What is a fractional laser?

Fractional lasers deliver short pulses of laser that are separated by space on the surface of the skin. These lasers may either by nonablative, leaving a column of heat-damaged skin, or ablative, leaving a column of true ablation. This will be discussed in detail in a later question. The concept of fractional lasers was first proposed by Dr. Rox Anderson.

Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, et al: Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury, Lasers Surg Med 34(5):426–438, 2004.