number of laser passes depends on the skin condition. Sometimes one pass is sufficient, but 2 to 4 passes may be done. The precision of the laser and the beam allows the doctor to treat the skin as deeply as needed.

Within the existing laser beam, multiple minimal ‘sub-laser’ beams work, leaving segments of untouched skin that enable faster healing of the recently dehydrated cellular layer.

During the treatment, a mild warmth is felt, and immediately after the procedure, a hot sensation on the face is experienced.

In the case of treating acne scars, an ablative approach is required, meaning the skin around the scar must be physically excised.

This is followed by a camouflage phase. Since the treated part of the skin will differ in texture and appearance, being younger than the untreated area, the edges of the treated skin are aesthetically softened using the laser.

After the procedure, compresses are applied again, followed by final care creams.

Depending on the type of individual treatment, the doctor provides each client with detailed instructions for further skin care. To avoid the risk of infections and achieve the desired result, it is necessary to carefully follow the given instructions.

The procedure results in redness and swelling of the treated area, but these symptoms usually subside quickly.

For the first 2-3 days, pain relievers can be taken in consultation with your doctor.

It is necessary to sleep on your back, never on your side or stomach, and place an extra pillow under your head to help reduce facial swelling. The appearance of dry scabs and peeling accompanied by itching is normal.

It is strictly forbidden to pick at newly formed scabs with your hands!

You should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (avoid alcohol and caffeine). After the procedure, the treated areas need to be cared for with moisturizing creams for the first few days. Do not rub, massage, or wipe your face with cotton pads or similar.

Washing your face with tap water, chamomile, or similar products is not recommended. Apply only the cream prescribed by your doctor as often as you feel necessary (recommended at least 5 times a day).

By properly caring for your skin and following these instructions, you reduce the risk of complications such as infections that could prolong your healing time.

Remember — your new, radiant skin is very thin and susceptible to UV damage, so sun exposure should only be allowed after a certain period and exclusively with SPF 50+ protection. During the following months of recovery, constant application of SPF 30+ is required.

In most cases, patients fully recover and return to daily life within 7 to 10 days. However, for deeper treatments, recovery can take up to 3 weeks.

At your follow-up appointments, our doctors will answer all your questions regarding your daily skincare routine and any other concerns you may have.

Although the Erbium fractional laser has significantly reduced many risks associated with laser treatments, infections, temporary or permanent pigmentation changes, scars, and other unwanted results can still occur.

Fortunately, these complications are quite rare.

As with other medical procedures, discuss all questions and concerns thoroughly with your doctor.

In cooperation with banks, Poliklinika Bagatin offers the possibility of payment in installments, including interest-free payment for a certain number of installments.
You can check more about payment methods and treatment prices in the current price list of Poliklinika Bagatin.