Fractional Laser

Fractional Laser Treatment Sydney
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How Fractional Laser Treatment Works

Fractional laser technology delivers thousands of tiny, controlled beams of light into the skin. These beams are designed to target small areas of the skin’s surface while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The procedure may help improve the appearance of uneven tone, textural irregularities, and visible signs of ageing. Some people notice changes within weeks, while others observe gradual improvements over time. Outcomes vary, and multiple sessions may be recommended depending on your skin type and treatment goals.

Fractional CO2 Laser

At Shape Clinic, we use advanced fractional CO2 laser technology that allows precise control of energy delivery. Treatments can be adjusted for different skin depths and areas, including more delicate regions such as the neck and eyelids. Your practitioner will tailor the procedure to your individual needs following consultation.

Concerns Fractional Laser May Help Improve

Fractional laser treatments may help improve the visible appearance of:
  • textural irregularities
  • uneven skin tone
  • age-related changes such as fine lines
  • enlarged pores
  • superficial scarring*
*Suitability for scarring depends on the type and severity, and will be assessed during consultation.

Important Information

  • Outcomes and recovery experiences differ between individuals, and no result can be guaranteed.
  • Possible side effects include redness, swelling, pigment changes, and increased sensitivity.
  • A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to confirm suitability and discuss risks and alternatives.

What to expect from Fractional Laser?

Procedure Overview
  • Procedure time: Approximately 60 minutes
  • Downtime: Many people experience redness or sensitivity for around 48 hours, but recovery varies between individuals
  • Duration of changes: Some people may notice improvements for several months, though outcomes differ*
  • Combination options: Your practitioner may discuss whether fractional laser can be complemented with other treatments, depending on suitability
*Individual results and recovery experiences vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Long-Term Care After Fractional Laser

Ongoing skin care plays an important role in supporting safe recovery and maintaining the appearance of your skin after treatment. General recommendations may include:
  • applying broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen consistently
  • avoiding harsh products, hot showers, or picking at the treated area for at least one week
  • considering maintenance treatments, depending on your practitioner’s advice and individual needs

Important Information and Safety

  • Fractional laser procedures carry potential risks, including redness, swelling, pigment changes, and increased sensitivity.
  • Experiences and outcomes differ between individuals.
  • All procedures at Shape Clinic are performed by qualified health practitioners in line with current medical and safety standards.
  • A consultation is required to confirm suitability and to discuss risks, recovery, and alternative treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comfort levels vary. Some people describe sensations such as prickling, warmth, or mild stinging during treatment. Your practitioner may apply a numbing agent to support comfort. Pain tolerance and treatment experience differ between individuals.

Recovery time depends on the treatment intensity and individual healing responses:

  • Mild treatment: redness, swelling, and minor flaking may last 1–3 days.
  • Moderate treatment: redness and swelling may continue for 3–5 days, with flaking sometimes lasting up to a week.
  • More intensive treatment: redness, swelling, and crusting can last a week or longer while the skin heals.

  • Temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, flaking, or sensitivity are expected parts of the healing process.
  • Experiences vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
  • Your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions and discuss expected downtime based on your treatment plan.

Fractional laser CO2 is a specialised resurfacing technique that delivers the laser beam in a "fractionated" pattern, treating only a portion of the skin at a time with microscopic thermal columns. This leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which helps support a faster recovery while still delivering significant skin rejuvenation. Learn more in our CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Explained guide.

Yes, CO2 fractional laser may help to tighten the skin. By heating the deeper layers of the dermis, the treatment causes immediate contraction of collagen fibres and triggers a long-term healing response that produces new, firmer collagen. We discuss these results in detail in our upcoming blog: Does CO2 Fractional Laser Tighten Skin? Benefits & Results.

The CO2 fractional laser works by creating thousands of deep, tiny columns of thermal activity in the skin, known as microscopic treatment zones. This dual action removes old, damaged skin cells and stimulates the body’s natural regenerative process to replace them with fresh, healthy tissue. We provide a deep dive into this process in our upcoming blog: How Does CO2 Fractional Laser Work? A Complete Guide.

Treatment Practitioners

Dr Danae Lim
Medical Practitioner
MB BS (SYD)
MED0001188982

Dr Danae Lim is a cosmetic physician with 16 years’ medical experience.

Dr Emma Kim
Medical Practitioner
BMed MD MPhil (Medicine)
FRACGP
MED0002145269

Dr Emma Kim’s expertise includes lasers, injectables, energy based devices and skin rejuvenation.

Bernice Ellis
Registered Nurse
NMW0001187542

Bernice has a legion of loyal clients and is well regarded as one of Australia’s leading injectable nurse and laser specialists.

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Risks & Recovery

Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness. Less common risks include infection, pigment change, scarring or an unsatisfactory/uneven result; rare but serious risks will be discussed with you. Downtime varies by individual and procedure. Your practitioner will assess suitability, explain alternatives and provide personalised aftercare. Results vary. If you have severe pain, vision changes, spreading redness, fever, or any urgent concern, seek immediate medical care and contact us on +61 2 8356 2888.

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