Fractional Laser in Bursa
What is fractional laser?
Fractional laser divides the laser light into a large number of microscopic points, like a grid, and delivers it to the skin. A small heat column forms at each point; the intact tissue between the columns speeds up healing. As the body repairs these small areas, it produces new collagen and elastin, and the skin texture renews over time.
There are two main groups:
- Ablative fractional lasers (fractional CO2 and Er:YAG): they open microscopic channels in the skin surface. The effect is more pronounced; recovery takes longer.
- Non-ablative fractional lasers: they heat the tissue in the skin without opening the surface. Recovery is shorter; more sessions are usually needed for a similar change.
Are "carboxy laser" and carboxytherapy the same thing?
No. Fractional CO2 laser takes its name from carbon dioxide gas, the source of the laser, and is also popularly called "carboxy laser". Carboxytherapy, on the other hand, is a different treatment, without a laser, in which carbon dioxide gas is given under the skin with a fine needle. The method described on this page is fractional laser.
In which situations is it applied?
- Acne scars (especially pitted and rolling scars),
- Fine lines and wrinkles, fine lines around the eyes and mouth,
- Enlarged pores and rough skin texture,
- Some surgical and wound scars,
- Sun-related skin damage and some superficial spots (the cause of the spots is evaluated first).
For acne scars, the aim is to reduce the appearance of the scars; the scars do not disappear completely. If there is active acne, acne treatment comes first.
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not performed on?
It is considered for adults whose skin type is suitable, whose expectations are realistic and who can follow the recommendations during recovery. It is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- Isotretinoin use in recent months (the waiting period is determined by the physician),
- Active infection, inflamed acne or a cold sore (herpes) flare in the treatment area; a preventive medication may be recommended for those with a history of cold sores,
- Tanned skin and recent intense sun exposure,
- Tendency to keloids, vitiligo, some autoimmune diseases,
- Use of medications that increase light sensitivity.
In olive and dark skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), the risk of darkening of the skin (pigmentation) after the procedure is higher. In these people, lower energy, lower density or non-ablative methods may be preferred; skin preparation before the procedure may be recommended.
How is it done?
First the skin is examined, the type and depth of the scars or lines are evaluated, and the suitable laser type and settings are determined.
- The skin is cleaned and a numbing cream is applied, followed by a 45–60 minute wait.
- The patient and the practitioner wear protective glasses.
- The laser handpiece is applied area by area; the procedure usually takes 20–45 minutes. Warmth and stinging may be felt; these are reduced with cooling.
- After the procedure, the repair cream recommended by the physician is applied to the skin.
The number of sessions varies with the problem and the laser type; usually 2–5 sessions are planned 4–6 weeks apart.
Recovery, onset and duration of the effect
With ablative fractional CO2 laser, there is redness, swelling, slight oozing and then fine crusting in the first days; this period usually lasts 5–10 days. Pinkness may continue for a few weeks. With non-ablative laser, redness usually resolves within 1–3 days.
The first change in skin texture is usually noticed within the first month, after healing is complete. The change related to collagen production continues for 3–6 months; evaluation is made a few months after the end of the session program. The change in acne scars is long-term; for fine lines, the effect decreases over time because aging continues.
Possible side effects
- Redness, swelling, crusting and itching (expected signs of healing),
- Acne flare and small white cysts (milia),
- Cold sore (herpes) activation,
- Bacterial or fungal infection (uncommon),
- Darkening of the skin after the procedure; more common in dark skin and in those exposed to sun, mostly resolves within months,
- Delayed lightening of the skin and scarring (rare).
Things to watch for after the procedure
- Do not pick the crusts or scratch your face; clean the skin gently as recommended by the physician.
- Use the recommended repair cream regularly; do not use acidic products, retinol or exfoliants.
- Protect yourself from the sun for at least 4 weeks and use a high-protection sunscreen.
- Do not wear makeup until the crusting has resolved; avoid sauna, swimming pools and intense exercise.
- If there is increasing pain, yellow crusts, discharge or signs of a cold sore, call the practice.
Fractional laser in Bursa
At our practice in Nilüfer, fractional laser is planned after the skin type and the characteristics of the scars or lines have been evaluated. You can see the gold needle and carbon peeling pages for other device treatments aimed at acne scars and pores, and the exosome and mesotherapy pages for skin renewal options.
Treatments are performed by a physician holding a medical aesthetics certificate approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist.
This content is for information purposes only; a physician's examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What does fractional laser do?
Fractional laser affects the skin in small columns with intact tissue left between them, stimulating renewal and collagen production. It is applied to reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, pores and rough skin texture. Scars and lines do not disappear completely.
Are carboxy laser and fractional laser the same?
The name "carboxy laser" is popularly used for fractional CO2 laser; the source of the laser is carbon dioxide gas. Carboxytherapy is a separate treatment, without a laser, in which carbon dioxide gas is given under the skin with a needle.
How long does recovery take after fractional laser?
With ablative fractional CO2 laser, redness, swelling and fine crusting usually last 5–10 days; pinkness may continue for a few weeks. With non-ablative laser, redness usually resolves within 1–3 days. This period should be taken into account when planning work and social plans.
How many sessions of fractional laser are needed for acne scars?
Usually 2–5 sessions are planned 4–6 weeks apart. The number varies with the type and depth of the scar, skin type and the laser used. The change appears over months as collagen is produced; evaluation is made a few months after the end of the program.
Can fractional laser be done on dark skin?
It can; however, in olive and dark skin the risk of darkening of the skin after the procedure is higher. In these people, lower energy, lower density or non-ablative methods may be preferred, and skin preparation before the procedure may be recommended. Suitability is determined at the examination.
Is fractional laser done during pregnancy?
No. Fractional laser is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding; in this period the risk of pigmentation due to hormonal changes also increases. Suitability is reassessed after these periods end.
What is the fee for fractional laser?
The fee depends on the area to be treated, the laser type and the session plan determined at the examination. For this reason, no figures are given on the website; the fee is determined after the examination. For information, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72 or send a message on WhatsApp.
Where in Bursa is fractional laser performed?
Fractional laser evaluation and application take place in the procedure room of Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer's private practice in the İhsaniye neighborhood of Nilüfer (Bulvar 224). Consultation hours are Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:30; to book an appointment, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72.
Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. He completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences (SBÜ) Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital; since 2024 he has been seeing patients for pregnancy follow-up, gynecological conditions and aesthetic gynecology at his private practice in Nilüfer, Bursa. The articles on this website are for informational purposes.
This website is for information only and is not advertising. Its content does not replace an examination by a physician. The information on this page is not personal medical advice; the decision on any procedure is made together with the doctor after an examination.