Non Ablative Fractional Laser (NAFL)

Why Non Ablative Fractional Laser (NAFL)?

A Non-Ablative Fractional Laser (NAFL) is a non-wounding laser, it does not damage the integrity of your epidermis. NAFL uses a wavelength that does not evaporate the water in the tissue, and the energy from the laser heats the tissue in a controlled manner. Therefore, many patients prefer NAFL to ablative laser treatment. The rise in temperature stimulates the production of new collagen. By producing new collagen, the remodelling of the scar tissue is improved. Although NAFL is less invasive, requires less recovery time and has less complication risks, is not as effective as ablative laser resurfacing.

Adverse effects

Infection. NAFL can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus (if you have a history of the herpes virus you may be prescribed antiviral medication before and after treatment to prevent a viral infection)
Changes in skin colour. If you have tanned or darker skin, NAFL can cause your skin to become temporarily darker (hyperpigmentation).
Mild swelling and redness. Both typically last only for hours or days.
Blistering and scarring – this is rare with NAFL.

Treatment recommendations

Your doctor will protect your eyes and numb your skin with a topical (cream) anaesthetic one hour before treatment. To protect the outer layer of your skin during the procedure, your doctor will apply a water-based gel.

NAFL treatments usually take between 15 minutes and 1-1/2 hours, depending on the technique used and size of the area treated. Typically, a series of treatments are needed usually over a course of weeks or months. It’s important to avoid sun exposure for one year after the procedure.

$Closeup photo of the head of a non ablative fractional laser$

$Photo of the use of a non ablative fractional laser on skin with a tattoo$

$Illustration of the effect of an erbium glass laser (non ablative fractional laser)$

Used for

F.A.Q.

Which types of scars can be treated with non-ablative lasers?

Non-ablative lasers, such as NAFL, can treat various types of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and scars caused by injuries or burns. These lasers are particularly effective in improving the texture and appearance of scars by stimulating collagen production in the skin.

How many sessions of non-ablative laser treatment are usually needed for noticeable improvements in scars?

In general, multiple sessions are needed for noticeable improvements in scars with non-ablative laser treatments. The exact number of sessions can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the scars, skin type, and the specific laser treatment technique used. Typically, treatments are spaced out over several weeks or months to achieve the best results.

What can I expect during and after non-ablative laser treatment?

During the treatment, your doctor will protect your eyes and apply a topical numbing cream to your skin. A water-based gel will be used to safeguard your skin during the procedure. The treatment itself usually lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the size of the area being treated and the technique used.
After the treatment, you may experience mild swelling and redness, which typically last only a few hours to a few days. You might also notice a temporary change in skin color, especially if you have tanned or darker skin. It is important to avoid sun exposure for up to a year after the treatment to prevent potential complications. In some cases, there may be a flare-up of the herpes virus, but this can be prevented with antiviral medication before and after the treatment, especially if you have a history of herpes.