Fractional Laser Treatment Sydney

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How Fractional Laser Treatment Works

Fractional laser treatment at Shape Clinic in Sydney uses fractional laser technology to deliver 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 in Sydney, 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.

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, flaking, pigment changes, and increased sensitivity.
  • Experiences and outcomes differ between individuals, and no result can be guaranteed.
  • 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.

Fractional Laser Treatment Sydney Frequently Asked Questions

Fractional laser treatment is a skin resurfacing technique that delivers energy to the skin in a grid-like pattern of microscopic treatment zones, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing and collagen production processes, helping to improve texture, tone, and the appearance of scarring, pigmentation, and fine lines.

Fractional laser treatment can cause some discomfort, often described as a heat or prickling sensation, though this varies depending on the intensity of treatment and the area being addressed. A topical numbing cream is typically applied beforehand to improve comfort during the procedure.

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 7-14 days while the skin heals.

Fractional CO2 is a type of fractional laser that uses carbon dioxide energy to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin in a fractional pattern. It is considered an effective option for skin resurfacing due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin, making it particularly suited to addressing more pronounced concerns such as deeper wrinkles, scarring, and significant sun damage.

CO2 fractional laser can help improve skin firmness by stimulating collagen and elastin production as the skin heals, which may contribute to a tightening effect over time. The degree of improvement varies depending on individual skin condition and the level of laxity present.

CO2 fractional laser works by delivering controlled thermal energy to create microscopic treatment zones within the skin, removing damaged outer layers while triggering the body’s natural healing response. This stimulates new collagen and elastin production, gradually improving skin texture, tone, and firmness as the skin regenerates.

Fractional laser is a broad treatment approach that delivers energy in a grid-like pattern of microscopic zones, and can use different types of energy sources, including CO2. CO2 laser refers specifically to the type of energy used, carbon dioxide, which is known for its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin, making CO2 fractional laser a more intensive option compared to other fractional laser technologies, such as those using erbium energy.

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.

Related Treatments

Medical Aesthetics, Skin & Laser

Enzyme Therapy

Combining synchronised radiofrequency (RF) with high-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES™). EMFACE is designed to target both the skins surface and underlying facial muscles.

Medical Aesthetics, Skin & Laser

LED Skin Therapy

Combining synchronised radiofrequency (RF) with high-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES™). EMFACE is designed to target both the skins surface and underlying facial muscles.

Medical Aesthetics, Skin & Laser

Laser Genesis Skin Treatment

Combining synchronised radiofrequency (RF) with high-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES™). EMFACE is designed to target both the skins surface and underlying facial muscles.

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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